ficuses

Ficus is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiephytes in the mulberry and fig family, Moraceae. Collectively known as fig trees or figs, they are indigenous to tropical regions of the world. The genus includes well-known species such as the common fig (Ficus carica), the banyan (Ficus benghalensis), and the weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). Ficus trees are characterized by their unique inflorescence called a syconium, which is a fleshy structure containing numerous small flowers that mature into figs. These figs are important food sources for many animals, and the plants are often dispersed through their droppings. Many Ficus species are also cultivated as ornamental plants, both indoors and outdoors, valued for their attractive foliage and often striking growth habits. Some species, like the rubber plant (Ficus elastica), are known for their latex, which was historically used in rubber production. The genus plays a significant ecological role in tropical ecosystems, supporting a wide array of wildlife. Their cultivation and wild presence contribute to biodiversity and provide ecological services.