Walter Hodge, USF Herbarium SLide Collection

Family: Moraceae (Mulberry Family)

Synonym(s):

Duration: Perennial

Habit: Tree

Listed by:
Invasive Plant Atlas of the US: 1
Federal Noxious Weed: 0
TDA Noxious Weed: 0
TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species: 0

Description: Trees , evergreen, to 30 m. The sacred fig is the state tree of the Indian states of Odisha and Haryana. Ficus religiosa is a large dry season-deciduous or semi-evergreen tree up to 100 ft tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 10 ft). Leaves are heart-shaped (cordate) with a distinctive extended drip tip; they are 4-7 in. long and 3-5 in. broad, with a long (2-4 in.) petiole. The fruits are small (0.39-0.6 in.) figs and ripen from green to purple. Flowering all year.
Ficus religiosa has a very long lifespan, ranging on average between 900 and 1,500 years; with reports of over 3,000 years from some of its native habitats.

History: Native to the India and tropical Asia, it is said to be the tree that Buddha was born under and also where he sat for six years of meditation and enlightenment. Elsewhere in the world and in Hawai'i, trees are occasionally cultivated and planted near temples. In Israel it has become invasive where its specialist pollinator wasp was also introduced and creates an overabundance of fruit. This same wasp has been introduced to Hawai'i and poses the same threat. Planting of this species has been prohibited in Miami-Dade County, Florida as of 2014.

Biology & Spread: This species reported to be able to set viable seeds in two places, Israel and Florida. In Israel, the pollinator wasp successfully invaded and established allowing the tree to begin to spread. In Florida, sporadic seeding events have been documented, though have not persisted, perhaps due to an unsuccessful colonization of the associated pollinator wasp or an intrusion from a pollinator wasp of the native Ficus aurea.

Ecological Threat: The major reasons for its invasive behavior are its fast-growing nature, tolerance to various climate zones and soil types, reported lifespan of over 3,000 years, and its suffocating growth habit as it often begins life as an epiphyte. Ficus religiosa seeds readily germinate on buildings and compromise their structural integrity.
Potential to produce large quantities of high-sugar fruits, during off seasons from other species and compromise ecosystem integrity.Many Ficus species and they are frequently considered a keystone food resource for frugivorous animals, particularly birds. The over-production of fruit on the off season to attract non-native animals, insects and/or invasive rats and hogs.

US Habitat: Across the world it is planted in parks, roadsides, and found in lower elevation forests (below 1550 m.)

Distribution

US Nativity: Introduced to U.S.

Native Origin: India and Southeast Asia

US States: FL

Resembles/Alternatives:

Management: Mechanical/Physical- Pulling seedlings and small, young trees is effective. However, once established, the species can re-sprout from stumps or fragments; herbicide treatment is needed.

Chemical- A cut stump treatment with an herbicide such as Garlon (triclopyr) might be effective in control. It is important to apply herbicide within minutes of cutting the stump to ensure absorption.

USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.

Listing Source

Texas Department ofAgriculture Noxious Plant List
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Prohibited Exotic Species
Invaders Program
Federal Noxious Weed
Union of Concerned Scientists
United States Forest Service Southern Research Station

Text References

DiTomaso JM, Kyser GB, Oneto SR, Wilson RG, Orloff SB, Anderson LW, Wright SD, Roncoroni JA, Miller TL, Prather TS, Ransom C, Beck KG, Duncan C, Wilson KA, Mann JJ, 2013. Weed Control in Natural Areas in the Western United States. Davis, California, USA: Weed Research and Information Center, University of California, 544 pp.

Kattan, G. H., and L. A. Valenzuela. 2013. Phenology, abundance and consumers of figs (Ficus spp.) in a tropical cloud forest: evaluation of a potential keystone resource. Journal of Tropical Ecology 29:401-407.

Nadel, H., J.H. Frank, and R.J. Knight. 1992. Escapees and accomplices: The naturalization of exotic Ficus and their associated faunas in Florida. Florida Entomologist 75(1):29-38.

Richard, P.W. 2008. Fora of North America: Ficus religiosa Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 1059. 1753. Accessed 21 Novemeber 2008: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200006369.

Starr F., K. Starr, and L. Loope. 2003. Ficus religiosa. United States Geological Survey--Biological Resources Division Haleakala Field Station, Maui, Hawai'i.

Vianna-Filho, M. D., R. J. V. Alves, Y. Q. Peng, and R. A. S. Pereira. 2017. Naturalization of the bodhi fig tree (Ficus religiosa L.- Moraceae) in Brazil. Bioscience Journal 33:177-182

Data Source

https://www.kauaiisc.org/wp-content/uploads/C19-Ficus-religiosa_Prioritization-Assessment.pdf

https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.24168

Last Updated: 2024-02-07 by ARMO, TISI