Ficus rubiginosa - Flora of Qatar

Ficus australis, Ficus baileyana, Ficus ferruginea, Ficus fulva, Ficus leichhardtii, Ficus macrophylla, Ficus muelleri, Ficus novae-walliae, Ficus obliqua, Ficus platypoda, Ficus shirleyana, Urostigma leichhardtii

Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article

Ficus rubiginosa, the rusty fig or Port Jackson fig (damun in the Dharug language), is a species of flowering plant native to eastern Australia in the genus Ficus. Beginning as a seedling that grows on other plants (hemiepiphyte) or rocks (lithophyte), F. rubiginosa matures into a tree 30 m (100 ft) high and nearly as wide with a yellow-brown buttressed trunk. The leaves are oval and glossy green and measure from 4 to 19.3 cm (1+1⁄2–7+1⁄2 in) long and 1.25 to 13.2 cm (1⁄2–5+1⁄4 in) wide.[+]

The fruits are small, round, and yellow, and can ripen and turn red at any time of year, peaking in spring and summer. Like all figs, the fruit is in the form of a syconium, an inverted inflorescence with the flowers lining an internal cavity. F. rubiginosa is exclusively pollinated by the fig wasp species Pleistodontes imperialis, which may comprise four cryptospecies. The syconia are also home to another fourteen species of wasp, some of which induce galls while others parasitise the pollinator wasps and at least two species of nematode. Many species of bird, including pigeons, parrots, and various passerines, eat the fruit. Ranging along the Australian east coast from Queensland to Bega in southern New South Wales (including the Port Jackson area, leading to its alternative name), F. rubiginosa grows in rainforest margins and rocky outcrops. It is used as a shade tree in parks and public spaces, and when potted is well-suited for use as an indoor plant or in bonsai.

AI-generated Description

Ficus rubiginosa, also known as the Port Jackson Fig or Rusty Fig, is an evergreen tree native to eastern Australia. In Qatar, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant, valued for its attractive foliage and shade-providing canopy. It thrives in the country's hot and dry climate, tolerating high temperatures and drought. The tree's rust-colored hairy leaves and distinctive aerial roots make it a notable feature in Qatari landscapes, often used in urban landscaping and gardening projects.

AI-generated summary of observations

The Ficus rubiginosa, also known as the Rusty Fig Tree, was observed near Al Istiqlal Street in West Bay, Doha, Qatar on October 20, 2014. The tree's presence in this urban setting suggests its ability to thrive in non-native environments with proper care. Its rusty-red colored leaves and stems were notable features, giving the tree its distinctive appearance. The observation of this species in Qatar highlights the country's efforts to introduce and naturalize non-native plant species in its urban landscapes. The Rusty Fig Tree's adaptability to the local climate and soil conditions is evident from its healthy growth and development in the area. The tree's size and shape also indicate that it has been well-maintained, with regular pruning and care to promote its growth and aesthetic appeal. Overall, the observation of Ficus rubiginosa in Qatar showcases its potential as an ornamental species.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Ficus rubiginosa Desf. ex Vent.

Synonyms