Ficus benjamina L.

Spice Fruit In the University

Family: MORACEAE

Genus: Ficus

Catalan common name: Ficus petit.

Spanish common name: Árbol benjamín. Benjamina. Matapalo.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Asia

Life-forms: Macrophanerophyte.

Habitats: Garden plants.

Description: An evergreen tree which grows 4-6m high in our area, with a dense crown and small, hanging branches; it is very ornamental. It has smooth, grey bark and alternate leaves, 10-12 cm long, which are oval-eliptical in shape and have a bright green surface. The tip is quite acuminate, the base is rounded and its texture is a little coriaceous. It has long petioles, 2.5 cm long, which are glabrous. The fruits are axillary, sessile, between globular and oblong, around one cm in diameter, and purplish-red when ripe, contrasting with the green foliage.

Observations: Widely used as an ornamental plant.

Origin: India