Small Leaved Fig Tree - Ficus obliqua

Small Leaved Fig Tree, Ficus obliqua

Ficus obliqua is one of Australia's most commanding native figs, a broad-canopied, long-lived specimen that brings immediate presence and deep shade to any landscape. At advanced size, it arrives with the kind of structure that takes decades to develop in the ground.

Why Small Leaved Fig

Canopy scale: Develops a wide, dense crown that dominates a site and delivers substantial shade from day one.
Native provenance: Indigenous to eastern Australia, well-adapted, resilient, and appropriate for prestige native and contemporary landscapes alike.
Aerial root character: Mature specimens develop distinctive aerial roots and buttressed trunks, adding architectural depth and sculptural interest over time.
Longevity: A generational tree, Ficus obliqua is a long-term asset that appreciates in presence and property value for decades.
Wildlife value: Supports a significant ecological footprint, attracting birds and native fauna, a consideration for high-end environmental and biophilic design briefs.

Ideal Applications

Statement lawns and estates: Planted as a centrepiece specimen on large residential or commercial properties where scale and permanence are required.
Civic and institutional landscapes: Suited to parks, public plazas, and institutional grounds where long-term canopy cover and structural presence are priorities.
Streetscapes and boulevard planting: Where generous space allows, delivers unmatched canopy and a distinctly Australian character at scale.
Screening and shade structures: Deployed where immediate, dense overhead coverage is the primary design objective.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (feature/avenue): 15–25m
Planting Season: Spring to early summer
Soil & Drainage: Adaptable to a wide range of soils including clay, loam and sandy soils; prefers well-drained but moist conditions
Establishment Care: Water deeply and regularly for the first 1–2 years until established, keeping the root zone consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Plant Details

Height: 20–40m
Width: 20–40m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Evergreen
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Native to: Eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea, Pacific Islands
Flower Colour: Insignificant