How to identify Creeping fig (Ficus pumila)
Creeping fig is an evergreen climbing vine that clings tenaciously through small root clusters. The young, tender foliage starts as petite, heart-shaped leaves and matures into larger, leathery leaves measuring between 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length. Although it produces small fig fruits, these are seldom observed and non-edible. The vine can aggressively cover surfaces reaching heights of 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.5 meters) and spreading 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) wide, with a growth behavior that may require management to prevent overexpansion.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Vine
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Heart-shaped juvenile leaves grow into large, leathery adult leaves (2 to 4 inches / 5 to 10 cm).
Stems produce milky sap, cling using roots in youth, then grow horizontally with woody texture.
Fruit shifts from green to purple, covered in dense hairs, unpalatable despite attractive appearance.
Minute inconspicuous flowers enclosed in fig receptacles, facilitating pollination by fig wasps.
Vine aggressively climbs, reaching heights of 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.5 meters) and spreading 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters).
The leaves of creeping fig exhibit distinct characteristics. On climbing stems, juvenile leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, and measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long with a short petiole. They are medium to dark green, smooth, and bumpy above, with a pubescent underside. In contrast, adult leaves on fruit-bearing stems are ovate-elliptic, up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, very dark green above, pale beneath, with a reticulate vein pattern, and coriaceous texture.
The flowers of creeping fig are minute and unisexual, enveloped in a fleshy receptacle known as a fig. These flowers are axillary with an apical orifice facilitating pollination by fig wasps. They are typically inconspicuous, lacking distinct petals, and emit no significant scent. Each flower, around 1/8 inch (3 mm) in size, is enclosed within small, rounded receptacles measuring up to 1/2 inch (12 mm) in diameter. Blooming occurs primarily during late spring to early summer.
The stem of creeping fig exudes a milky sap when cut. In its juvenile stage, the stem is slender and climbs using adventitious roots, adhering tightly to surfaces. As the plant matures, the stems develop a non-climbing habit, extending horizontally from the support. These adult stems are thicker and support larger leaves. Typically, the stems are woody, rugged in texture, and can vary in color from green to brown. Stem thickness can reach up to 0.4 inches (1 cm).
The fruit of creeping fig is typically pear-shaped to cylindrical, measuring approximately 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) in length and 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) in diameter. Initially, they present a green hue sprinkled with white spots, transitioning to a purple color as they mature. Their surface is covered with dense hairs. Although these fruits may appear alluring, they are generally insipid, deeming them not desirable for consumption.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Creeping fig
