Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)- 'Compacta' ?

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J.M. Garg

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Jul 14, 2008, 10:38:12 PM7/14/08
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On 13/7/08 in Hyderabad, AP. A decorative plant seen in the Parks & Gardens. Is it variety 'Compacta'
 
Here are some extractsrom Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_benjamina

Ficus benjamina, commonly known as the Weeping Fig or Benjamin's Fig, is a species of fig tree, native to south and southeast Asia and Australia. It is the official tree of Bangkok, Thailand. It is a tree reaching 30 m (100 ft) tall in natural conditions, with gracefully drooping branchlets and glossy leaves 6-13 cm (2-5 in) long, oval with an acuminate tip. In its native range, its small fruit are a favorite food of some birds, such as the Superb Fruit-dove, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Ornate Fruit-dove, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Torresian Imperial-pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial-pigeon (Frith et al. 1976).

In tropical latitudes, the Weeping Fig makes a very large and stately tree for parks and other urban situations, such as wide roads. It is often cultivated for this purpose.

It is a very popular house plant in temperate areas, due to its elegant growth and tolerance of poor growing conditions; it does best under bright, sunny conditions but will also tolerate considerable shade. It requires a moderate amount of watering in summer, and only enough to keep it from drying out in the winter. It does not need to be misted. The plant is sensitive to cold and should be protected from strong drafts. When grown indoors, it can grow too large for its situation, and may need drastic pruning or replacing.

The leaves are very sensitive to small changes in light. When it is re-located it reacts by dropping many of its leaves and replacing them with new leaves adapted to the new light intensity.

There are numerous cultivars available (e.g. 'Danielle', 'Naomi', 'Exotica', and 'Golden King'). Some cultivars include different patterns of colouration on the leaves, ranging from light green to dark green, and various forms of white variegation.

The miniature cultivars, especially 'Too Little', are among the most popular plant for indoor bonsai.

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With regards,
J.M.Garg
"We often ignore the beauty around us"
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Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) in Hyderabad, AP I IMG_7645.jpg

nabha meghani

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Jul 19, 2008, 6:39:06 AM7/19/08
to J.M. Garg, indian...@googlegroups.com
This is a verypopular "tree" in germany. It doesn't grow outdoor still many ppl keep it in the house. It is also a popular "thing" to take with when u visit other ppl.
Yes, i have two in my house.
Nalini
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