Famous Ficus Plants from Around the World
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You may know Ficus plants by some of their more common names and species like the “Fig Tree” or “Rubber Plants”, but you likely didn’t know some of the most famous trees in the world are actually Ficus. These include the Great Banyan Tree and The Ancient Wonderboom.
Below you’ll find some of the most famous Ficus plants that you’ve likely seen or read about, and some fun facts about the species.
Fun fact: Ashvattha Ficus Religiosa is considered a sacred and holy tree on the Indian subcontinent and Indochina and is used to represent an everchanging life in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
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The Great Banyan Tree (Ficus Benghalensis or Bengal Fig)
Planted before 1800 in India and having survived more than three cyclones, this is the largest tree in the world spanning more than 18,918 square meters according to wikipedia and 14,500 to Atlas Obscura. The original trunk died and was removed in the early 1900’s, but it continues to thrive with its more than 2,900 aerial roots giving it support. This single tree looks and acts like a forest allowing visitors to wonder through its routes and walk through pathways.
Fun fact: The Great Banyan tree does not have the world’s single largest canopy, that record is the Thimmamma Marrimanu which is also a Banyan Tree.
Bodhi Tree (Ficus Religiosa)
This is the one of the oldest trees in the world and is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago by sitting underneath giving it a special meaning for Buddhists. This is one of the reasons why prayer beads that are carved from this type of Ficus tree are considered sacred, possibly more so than others.
Fun fact: The oldest known human planted tree is the Sri Maha Bodhi which is a sapling from the Bodhi tree and can be found in Sri Lanka and has been cared for by humans for more than 2,000 years.
The Lahaina Banyan Tree
This Ficus also has spiritual meaning as it was planted by Sheriff William Owen Smith in 1873 as a way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first protestant mission in Lahaina. It originates from India like many of the other sacred Ficus trees and was a gift from missionaries. It covers 1.94 acres and is more than 60 feet tall making it the largest Banyan tree in the USA, but not the tallest. That would be the General Sherman in California.
Aside from the Lahaina Banyan tree’s original historic and religious significance, it has become a symbol of hope and resilience due to it almost being scorched to death in 2023 by a large fire on the island. Since then it has begun recovering and thriving.
Ancient Wonderboom (Ficus Salicifolia)
This Wild Fig Ficus tree is sometimes known as the “Tree of Life” and dates back more than 1,000 years. It is considered a national monument due to it being on a historic Iron Age historic site, being more than 75 feet high with an 18 foot wide trunk, and it has an urban legend. It’s said that the tree was able to reach this size because the Chief of an indigenous tribe was buried and gave strength to the roots so it can grow.
Fun fact: While the Tree of Life you’ll see at a major Orlando theme park is not a Ficus, it is a Baobab, Ficus Fig Trees are considered a tree of life in ancient Egypt and other civilizations.
Curtain Fig (Ficus Virens)
This Ficus is one of the largest trees in Australia and has aerial roots that extend downwards more than 45 feet to the forest floor. The long and detailed root system looks like a giant curtain giving this tree its signature name. Its trunk is close to 130 feet wide and it stands almost 150 feet tall making it impressive to see and a popular tourist attraction.
Fun fact: Another signature Ficus Tree for its appearance is the Cathedral Fig Tree whose trunk resembles a cathedral from the inside.
Santa Barbara Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus Macrophylla)
This Ficus is considered the largest in the nation and was planted in 1876 and declared a historic landmark in 1970. Its crown spreads 176 feet and it reaches an 80 foot height making it a massive and stunning display near the Amtrak station.
Fun fact: Ficus are one of the most popular types of trees used for Bonsai, especially for beginners because of their heartiness and being easy-to-care for.
Cadiz Giant Rubber Trees (Ficus Macrophylla)
Planted in the early 1900’s, these massive Ficus trees are seen by the locals as a bridge to the new world and new hope. Rumor has it that the saplings were brought over from India by nuns, similar to how the Lahaina Banyan Tree was a gift from missionaries in India.
Ceiba Tree of Vieques
The Ceiba Tree of Vieques is a popular tourist attraction for eco-travelers due to its unique shape and cultural significance. It’s more than a few centuries old and has a unique storybook-like trunk that weaves and turns making it look unnatural. The thick trunks were used by natives to build canoes as the wood is lightweight and easy to carve, and the size allowed for a single piece of wood to craft the entire boat.
Ficus Trees are some of the largest, most unique, and loved trees because of their unique shapes, religious significance, and ability to be used for shade, canoes, and shelter. Next time you see a massive tree with aerial roots and a unique trunk, look it up, it may be a Ficus.
