How to identify Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)

How to identify Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)

Rubber tree, also known as Rubber fig, Indian rubber plant

Rubber tree showcases an impressive display with its broad, elliptic leaves that can reach impressive sizes, providing a glossy, robust presence in any setting. These stiff, leathery leaves have a notable midrib that is pale to reddish and prominently raised on the undersurface, adding to its distinctive appeal. As rubber tree matures, it requires some guidance for its trunk to ensure upright growth. It prefers stable conditions without exposure to drafts or cold weather and thrives in areas with lower light levels. Leaf cleanliness is maintained through regular wiping with a damp cloth, which also highlights the foliage's attractive sheen.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Rubber tree

Broad elliptic leaves, up to 17 inches (43 cm) long, with glossy deep green upper surface.

Sturdy stem, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter, maturing to woody brown with faint ridges.

Fruit is a small oblong fig, green transitioning to yellow, attached without a stem.

Distinctive midrib on leaf undersurface, pale to reddish, adding to plant's unique appeal.

Minute unisexual flowers enclosed in fig, accessed through apical orifice, specialized pollination by fig wasps.

Detailed Traits of Rubber tree

Leaf Features

The leaves of rubber tree are broad, shiny, and attractive, arranged alternately. They are simple, large, and elliptic to oblong in shape, measuring up to 17 inches (43 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width. The tips are acute to mucronate, and the bases are rotund. The leaf margins are entire and exceptionally stiff and leathery. The upper surface is glossy deep green, while the underside is paler with a prominent raised midrib.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acute

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of rubber tree are minute and can be found in the axillary position. They are unisexual and enclosed in a fleshy receptacle known as a fig. These tiny flowers are accessed through an apical orifice and are pollinated by specialized fig wasps. Despite their small size, the unique structure of the fig aids their identification. The inflorescence is primarily internal and lacks significant visual prominence that typical flower features provide.

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Stem Features

The stem of rubber tree is sturdy and stiff, typically green when young and maturing to a woody brown with age. It exhibits a thick, rubber-like texture, given its namesake. In younger specimens, the stem is scarcely branched, mostly featuring a straight and undivided form. The diameter can range from 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), gradually increasing as the plant grows older. The surface may show faint longitudinal ridges, adding to its robust appearance.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of rubber tree is an oblong fig with a distinct sessile attachment, meaning it directly connects to the tree without a stem. These fruits often appear in pairs or may be more crowded on the branches. Initially, they exhibit a green hue with darker specks, and as they mature, their color transitions to yellow. Each fruit is relatively small, measuring roughly 1/2 inch by 1/4 inch (about 1.3 cm by 0.6 cm). Unique to rubber tree are the bract bases which join together to form a pseudo-stalk, a thickened structure supporting the fruit.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Rubber tree and Their Similar Plants

Indian Laurel vs. Rubber tree: What's The Difference?

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Weeping fig vs. Rubber tree: What's The Difference?

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree native to Asia and Australia. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world, known for its elegant, glossy leaves. However, people with allergies should avoid weeping fig, considering that it is a major source of indoor allergens. All parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruits.

Fiddle-leaf fig vs. Rubber tree: What's The Difference?

As its name implies, the fiddle-leaf fig has leaves that are shaped like a violin. Wildly popular as a houseplant, the Ficus lyrata makes an architectural statement with its unique and lush leaves. However, please be aware that this plant is finicky and can be hard to keep alive.

Common fig vs. Rubber tree: What's The Difference?

Ficus carica, colloquially known as the common fig, is a deciduous small tree or shrub widely known for its sweet, chewy fruits. This shrubby plant has a very, very long cultivation history. The earliest evidence of its cultivation was found in the Jordan Valley and go all the way back to the tenth millennium BC.

Creeping fig vs. Rubber tree: What's The Difference?

Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a plant species native to China, Japan and Vietnam. Creeping fig has been naturalized in parts of the United States. It can be cultivated as a houseplant. The FDA lists this species in its Database of Poisonous Plants due to the plant's toxic sap, which causes inflammation.

Ficus Ginseng vs. Rubber tree: What's The Difference?

Ficus Ginseng is distinct for its thick, bulbous roots, which resemble ginseng roots. It is easy to grow and grows fast, making it a popular plant for bonsai.

Long leaf fig vs. Rubber tree: What's The Difference?

Many long leaf fig species have elongated leaves, but this particular species, Ficus maclellandii, is commonly referred to as the long leaf fig. In the horticultural context, the long leaf fig is most present in the form of a cultivar called 'Alii' and can be cultivated as a houseplant.

Roxburgh fig vs. Rubber tree: What's The Difference?

The roxburgh fig is named for Sir William Roxburgh, one of the founders of Indian botany. The Latin name Ficus auriculata means ear-like and refers to the ear shapes found at the base of the plant's leaf. The tree's fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and feature in chutneys, juices, and curries.

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Key Facts About Rubber tree

Attributes of Rubber tree

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

20 m to 40 m

Spread

10 m

Leaf Color

Green

Variegated

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Green

Fruit Color

Yellow

Green

Stem Color

Green

Yellow

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Rubber tree

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Mulberry

Genus

Fig trees

Species

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)

Learn More About the Rubber tree

Distribution Map of Rubber tree

Rubber tree is native to south and southeast Asia, where it grows in several types of light forests and shrublands. It has become naturalized in scattered tropical regions around the rest of the globe. In Europe and North America it is a common houseplant, but it is also listed as invasive in several tropical island nations as well as southeastern Australia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Rubber tree

A Comprehensive Guide to Rubber tree How to Grow and Care for Rubber tree