Family: Moraceae
Species: Ficus elastica Roxb.
Common name: Rubber fig
Etymology
The genus name Ficus and the common name “Rubber fig” stem from the valuable latex extracted from its trunk, which is used to produce a particularly high-quality rubber.
Description
In its natural habitat, this tree can reach considerable heights. The trunk is dark green, from which large, oval leaves emerge. These leaves are glossy, dark green—sometimes streaked with yellow—and end in a pronounced tip. The leaf buds are covered by a protective pinkish or reddish bract. Each leaf is oval, of substantial texture and size, and has a short petiole inserted directly into the stem, which can become woody.
The flower is a shortened spike wrapped in a whitish sheath but has no ornamental interest. Newly produced leaves are typically rolled up and display a reddish colour.
Habitat
Native to tropical Asia.
Notes and Curiosities
The most striking feature of Ficus elastica is its leaves: they can reach up to 40 cm in length and vary in colour depending on the variety. When thoroughly cleaned and polished, they show their full beauty and elegance.
Ficus elastica is among the indoor plants known to help purify the air. It is also called the “Rubber Tree” because it contains a latex particularly suited to rubber production and is genuinely a true tree. It grows rather quickly: strolling through the streets of Palermo, for instance, it is easy to spot majestic specimens of Ficus elastica in flowerbeds or public gardens.
Linnaeus, the father of scientific botany, chose the name due to the fruits’ similarity to those of the common fig (Ficus carica), which is in the same family. Since ancient times, the fig has been regarded as a symbol of abundance, prosperity, hope, and good health.