Audrey Ficus / Banyan Tree
Scientific Name: Ficus benghalensis
Category: tree
Brief Description
A large indoor or outdoor tropical tree with large, leathery, dark green leaves and prominent veining.
Characteristics
Thick, leathery, elliptic to ovate dark green leaves with prominent pale midribs and branching veins; smooth greyish bark; milky sap.
Habitat
Native to the Indian subcontinent; commonly kept as a popular indoor houseplant globally.
When to Find It
Perennial evergreen; active growth occurs typically in spring and summer.
Conservation Status
N/A
Ecological Role
Provides habitat and food sources for various birds and insects in its native range.
Easily Confused With
Ficus lyrata (Fiddle-leaf fig) has violin-shaped leaves with indented margins; Ficus elastica (Rubber tree) has glossier, more rigid, pointed leaves.
Observation Tips
Best observed in bright, indirect indoor lighting or tropical botanical gardens.
Interesting Facts
Ficus benghalensis is the national tree of India and is renowned for its immense canopy formed by aerial prop roots.