Ficus elastica Roxb. Ex Hornem.

Family: MORACEAE

Genus: Ficus

Catalan common name: Ficus. Ficus de cautxú.

Spanish common name: Árbol de caucho. Gomero. Higuera elástica.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Asia

Life-forms: Macrophanerophyte.

Habitats: Garden plants. Gardens.

Description: An evergreen tree; 6-10m high with a short, thick trunk which is at times very branched from a very small height, with smooth, grey bark. It has a wide crown and the external branches are slightly hanging. The alternate leaves have a petiole reaching up to 5 cm in length. The leaves measure 12-30 cm long and are eliptical, coriaceous, shiny bright green on the upper side and paler on the lower side, although there are other varieties with other shades. The venation is very fine and the margin is smooth. Before opening, the leaves are wrapped in a long, reddish or pinkish stipule. The sessile fruits are spherical, 1 cm or more in diameter, with a smooth, greenish, pitted surface.

Observations: It is not usual to see it with fruit.