Family:	Moraceae
	Distribution:	Open forest or littoral rainforest from north Queensland to southern New South Wales.
	Common Name:	Port Jackson fig
	Derivation of Name:	Ficus....the latin name for the common edible fig rubiginosa.... From Latin rubigo, rust and the suffix -osus, notable development, referring to the colour of the fine hairs on the underside of the leaves.
	Conservation Status:	Not considered to be at risk in the wild.

General Description:

The genus Ficus consists of about 800 species distributed throughout India, parts of Asia, the Pacific islands and Australia. There are about 40 Australian species most of which are found in tropical areas.

F.rubiginosus is a medium to large, spreading tree 10 to 25 metres high with a similar spread. It often has a butressed trunk. The large leaves are oval-shaped to elliptical 70-120 mm long. The fruits are 10-20 mm in diameter, warty, yellow to red in colour with a short nipple. A form with variegated foliage in in cultivation.

Port Jackson fig makes an excellent, bushy plant for a large container but it should not be planted in the ground in a normal suburban environment. In the ground it develops into a tree with a vigourous root system and is far too large for a suburban garden. It is an excellent shade tree for parks and larger properties. It is adaptable to a range of soils and appreciates adequate moisture.

Propagation is usually from seed which germinates well without any pretreatment. Cuttings also strike successfully.