How to identify Mistletoe fig (Ficus deltoidea)

How to identify Mistletoe fig (Ficus deltoidea)

Mistletoe fig exhibits a distinctive delta-like leaf shape which makes it easy to recognize. Distinguishing features include the presence of several conspicuous black glands on the underside of the leaves. Its fruit, which is maintained throughout the year, contributes to its identification. As an evergreen species, it maintains its foliage year-round, and it typically grows as a large shrub or a small tree up to 23 feet (7 meters) in height. It displays a spreading and rounded growth habit, adding to its ornamental appeal.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Mistletoe fig

Delta-like leaf shape with black glands underneath for easy recognition.

Minute axillary and unisexual flowers within a fleshy syconium; green to yellowish.

Fruit transforms from green to orange/red, typically in pairs, varied shapes.

Slender, multibranched stems with compact bushy appearance; light brown to grayish.

Slender trunk up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter, light grey smooth bark.

Detailed Traits of Mistletoe fig

Leaf Features

The leaves of mistletoe fig are alternate, simple, and deltoid in shape with a truncate or rounded apex and a cuneate base. They are entire and stiffly coriaceous, ranging from 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) in length and 0.5-2 inches (1.3-5 cm) in width. Underneath, several black glands are present at the vein joints. Juvenile leaves are narrowly elliptic to lanceolate, acute, and penniveined, providing distinctive identification features.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of mistletoe fig are minute, measuring less than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) in size, and are axillary and unisexual. They are enclosed within a fleshy receptacle known as a syconium (fig). These inconspicuous flowers rely on a unique pollination system involving fig wasps. The syconium's exterior exhibits a green to yellowish hue. The flowers themselves lack a notable scent and bloom year-round, making them a distinctive feature of mistletoe fig.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of mistletoe fig is slender and multibranched, presenting a stiff and short structure. Typically, the branching is dense, creating a compact and bushy appearance. The texture is relatively smooth, and the color ranges from light brown to a deeper grayish hue. The thickness of the stems is modest, generally less than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter. These stems grow in an upright manner, supporting the plant's overall structure efficiently.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of mistletoe fig is distinctive, displaying a progression of vivid colors as it matures. Starting as a green sphere, it transitions through yellow and culminates in a rich orange to red hue. This transformative coloration occurs across a sizeable 1/2 inch diameter (approximately 1.3 cm) fruit. Notably, they are found typically in pairs, an interesting feature for identification. The shape of these fruits varies from globose, akin to a rounded ball, to ellipsoidal, an elongated sphere, adding to their unique appearance.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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