Moraceae

The Moreton Bay Fig can take two forms, as a magnificent tree or as a strangling vine. Which form this species take depends entirely upon where the germinating seed lands.  If the seed is deposited in the trunk of another tree, where humus accumulates, then the seed will germinate and spread its roots down the trunk of the host-tree, thus eventually strangling and killing the host.  However if the seed lands on the ground and germinates, it will eventually grow into a tall and spreading tree.  The latter form is generally less common. 

Leaves: The thick leaves of Moreton Bay Fig are quite large ranging from 10-25 cm long.  When broken from the stem, the leaves ooze a milky sap.  The undersides of the Moreton Bay Fig leave are a rusty brown.
Flowers:
Fruit: The fig on the Moreton Bay Fig tree is purple and about 2cm in diameter.  Before turning purple, the fig is an orange colour.  Figs start to appear around February until May. Apparently they are acceptable to eat when ripe.


The Moreton Bay Fig prefers warm areas on river and creekbanks in Sub-tropical and Littoral rainforest.  In hilly areas Moreton Bay Fig can be found in Dry Rainforest.


The Moreton Bay Fig can be found in rainforests from the Illawarra region to North Queensland.


Hauser, J. (1992) Fragments of Green - An Identification Field Guide for Rainforest Plants of the Greater Brisbane Region, Rainforest Conservation Society, Queensland. 

Nan & Hugh Nicholson (1985, 1988, 1991,1994)
Australian Rainforest Plants I, II, III & IV, Terania Rainforest Publishing, Australia. 

Photo: Nan & Hugh Nicholson