Creeping Fig (also known as Climbing Fig)

Ficus pumila
Moraceae (Mulberry Family)
Podcast_Script

Whole Plant	Stem of Creeping Fig
Leaves	Creeping Fig fruit (Attributed to Forest & Kim Starr) Original picture source

Classification:

Angiosperm, Dicot, evergreen

Size:

Depends on development of supporting structure

Identifying Features:

Evergreen, Alternate ovular leaves

Location/Habitat:

Native to China, Vietnam and Japan. In United States does well in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11

Flower/Fruit/Reproduction:

Flowers in Spring producing green ovular fruit which persist year round on plant

Water/Sun Requirements:

Very low water requirements (except when becoming established). Grows in partial or full shade, cannot grow in full sun

Special Adaptations:

Fairly drought tolerant.
Fast Growing.
Can grow on walls without exterior support
Puts down roots wherever branch touches ground also easily propagated using cuttings.

Other Info:

Can be grown as topiary (picture), as a hedge or in planters. Also works well as a ground cover.

Reference Sources/Links:

Gilman, Edward. "Ficus pumila". University of Florida. October 1999. http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/FICPUMA.PDF

Burke, Don. "Creeping Fig Hedge". 2002. http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2002/archives/2002/in_the_garden/gardening_tips,_books,_techniques_and_tools/creeping_fig_hedge

Rawlings, John. "Encycylopedia of Stanford Trees, Shrubs, and Vines."http://trees.stanford.edu/ENCYC/FICpum.htm

Vincent-Phoenix, Adrienne. April 2003. http://www.mouseplanet.com/wdwupdate/wdw030408avp.htm

"Topiaries at WDW." http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/topiary.html


Created by Halea M. 2007