Rock fig (Ficus petiolaris)

Features and Characteristics

Ficus petiolaris, commonly called petiolate fig or rock fig, is a small tree that may grow to 20-30’ tall, but infrequently may reach as much as 90’ tall. It is native to Mexico where it is typically found from Baja California and Sonora south to Oaxaca. In its native range, it is often found growing in rocky areas where the roots stretch over rocks, often grotesquely, in search of rooting soil. Trees develop a large and distinctive woody basal caudex in early age. Older trees can be magnificent. Pale green leaves (to 3” wide) are cordate-orbicular with basal lobes sometimes overlapping and with an abruptly short-pointed apex. A distinctive identification feature of this plant is the presence of white hairs in tufts along the vein axils. Green flowers are followed by figs (to 1/2” diameter) that appear in pairs. Flowers and fruits rarely appear on indoor plants.

Genus name comes from the Latin name for the edible fig.

Specific epithet means with petioles.