Ficus rubiginosa f. glabrescens (F.M.Bailey) D.J.Dixon

Moraceae

Dixon, D.J. et al (2002) Australian Systematic Botany 14(1): 150-153.

Fig, Port Jackson; Port Jackson Fig

A strangling fig, hemi-epiphyte or lithophyte to 30 m.

Petioles and twigs produce a milky exudate. Stipules about 2-6 cm long, usually smooth on the outer surface, occasionally hairy. Petioles to 4 cm long, channelled on the upper surface. Leaf blades rather variable in shape, about 4.1-14.7 x 2.2-7.8 cm; both surfaces glabrous.

Tepals glabrous. Male flowers dispersed among the fruitlets in the ripe figs. Anthers reniform. Stigma cylindric, papillose, often slightly coiled. Bracts at the base of the fig, two. Lateral bracts not present on the outside of the fig body.

Figs pedunculate, globose, about 10-18 mm diam. Orifice triradiate, +/- closed by inflexed internal bracts.

Cotyledons ovate-oblong, about 5 mm long. At the tenth leaf stage: leaves ovate, apex acute or bluntly acute, base obtuse or cordate, margin entire, glabrous on the upper surface, with only a few hairs along the midrib on the underside, somewhat triplinerved at the base; oil dots not visible; stipules large, sheathing the terminal bud, about 20-40 mm long. Taproot swollen, carrot-like (Daucus carota). Seed germination time 31 to 51 days.

Occurs in CYP, NEQ, CEQ and southwards to north eastern New South Wales. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 900 m. Grows in rainforest, monsoon forest, the drier, more seasonal rain forest, dry scrubs and riverine vegetation throughout it's range.

Ficus rubiginosa var. glabgrescens F.M.Bailey, Comprehensive Catalogue of Queensland Plants : 486(1913), Type: Queensland, Eidsvold, T. L. Bancroft; holo: BRI?.