Ficus Indian Laurel

The Ficus Indian Laurel, scientifically known as Ficus microcarpa, is a robust and widely cultivated evergreen tree, frequently used in urban landscapes, particularly in warm climates like Phoenix, Arizona. Native to a vast region spanning tropical Asia, Malaysia, the Indian subcontinent, and Australia, it thrives in warm, humid to subtropical environments, adapting to a range of well-drained soils, though it prefers consistent moisture to establish. As a long-lived perennial, the Indian Laurel can grow for many decades, easily 50 years or more, developing into a substantial and imposing shade tree.

Its most distinctive characteristics include its dense, expansive canopy of lustrous, dark green, oval-shaped leaves that are typically 2-5 inches long and have a somewhat leathery texture. The foliage is evergreen, providing year-round shade. A hallmark of Ficus trees is their aggressive and widespread root system, which can be problematic near structures or plumbing, often making them unsuitable for small residential yards. The tree’s smooth, light gray bark becomes more furrowed with age, and mature specimens can develop aerial roots that descend from branches and root in the soil, forming supportive columns (especially in humid environments). In warm climates like Phoenix, Arizona, it is commonly seen as a large street tree or hedge, prized for its rapid growth and dense shade. While it does produce small, inconspicuous, greenish “figs” (syconia) throughout the year, these are generally not eaten by humans and can create litter. Despite its invasive root system in some contexts, its resilience to heat, drought once established, and ability to provide significant shade make the Ficus Indian Laurel a popular choice for large-scale landscaping, municipal plantings, and as a formal hedge or topiary in appropriate settings.