Ficuses are plants that have become extremely common among florists. In many ways, their external attractiveness and unpretentiousness contributes to this.
Where do ficuses come from?
All of them belong to the genus of mulberry (Moraceae). And where is the homeland of plants? Ficus live in Southeast Asia, Ceylon, Java and Borneo. Some species grow in the tropics and subtropics of the Australian continent.
These plants are so peculiar and beautiful that lovers are no longer surprised at the new forms of ficus that scientists find almost every year.
What forms do they grow in?
Their diversity is such that there are both trees and grassy species. Regardless of what the homeland of the plants is, ficuses of a particular variety are easily correlated with each other thanks to the milky juice that acts on the fault.
The Evergreen Myth
By the way, it is generally accepted that because of the "greenhouse" growing conditions, all ficuses are evergreen. In most cases, this is true, but sometimes there are exceptions to the rules. Thus, ficus ali, natasha, viandi and elastica, whose habitat is the humid and hot jungle of Borneo, are deciduous.
In addition, the birthplace of ficus plants has largely formed not only biologically, but also morphologically distinct from each other. Moreover, the differences are so significant that even a rather experienced nerd will be amazed at how closely related species can "leave" each other.
Species diversity again
For example, small-leaved Pumila and Hederacea are so small that they are used as an exquisite soil cover. The maximum diameter of their leaves rarely exceeds 1.5 cm. But their relative, "banyan", which is very common in Bengal, reaches a height of 30 meters with a crown diameter of five meters.
Few people know that the birthplace of plants (ficuses of some subspecies) managed to “be noted” even in the Bible. Did you know that fig tree is also a ficus? Yes, that same fig also belongs to the genus of mulberries, and its biological name is “carika”. This plant comes from ancient Mesopotamia, which was located on the site of modern Turkey, Iran and Syria.
Habitat influence on characteristics
As even an amateur in indoor plants can notice, the biological range of these species is simply enormous. This means that each ficus carries an invisible imprint of its distant homeland, which largely determines not only its appearance, but also its relation to the growing conditions.
So, “ficus benjamina” (Australia is the birthplace of the plant) does not tolerate colds and sudden changes in temperature, as it is used to the relatively constant climate of tropical forests. Because of these features, it is strongly not recommended for beginners to choose it, since they can easily destroy such a tender ward.
conclusions
If you want to buy one of the representatives of the genus mulberry for cultivation in potted conditions, it is better to know in advance where this or that ficus comes from. The birthplace of the plant in each case determines the conditions of care and cultivation.
Without this knowledge, you are unlikely to be able to provide your pet with comfortable living conditions.