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The history of the Ficus tree

The Ficus genus contains 800 species and 2,000 varieties of trees, shrubs, and vines. These plants are grown in many different climates, including tropical forests, the Middle East, Africa, and the United States. With the wide range of ficuses available, you can find them almost anywhere in the world.

The common fig tree is a variety of ficus and dates back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, mentioned in Genesis. There are fig trees found and excavated outside of Jericho that are 11,400 years old! This finding is the oldest fig tree crop found to date. The ficus genus has been around for 60-80 million years! The Banyan species of ficus appears to replant itself as it grows, dipping into the soil and sprouting new growth.

Fig and ficus trees have been produced for food, religious and practical uses. The fig tree was part of the food found in the Promised Land, it was known as “honey”. Butterflies feed on figs, as do several other species. The soft wood of the ficus was used in Ancient Egypt to produce the coffins in which mummies were later found. Uganda used ficus bark to make paper similar to Egyptian papyrus. The fig/ficus is considered sacred by the Buddha; and in Islam and East Asia. The World Tree in the Hindu religion is of the Ashvastha species. As you can see, ficuses are quite common throughout history and this is just the tip of the iceberg! Is it any wonder that ficus is therefore considered a keystone species; which means that many of the living depend on him for their existence?

Fig varieties come in two forms: edible and inedible. The common fig is not edible, since the fruit is of the male and female variety. Only the female fruit is edible. The fig forms as tiny, compressed male and female flowers that grow inside the “pod” and is considered an inside-out flower. Only one species of wasp per ficus species can pollinate. For that reason, some ficus varieties never flower because the tree outnumbers the wasp.

Ficus can be a bit tricky to grow. The genus requires temperatures of 60-72º; just moist soil, not wet, and bright or filtered light. They can be an insidious plant, with a lot of leaf litter in season. Since these varieties are so demanding and difficult to maintain, they still make a good houseplant.

Ficus does well in indoor pots and with southern exposure. If you use a live one, the leaves will continue to fall. Realistic artificial banyan, rubber and banyan trees are available for purchase.

Artificial ficus varieties can be produced with natural wood logs and polyester or silk leaves. The foliage may look real enough to find someone watering your (fake) office plant! There is a wide range of sizes available for your artificial ficus. These will live forever in the corner of your office and fit nicely inside cubicles. There is no mess or fuss.

Live or artificial, ficuses can be a welcome addition to your home or workplace.

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