Appearance
It is a large tree in the banyan group of figs, growing to 30–40 metres tall, with a stout trunk up to 2 metres in diameter. The trunk develops aerial and buttressing roots to anchor it in the soil and help support heavy branches. It has broad shiny oval leaves 10–35 centimetres long and 5–15 centimetres broad; leaf size is largest on young plants , much smaller on old trees . The leaves develop inside a sheath at the apical meristem, which grows larger as the new leaf develops. When it is mature, it unfurls and the sheath drops off the plant. Inside the new leaf, another immature leaf is waiting to develop.
Naming
''Ficus elastica'' is grown around the world as an ornamental plant, outside in frost-free climates from the tropical to the Mediterranean and inside in colder climates as a houseplant. Although it is grown in Hawaii, the species of fig wasp required to allow it to spread naturally is not present there.In cultivation, it prefers bright sunlight but not hot temperatures. It has a high tolerance for drought, but prefers humidity and thrives in wet, tropical conditions. Ornamental hybrids have been derived from ''Ficus elastica'' with broader, stiffer and more upright leaves than the wild form. Many such hybrids exist, often with variegated leaves.
Uses
In parts of India, people guide the roots of the tree over chasms to eventually form living bridges.References:
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