Identification Guide For Invasive Exotic Plants of the Florida Keys

Scientific Name:
Common Name(s):
Ficus microcarpa
Laurel Fig, Indian Laurel, Laurel rubber, Banyan tree
Height:
Leaves:
Flowers:
Bark:
Fruit:
Other:
Treatment:
Up to 50 feet
Simple, alternate, dark glossy green with leathery texture. Can be elliptical,
oval or diamond-shaped. Up to 5 inches long.
Tiny and numerous, hidden inside immature fig structure.
Milky and gray
Yellow or dark red when ripe
The tree has a spreading growth habit with numerous aerial roots that may
eventually become secondary trunks supporting the large, lateral branches.
This is the most frequently encountered non-native fig species found
invading natural areas in Florida. It often grows as an epiphyte on other trees
(especially palms) or as a lithophyte on turnpike overpasses, bridges, walls,
buildings and other concrete or stone structures. This tree invades hardwood
forests and other native plant communities where it competes heavily with
native plants for sunlight, nutrients, and space.
Basal with 5% Garlon 4
APIRS- http://aquat1.ifas.edu
APIRS- http://aquat1.ifas.edu
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