Laurel Fig

                     INDIAN LAUREL FIG 

Indian Laurel Fig

   Ficus microcarpa

A large evergreen tree with a dominating presence, usually with a few aerial roots wrapped around the top of a short, grey trunk. The dense glassy canopy grows to a massive size, with spreading branches cantilevered such as to defy common sense. Cultivated in Delhi mainly in roundabouts and bungalows in Lutyens's precincts. It is best known as evergreen avenue tree, capable of casting a dense shade over an immense area.

An epiphytic 'strangler' like the Banyan. but only in the wild. In Malaysia it is found on the banks of tidal river at the precise places where brackish water gives way to fresh water. There it develops elaborate prop roots like the Banyan. But this is not known to happen in Indian forests, where its aerial roots can grow into long curtains but do not reach the ground. It is reasonably drought-tolerant and grows in a variety of  well drained soul.

Seasons :

Leaves : evergreen, nut new flush visible in March, distinctly pale green against the older, darker leaves. Leaves on short stalk 8 cm long on average, more or less with a rounded or blunt apex and narrow base. The leaf blade is thick in texture with scarcely visible veins and is polished and shiny (when not dusty),The leaf buds are about 1 cm long

Figs : produced in repeated flushes from April through August.

Aerial Roots : thick, few not reaching the ground or becoming prop roots

Bark : grey, smooth, marked with an horizontal dots, exuding milky latex, when bruised.

Where to see : In front of Rastrapati Bhawan, Lodi garden.

The Grand : ceremonial drive way leading from the gates of Rastrapati Bhawan to the Jaipur column and beyond is lined with majestic laurel fig trees.

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