Ficus neriifolia Sm.
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Ficus salicaria CC Berg. Willow leaf fig
Willow leaf ficus is popular for bonsai, but its origins are murky. Some sources claim that this species is not Ficus salicaria (also called F. nerifolia). In lieu of an alternative identity, we’ll pretend we have it right. It is found in broad-leaved evergreen forests at altitudes of 1.1-1.8 mi (1.7-2.9 km), in Xizang in Tibet, southeastern China, Bhutan, northeastern India, Myanmar, and Nepal. Identification: Plants reach 49' (15 m) in height, with a smooth, dark gray trunk and a spreading crown. Leaves are lanceolate, elliptic, ovate, or some combination thereof, and 3-7" (8-18 cm) × 1-2½" (3-6.5 cm) in size, on petioles ⅜-1½" (1-4 cm) long. They are often asymmetrical in shape. Both the top and bottom of each leaf is hairless and green, with smooth edges. Fruits are figs 3-4" (8-10 cm) in diameter, and are rounded, oval, or cylindrical, growing in pairs from older branches. Online References:
Ficus salicaria description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.
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Bonsai. · 12/12/2016 · Bonsai West, Littleton, Massachusetts Range: Zones 10b-11:
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