Moreton Bay Fig
Presenter: Kim Syrus
Episode: 20 (8 September 2007)
Take a walk in the Adelaide park lands this spring you are more than likely to come across the very characteristic Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla.)
The Moreton Bay Fig is a rainforest tree native to NSW and Queensland. It is a member of the Ficus family; it is slow growing and long lived. It has a densely foliaged, wide spreading ever green canopy, with large shiny dark green leaves. Small fruit or figs are produced year round and are a great food source for native wildlife.
The canopy provides an ideal spot for many shade loving plants to grow and thrive, not just on the ground, but also on its trunk, which can be home to Elk horn Ferns, Bromeliads and climbers.
To support such a big tree, a good root system is required, although the Moreton Bay fig has rather shallow root systems, thus being known for getting in the way of roads, walls, and so on. The Moreton Bay Fig has large roots that stick out like fingers, anchoring the tree; it is also great for the kids to play on.
Being under a Moreton Bay Fig is one of the coolest places to be on a hot day, after all trees’ are said to be natures’ lungs, which means the Moreton Bay Fig would have to take one of the biggest breaths.
Most of the city squares and large parks have good examples of the Moreton Bay Fig but there are a few places around Adelaide that you can visit which will give you a true appreciation of such a gorgeous tree.
One of these is the Murdoch Avenue in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens; it is bordered by Moreton Bay Figs which were originally planted in 1866. Another place is very well known, it is the cathedral end of the Adelaide Oval, where Moreton Bay Figs ring around the arena.
It is not suggested that you go out and buy your own Moreton Bay Fig, but it is highly recommended for you to get out there this spring and have a look.
Episode: 20 (8 September 2007)
Take a walk in the Adelaide park lands this spring you are more than likely to come across the very characteristic Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla.)
The Moreton Bay Fig is a rainforest tree native to NSW and Queensland. It is a member of the Ficus family; it is slow growing and long lived. It has a densely foliaged, wide spreading ever green canopy, with large shiny dark green leaves. Small fruit or figs are produced year round and are a great food source for native wildlife.
The canopy provides an ideal spot for many shade loving plants to grow and thrive, not just on the ground, but also on its trunk, which can be home to Elk horn Ferns, Bromeliads and climbers.
To support such a big tree, a good root system is required, although the Moreton Bay fig has rather shallow root systems, thus being known for getting in the way of roads, walls, and so on. The Moreton Bay Fig has large roots that stick out like fingers, anchoring the tree; it is also great for the kids to play on.
Being under a Moreton Bay Fig is one of the coolest places to be on a hot day, after all trees’ are said to be natures’ lungs, which means the Moreton Bay Fig would have to take one of the biggest breaths.
Most of the city squares and large parks have good examples of the Moreton Bay Fig but there are a few places around Adelaide that you can visit which will give you a true appreciation of such a gorgeous tree.
One of these is the Murdoch Avenue in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens; it is bordered by Moreton Bay Figs which were originally planted in 1866. Another place is very well known, it is the cathedral end of the Adelaide Oval, where Moreton Bay Figs ring around the arena.
It is not suggested that you go out and buy your own Moreton Bay Fig, but it is highly recommended for you to get out there this spring and have a look.
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