How to identify Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa)

How to identify Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa)

Indian Laurel, also known as Chinese banyan, Malayan Banyan, Glossy-Leaf Fig

Indian Laurel starts as a shrub-like plant which, in ideal conditions, evolves into a robust tree reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters) in height with an equally wide crown. Its foliage is dense, and the smooth, gray bark covers a sturdy trunk. This plant sends down numerous aerial roots which, in time, can thicken and become additional trunks. Its fruit is small, housing tiny seeds competent in germinating in a multitude of environments, including concrete crevices.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Indian Laurel

Leaves: Deep glossy green and leathery, elliptic to egg-shaped, 2-2.5 inches (5-6.5 cm) long.

Fruit: Unique syconia called figs, green to reddish, 0.2–0.3 inches (5–7 mm) in diameter.

Stem: Khaki to mustard, smooth, with interweaving aerial roots for canopy support.

Trunk & Bark: Light grey smooth bark, branching canopy and dense aerial roots.

Flower: Inverted monoecious flowers enclosed in syconium, without petals or distinct scent.

Detailed Traits of Indian Laurel

Leaf Features

Indian Laurel has leathery, deep glossy green leaves measuring 2-2.5 inches (5-6.5 cm) long. The leaves are alternate and elliptic to slightly reverse egg-shaped, with short, pointed, ridged tips and blunt or scarcely pointed ends. The leaf blades are oval and measure 2-14 cm by 1-9 cm (0.8-5.5 inches by 0.4-3.5 inches). The texture is leathery, providing a resilient and sturdy feel.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of indian Laurel are unique, being inverted and enclosed within a teardrop-shaped structure called a syconium. They are monoecious, with both male and female flowers present on the same plant. The flowers are stalkless and unisexual. Typically, male flowers are located near the opening of the syconium, while female flowers are found deeper inside. These small, inconspicuous flowers lack petals and do not produce a noticeable scent. The blooming period is not distinct but occurs throughout the year.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of indian Laurel exhibits a khaki coloration, transitioning to a mustard hue upon cutting. It is typically smooth in texture and has a moderate thickness, averaging around 0.5-2 inches (1.3-5 cm) in diameter. The branches are often densely packed and spread horizontally. Notable for its interweaving aerial roots, the stem structure supports the robust canopy of indian Laurel, making it a distinctive feature for identification.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of indian Laurel are distinguished by their unique syconia, commonly referred to as figs. Initially presenting a vibrant green hue, these figs evolve through a color transition, culminating in a reddish tone as they approach maturation. Characteristically rounded in shape, each syconium measures approximately 0.2–0.3 inches (5–7 mm) in diameter. Typically emerging individually or in pairs that lack a supporting stalk, they take on a deep purple or dark pink color upon full ripeness, signaling their readiness for consumption or dispersion.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Indian Laurel and Their Similar Plants

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

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Weeping fig vs. Indian Laurel: 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. Indian Laurel: 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. Indian Laurel: 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. Indian Laurel: 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. Indian Laurel: 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. Indian Laurel: 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. Indian Laurel: 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 Indian Laurel

Attributes of Indian Laurel

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m to 25 m

Spread

11 m to 12 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Green

Fruit Color

Red

Black

Purple

Stem Color

Green

Brown

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Indian Laurel

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Mulberry

Genus

Fig trees

Species

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa)

Learn More About the Indian Laurel

Distribution Map of Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel is a tree native to lowland habitats in Africa, Asia and Oceania. It has also been introduced to other warm-climate sites in the Mediterranean Basin and the Americas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Indian Laurel

A Comprehensive Guide to Indian Laurel How to Grow and Care for Indian Laurel