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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings, aerial
layering, sowing
and pricking out
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
high (5000 ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree
Height
:
12 m-20 m
Spread
:
12 m-20 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
green
Size
:
0.5 cm
Period
:
March - April
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
drupe(fleshy/
juicy)
Fruit size
:
1.5 cm - 2 cm
Toxicity
:
inedible, fruit
The Council Tree, also known as Lofty Fig, is a large-leaved, fast-growing tree with its origins
in India. In Arriyadh, it has become a very common and successful tree, having been planted in
major projects in the city, mostly on roadsides and squares. Tall, up to 20 metres in height, it has
a wide, spreading crown and, in time, develops drooping, aerial roots. Trees sometimes develop
multiple trunks. Its simple, glabrous and elliptical leaves measure up to 25 cm in length and have
pronounced white veins, making it distinguishable from other large-leaved Ficus trees. The fruits
are similar to those of the edible fig, but more rounded in shape, and are orange-coloured when
ripe. The bark is typically a light silver grey and is an attractive contrast to the leaves in the sha-
de. F. altissima requires deep fertile soils, but grows well in sandy soil and tolerates both salinity
and drought; however, regular irrigation is a necessity. Propagation is by softwood cuttings, air-
layering on branches or by seed. It is not particularly prone to pests, but can appear cholorotic
at times. F. altissima lends a lush, tropical appearance to a planting scheme, but unfortunately is
not frost-tolerant. Providing excellent shade from Arriyadh’s relentless sun, it tends to shade out
plants growing beneath. It is a magnificent tree as a specimen in a park, and is also suitable for
large gardens. Only moderate maintenance is required.
143
Ficus altissima,
Moraceae
Council Tree,
Lofty Fig