Red-leaved Fig

Afrikaans name: Rooiblaarvy

Red-leaved Fig

Photo © Steven Herbert

Ficus ingens

The Red-leaved Fig varies in size from little more than a shrub to a sizeable tree of 13 metres or more. In Gauteng it tends to be smaller than in the areas at lower altitude. The crown of larger trees can be 30 metres wide.

It is found along the eastern region of South Africa from the Eastern Cape to Limpopo. It also occurs in Gauteng and the North West province.

The bark of this tree is quite smooth and greyish in colour. New leaves are reddish in colour which give rise to its common name. Mature leaves are pale green. The figs grow in pairs and are up to 2 cm in diameter.

The Red-leaved Fig is a great choice for gardens in suitable areas but it is only recommended for larger gardens because of its powerful root system. Do not plant it near your house, pool or any other structure as they could damage them. They make good bonsai specimens.

Leaves of the Red-leaved Fig

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Whats that Tree? - Author: Eugene Moll - Published: 2011 - Page: 81

Wild About Johannesburg - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 1995 - Page: 90

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 143

Trees and Shrubs of the Witwatersrand - Author: Tree Society of SA - Published: 1974 - Page: 24

Trees & Shrubs of the Witwatersrand, Magaliesberg & Pilanesberg - Author: Joan van Gogh - Published: 1988 - Page: 14

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 74

Sappi Tree Spotting: Bushveld - 2nd edition - Author: R Grant and V Thomas - Published: 2005 - Page: 202

Sixty-six Transvaal Trees - Author: B de Winter, M de Winter & D Killick - Published: 1996 - Page: 24

Pollinators, Predators and Parasites - Author: C. Scholtz, J. Scholtz, H. De Klerk - Published: 2021 - Page: 207

SA Wild Flower Guide No 4 - Transvaal Lowveld - Author: Jo Onderstall - Published: 1984 - Page: 80

Field Guide To The Wild Flowers Of The Witwatersrand & Pretoria Region - Author: Braam van Wyk & Sasa Malan - Published: 1988 - Page: 300

Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: B, P, and B-E van Wyk - Published: 2000 - Page: 152

Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 28

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Published: 2004 - Page: 197

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 28

Everyones Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Published: 1989 - Page: 22

For more info: SANBI

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