Moreton Bay fig Ficus macrophylla
Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Moraceae family, native to Eastern Australia (rainforest). It grows 20–50 m (66–164 ft) tall and 25–50 m (82–164 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 25 m (82 ft) apart.
Plan Moreton Bay fig in your garden →
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Moreton Bay fig at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 m (66–164 ft) |
| Mature spread | 25–50 m (82–164 ft) |
| Spacing | 25 m (82 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Australia (rainforest) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Moreton Bay fig toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: sap
Milky latex irritates skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Moreton Bay fig
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Moreton Bay fig
- How far apart should I plant Moreton Bay fig?
- About 25 m (82 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–50 m (82–164 ft).
- Does Moreton Bay fig need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Moreton Bay fig need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Moreton Bay fig?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- Is Moreton Bay fig poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Milky latex irritates skin.
- What grows well with Moreton Bay fig?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Moreton Bay fig. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Vast buttressed parkland tree with aerial roots (famous in Palermo, Lisbon and Auckland). Far too big and root-invasive for home gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common fig Ficus carica
- White mulberry Morus alba
- Rubber fig Ficus elastica
- Chinese banyan Ficus microcarpa
- Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) Ficus religiosa
- Indian banyan Ficus benghalensis
- Sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus