View source for Ficus rubiginosa

{{SPlantbox
|familia=Moraceae
|genus=Ficus
|species=rubiginosa
|habit=tree
|habit_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|Max ht box=60
|Max ht metric=ft
|height_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|Max wd box=35
|Max wd metric=ft
|width_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|lifespan=perennial
|life_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|exposure=sun
|sun_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|features=bonsai, houseplant
|Temp Metric=°F
|min_zone=9
|usda_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|max_zone=11
|image=Port Jackson Fig detail.jpg
|image_width=240
}}
The '''Port Jackson Fig''' (''Ficus rubiginosa'') , also known as the '''Little-leaf Fig''' or the '''Rusty Fig''', is a tree in the family [[Moraceae]] that is native to eastern [[Australia]]. It is a [[banyan]] of the genus ''[[Ficus]]'' which contains around 750 species worldwide in warm climates, including the [[Common Fig|edible fig]] (''Ficus carica''). 

Like all figs it requires pollination by a particular wasp species to set seed. This actually occurs fairly readily as fig seedlings are a common sight in walls, cracks, crevices and buildings in urban areas of cities such as [[Sydney]]. Well known in parks and public gardens in east coast towns and cities, it is also a valuable plant for wildlife and habitat. Old specimens can reach tremendous size. Its aggressive root system precludes its use in all but the largest private gardens, although it is highly popular and well-suited for use in [[bonsai]].

''Ficus rubiginosa'' forms a spreading densely shading tree when mature, and may reach 30&nbsp;m (100&nbsp;[[foot|ft]]) in height, although it rarely exceeds 10&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft) in the Sydney region.<ref name=Fairley>{{cite book |author = Fairley A, Moore P |title=Native Plants of the Sydney District:An Identification Guide |year=2000 |edition= 2nd|publisher=Kangaroo Press |pages=62|location=Kenthurst, NSW |isbn=0-7318-1031-7}}</ref> The trunk is buttressed and can reach 1.5 m (5 ft) in diameter, and the bark is a yellow-brown in colour.<ref name="Floyd09"/> Its appearance is that of a small version of its relative the Moreton Bay fig (''[[Ficus macrophylla|F. macrophylla]]''), the Port Jackson being generally smaller, with smaller fruit and leaves. Its ovate to oval-shaped leaves are 6-10&nbsp;cm (2.4-4&nbsp;in) long on 1-4&nbsp;cm (0.4-1.6&nbsp;in) petioles. Often growing in pairs, the figs are yellow ripening to red in colour, tipped with a small nipple and on a 2-5&nbsp;mm stalk.<ref name=Fairley/> Fruit ripen throughout the year, although there is a preponderance from February to July.<ref name="Floyd09"/>

Having similar ranges in the wild they are often confused, the smaller leaves, shorter fruit stalks, and rusty colour of the undersides of the leaves of the Port Jackson Fig being the easiest distinguishing feature.<ref name=Fairley/> It is also confused with the small-leaved fig (''[[Ficus obliqua|F. obliqua]]'').<ref name = Dixon2001>{{cite journal | last = Dixon | first = Dale J.|coauthors=Jackes, Betsy R.; Bielig, L. M.  | year = 2001 | title = Figuring out the figs: the ''Ficus obliqua-Ficus rubiginosa'' Complex (Moraceae: Urostigma sect. Malvanthera)  | journal = Australian Systematic Botany| volume = 14 | issue = 1 | pages = 133-54}}</ref>

In tropical and humid climates, the lower branches of the Port Jackson Fig may form aerial roots which  strike root upon reaching to the ground, forming secondary root systems. This process is known as ''banyaning'' after the [[banyan]] tree of which it is a characteristic.

It is commonly used as a large [[ornamental plant|ornamental tree]] in eastern Australia, in the North Island of New Zealand,<ref name=ROG/> and also in [[Hawaii]] and [[California]] in the [[USA]], where it is also listed as an [[invasive species]] in some areas. It is useful as a shade tree in public parks and golf courses.<ref name=Hallstreet>{{cite book |title=A Field Guide to Australian Trees |last=Halliday |first=Ivan |year=1989 |publisher=Hamlyn Australia |location=Melbourne |isbn=0-947334-08-4 |pages=200}}</ref> Despite the size of the leaves, it is popular for [[bonsai]] work as it is extremely forgiving to work with and hard to kill; the leaves reduce readily by leaf-pruning in early summer. It has been described as the best tree for a beginner to work with, and is one of the most frequently used native species in Australia.<ref name="Hnat11">{{cite journal | last = McCrone| first = Mark | year = 2006 | title = Growing Port Jackson Fig as Bonsai in a Warm Temperate Climate | journal = [[Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants|ASGAP]] Australian Plants As Bonsai Study Group Newsletter | issue = 11 | pages = 3–4}}</ref> A narrow leaved form with its origins somewhere north of Sydney is also seen in cultivation.<ref>{{cite book |title=Rainforest to Bonsai |last=Webber |first=Len |year=1991 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |location=East Roseville, NSW |isbn=0-7318-0237-3 |pages=114}}</ref>

''Ficus rubiginosa'' is also suited for use as an indoor plant in low, medium or brightly-lit indoor spaces, although a variegated form requires brighter light.<ref>{{cite book |title=Australian Native Plants for Indoors |last=Ratcliffe |first=David & Patricia|year=1987 |publisher=Little Hills Press |location=Crows Nest, NSW |isbn=0-949773-49-2 |pages= 90}}</ref>