Difference between revisions of "Ficus elastica"

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Ficus elastica, Roxbg. (F. duvivieri, Hort., a form with thinner lvs.; otherwise the same). Indian Rubber Plant. Figs. 1502, 1503. Lvs. 4-12 in. long, shining, leathery, oblong to elliptic, with an abrupt, dull point; nerves parallel, running at nearly right angles from midrib to margin: fr. in pairs, sessile, in axils of fallen Ivs., covered at first by a hodded involucre, when ripe greenish yellow, ½in. long. Damp forests of Trop. Asia. G.F. 2:547. H.U. 6, p. 108. K. 54.— Becomes 100 ft. high in tropics, but becomes unsightly under glass at 8 or 10 ft. Cult, plants mostly have a single st., but there is a growing demand for compact and branching plants.  Ficus elastica Var. variegata (Ficus elastica Var. aurea, Hort.) is much less popular. Lvs. creamy white or yellow near the edges. Liable to fungous diseases. This species is also grown S. as a shade tree. The nervation is very characteristic. So, also, is the handsome rosy sheath which incloses the young lvs., and which soon drops off. This is regarded as a stipule of exceptionally great size.
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|familia=Moraceae
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|genus=Ficus
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|species=elastica
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|habit=tree
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|habit_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
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|Min ht box=90
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|Min ht metric=ft
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|Max ht box=200
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|Max ht metric=ft
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|height_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
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|Min wd box=70
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|Min wd metric=ft
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|Max wd box=200
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|Max wd metric=ft
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|width_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
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|poisonous=toxic sap
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|lifespan=perennial
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|life_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
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|exposure=sun
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|sun_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
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|Temp Metric=°F
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|min_zone=11
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|usda_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
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|max_zone=12
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|image=Ficus elastica1.jpg
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|image_width=180
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}}
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'''''Ficus elastica''''', also called the '''rubber fig''', '''rubber bush''', '''rubber plant''', or '''Indian rubber bush''' is a species of [[plant]] in the [[ficus|fig]] genus, native to northeast India and southern Indonesia.
  
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It is a fat [[shrub|bush]] in the [[banyan]] group of figs, growing to {{convert|30|-|40|m}} (rarely up to {{convert|60|m|ft|disp=/}}) tall, with a stout trunk up to {{convert|2|m|ft}} diameter.  The trunk develops [[Aerial root|aerial]] and [[Buttress roots|buttressing roots]] to anchor it in the soil and help support heavy branches. It has broad shiny oval [[leaf|leaves]] {{convert|10|-|35|cm|in}} long and {{convert|5|-|15|cm|in}} broad; leaf size is largest on young plants (occasionally to {{convert|45|cm|in|disp=/}} long), much smaller on old trees (typically {{convert|10|cm|in|disp=/}} long). The leaves develop inside a sheath at the apical [[meristem]], which grows larger as the new leaf develops. When it is mature, it unfurls and the sheath drops off the plant. Inside the new leaf, another immature leaf is waiting to develop. 
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{{Taxobox
 
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| color = lightgreen
 
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| name = ''Ficus elastica''
 
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| image = Ficus elastica1.jpg
 
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| image_width = 240px
 
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| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
 
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| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
 
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| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
 
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| ordo = [[Rosales]]
 
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| familia = [[Moraceae]]
 
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| genus = ''[[Fig|Ficus]]''
 
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| subgenus = ''[[Banyan|Urostigma]]''
 
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| species = '''''F. elastica'''''
 
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| binomial = ''Ficus elastica''
 
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| binomial_authority = [[William Roxburgh|Roxb]].
 
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}}
 
  
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'''''Ficus elastica''''', also called the '''rubber fig''', '''rubber tree''', '''rubber plant''', or '''Indian rubber tree''' is a species of [[plant]] in the [[fig]] genus, native to northeast [[India]] ([[Assam]]), south to [[Indonesia]] ([[Sumatra]] and [[Java (island)|Java]]).  
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As with other members of the genus ''Ficus'', the [[flower]]s require a particular species of [[fig wasp]] to pollinate it in a co-evolved relationship. Because of this relationship, the rubber plant does not produce highly colourful or fragrant flowers to attract other pollinators. The [[fruit]] is a small yellow-green oval fig {{convert|1|cm|in}} long, barely edible; it will only contain viable [[seed]] where the relevant fig wasp species is present.
  
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It is a large [[tree]] in the [[banyan]] group of figs, growing to 30-40 m (rarely up to 60 m) tall, with a stout trunk up to 2 m diameter, with an irregular trunk which develops [[Aerial root|aerial]] and [[Buttress roots|buttressing roots]] to anchor it in the soil and help support heavy branches. It has broad shiny oval [[leaf|leaves]] 10-35 cm long and 5-15 cm broad; leaf size is largest on young plants (occasionally to 45 cm long), much smaller on old trees (typically 10 cm long). The leaves develop inside a sheath at the apical meristem, which grows larger as the new leaf develops. When it is mature, it unfurls and the sheath drops off the plant. Inside the new leaf, another immature leaf is waiting to develop. Indian rubber is also used to make "Hubba Bubba" bubble gum.  
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In parts of India, people guide the roots of the tree over chasms to eventually form [[living root bridge|living bridges]]<ref>[http://www.cherrapunjee.com/index.php?mid=66&pid=66 Cherrapunjee.com-Living Root Bridges]</ref>.
  
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As with other members of the genus ''Ficus'', the [[flower]]s require a particular species of [[fig wasp]] to pollinate it in a co-evolved relationship. Because of this relationship, the rubber plant does not produce highly colourful or fragrant flowers to attract other pollinators. The [[fruit]] is a small yellow-green oval fig 1 cm long, barely edible; it will only contain viable [[seed]] where the relevant fig wasp species is present.  
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''Ficus elastica'' is grown around the world as an [[ornamental plant]], outside in frost-free climates from the tropical to the Mediterranean and inside in colder climates as a [[houseplant]].
  
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===Cultivation and uses===
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{{Inc|
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[[Image:Koeh-206.jpg|left|thumb|Illustration from Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887]]
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Ficus elastica, Roxbg. (F. duvivieri, Hort., a form with thinner lvs.; otherwise the same). Indian Rubber Plant. Lvs. 4-12 in. long, shining, leathery, oblong to elliptic, with an abrupt, dull point; nerves parallel, running at nearly right angles from midrib to margin: fr. in pairs, sessile, in axils of fallen Ivs., covered at first by a hodded involucre, when ripe greenish yellow, ½in. long. Damp forests of Trop. Asia.— Becomes 100 ft. high in tropics, but becomes unsightly under glass at 8 or 10 ft. Cult, plants mostly have a single st., but there is a growing demand for compact and branching plants.  Ficus elastica Var. variegata (Ficus elastica Var. aurea, Hort.) is much less popular. Lvs. creamy white or yellow near the edges. Liable to fungous diseases. This species is also grown S. as a shade tree. The nervation is very characteristic. So, also, is the handsome rosy sheath which incloses the young lvs., and which soon drops off. This is regarded as a stipule of exceptionally great size.
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''Ficus elastica'' is grown around the world as an [[ornamental plant]], outside in frost-free climates from the tropical to the Mediterranean and inside in colder climates as a [[houseplant]]. Although it is grown in [[Hawaii]], the species of fig wasp required to allow to it spread naturally is not currently present there.
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{{SCH}}
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}}
  
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==Cultivation==
 
In cultivation, it prefers bright sunlight but not hot temperatures.  It has a high tolerance for drought, but prefers humidity and thrives in wet, tropical conditions. When grown as an ornamental plant hybrids derived from ''Ficus elastica'' Robusta with broader, stiffer and more upright leaves are commonly used instead of the wild form. Many such forms exist, often with [[Variegation|variegated]] [[Leaf|leaves]].
 
In cultivation, it prefers bright sunlight but not hot temperatures.  It has a high tolerance for drought, but prefers humidity and thrives in wet, tropical conditions. When grown as an ornamental plant hybrids derived from ''Ficus elastica'' Robusta with broader, stiffer and more upright leaves are commonly used instead of the wild form. Many such forms exist, often with [[Variegation|variegated]] [[Leaf|leaves]].
  
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Most cultivated plants are produced by [[asexual propagation]]. This can be done by planting [[cutting (plant)|cuttings]] or air [[layering]]. The latter method requires the propagator to cut a slit in the plant's stem. The wound, which oozes with the plant's latex sap, is packed with rooting hormone and wrapped tightly with moist sphagnum moss. The whole structure is wrapped in plastic and left for a few months. When it is unwrapped, new roots have developed from the plant's auxiliary buds. The stem is severed and the new plant is potted on its own.  
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===Propagation===
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Most cultivated plants are produced by [[asexual propagation]]. This can be done by planting [[cutting (plant)|cuttings]] or air [[layering]]. The latter method requires the propagator to cut a slit in the plant's stem. The wound, which oozes with the plant's latex sap, is packed with [[Auxin|rooting hormone]] and wrapped tightly with moist [[sphagnum moss]]. The whole structure is wrapped in plastic and left for a few months. When it is unwrapped, new roots have developed from the plant's auxiliary buds. The stem is severed and the new plant is potted on its own.  
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===Pests and diseases===
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{{edit-pests}}<!--- Type pest/disease info below this line, then delete this entire line -->
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==Species==
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<!--  This section should be renamed Cultivars if it appears on a page for a species (rather than genus), or perhaps Varieties if there is a mix of cultivars, species, hybrids, etc    -->
  
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It can yield a milky white [[latex]] which has been used in some cases to make [[rubber]], but it should not be confused with the [[Para rubber tree]], the main commercial source of latex for rubber making.
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==Gallery==
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{{photo-sources}}<!-- remove this line if there are already 3 or more photos in the gallery  -->
  
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{{Commons|Ficus elastica}}
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<gallery>
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Image:Koeh-206.jpg|Illustration from Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887
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File:Bogota plant01a.jpg
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File:Ficus elastica Variegata.jpeg
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File:Ficus elastica (Los Cancajos) 02 ies.jpg
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File:Starr 080117-1722 Ficus elastica.jpg
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File:Tanger Gummibaum - zwei Luftwurzeln.JPG
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File:Starr 010424-0012 Ficus elastica.jpg
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</gallery>
  
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==References==
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*[[Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture]], by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963
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<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->
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<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->
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<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->
  
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{{fruit-tree-stub}}
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==External links==
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*{{wplink}}
  
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[[Category:Moraceae]]
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{{stub}}
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__NOTOC__

Latest revision as of 17:17, 26 July 2010


Ficus elastica1.jpg


Plant Characteristics
Habit   tree

Height: ⇕ 90 ft"ft" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 90. to 200 ft"ft" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 200.
Width: ⇔ 70 ft"ft" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 70. to 200 ft"ft" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 200.
Lifespan: ⌛ perennial
Poisonous: ☠ toxic sap
Cultivation
Exposure: ☼ sun
USDA Zones: 11 to 12
Scientific Names

Moraceae >

Ficus >

elastica >


Ficus elastica, also called the rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber plant, or Indian rubber bush is a species of plant in the fig genus, native to northeast India and southern Indonesia.

It is a fat bush in the banyan group of figs, growing to 30 - 40 m (rarely up to 60 m ft ) tall, with a stout trunk up to 2 m ft diameter. The trunk develops aerial and buttressing roots to anchor it in the soil and help support heavy branches. It has broad shiny oval leaves 10 - 35 cm long and 5 - 15 cm broad; leaf size is largest on young plants (occasionally to 45 cm in long), much smaller on old trees (typically 10 cm in long). The leaves develop inside a sheath at the apical meristem, which grows larger as the new leaf develops. When it is mature, it unfurls and the sheath drops off the plant. Inside the new leaf, another immature leaf is waiting to develop.

As with other members of the genus Ficus, the flowers require a particular species of fig wasp to pollinate it in a co-evolved relationship. Because of this relationship, the rubber plant does not produce highly colourful or fragrant flowers to attract other pollinators. The fruit is a small yellow-green oval fig 1 cm in long, barely edible; it will only contain viable seed where the relevant fig wasp species is present.

In parts of India, people guide the roots of the tree over chasms to eventually form living bridges[1].

Ficus elastica is grown around the world as an ornamental plant, outside in frost-free climates from the tropical to the Mediterranean and inside in colder climates as a houseplant.


Read about Ficus elastica in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Ficus elastica, Roxbg. (F. duvivieri, Hort., a form with thinner lvs.; otherwise the same). Indian Rubber Plant. Lvs. 4-12 in. long, shining, leathery, oblong to elliptic, with an abrupt, dull point; nerves parallel, running at nearly right angles from midrib to margin: fr. in pairs, sessile, in axils of fallen Ivs., covered at first by a hodded involucre, when ripe greenish yellow, ½in. long. Damp forests of Trop. Asia.— Becomes 100 ft. high in tropics, but becomes unsightly under glass at 8 or 10 ft. Cult, plants mostly have a single st., but there is a growing demand for compact and branching plants. Ficus elastica Var. variegata (Ficus elastica Var. aurea, Hort.) is much less popular. Lvs. creamy white or yellow near the edges. Liable to fungous diseases. This species is also grown S. as a shade tree. The nervation is very characteristic. So, also, is the handsome rosy sheath which incloses the young lvs., and which soon drops off. This is regarded as a stipule of exceptionally great size. CH


The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.


Cultivation

In cultivation, it prefers bright sunlight but not hot temperatures. It has a high tolerance for drought, but prefers humidity and thrives in wet, tropical conditions. When grown as an ornamental plant hybrids derived from Ficus elastica Robusta with broader, stiffer and more upright leaves are commonly used instead of the wild form. Many such forms exist, often with variegated leaves.

Propagation

Most cultivated plants are produced by asexual propagation. This can be done by planting cuttings or air layering. The latter method requires the propagator to cut a slit in the plant's stem. The wound, which oozes with the plant's latex sap, is packed with rooting hormone and wrapped tightly with moist sphagnum moss. The whole structure is wrapped in plastic and left for a few months. When it is unwrapped, new roots have developed from the plant's auxiliary buds. The stem is severed and the new plant is potted on its own.

Pests and diseases

Do you have pest and disease info on this plant? Edit this section!

Species

Gallery

If you have a photo of this plant, please upload it! Plus, there may be other photos available for you to add.

  • Illustration from Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887

  • Bogota plant01a.jpg
  • Ficus elastica Variegata.jpeg
  • Ficus elastica (Los Cancajos) 02 ies.jpg
  • Starr 080117-1722 Ficus elastica.jpg
  • Tanger Gummibaum - zwei Luftwurzeln.JPG
  • Starr 010424-0012 Ficus elastica.jpg

References

External links


  1. ↑ Cherrapunjee.com-Living Root Bridges
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