Introduction
This rapidly growing, rounded, broad-headed, evergreen tree can reach 50 feet or more in height with an equal spread. The glossy, dark green, leathery leaves are densely clothed on large, somewhat weeping branches and unlike the species, are not usually infested with thrips. New growth, produced all year long, is a light rose to chartreuse color, giving the tree a lovely two-toned effect. The smooth, light grey trunk is quite striking, can grow to three or four feet in diameter, and it firmly supports the massively spreading canopy. Branches trained to remain less than half the diameter of the trunk are well-secured to the trunk.
Credit: Stephen Brown, UF/IFAS
General Information
Scientific name: Ficus benjamina
Pronunciation: FYE-kuss ben-jah-MEE-nah
Common name(s): 'Green Gem' Cuban-Laurel
Family: Moraceae
USDA hardiness zones: 10B through 11 (Figure 2)
Origin: not native to North America
Invasive potential: not considered a problem species at this time, may be recommended (North, Central, South)
Uses: indoors
Credit: UF/IFAS
Description
Height: 45 to 55 feet
Spread: 40 to 55 feet
Crown uniformity: symmetrical
Crown shape: round, vase, spreading
Crown density: dense
Growth rate: fast
Texture: medium
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: alternate (Figure 3)
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: elliptic (oval)
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Credit: Stephen Brown, UF/IFAS
Flower
Flower color: unknown
Flower characteristics: not showy
Fruit
Fruit shape: round (Figure 4)
Fruit length: less than 0.5 inch
Fruit covering: fleshy
Fruit color: red
Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; not showy; fruit/leaves a litter problem
Credit: Stephen Brown, UF/IFAS
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: branches don't droop; showy; typically one trunk; thorns
Pruning requirement: needed for strong structure
Breakage: resistant
Current year twig color: gray
Current year twig thickness: thin
Wood specific gravity: unknown
Culture
Light requirement: full sun, partial sun, or partial shade
Soil tolerances: sand; loam; clay; acidic; alkaline; well-drained; occasionally wet
Drought tolerance: high
Aerosol salt tolerance: moderate
Other
Roots: can form large surface roots
Winter interest: no
Outstanding tree: no
Ozone sensitivity: unknown
Verticillium wilt susceptibility: susceptible
Pest resistance: free of serious pests and diseases
Use and Management
Few aerial roots are produced making this a suitable street tree. Also used as a park tree, Cuban-Laurel tolerates trimming well and can be shaped and sheared into a hedge, screen, or barrier. It also makes a wonderful shade tree on large properties. Plant at least 10 feet from the curb or sidewalk so surface roots won't cause damage. The fruit stains cars and sidewalks and can be generally messy on paved and other hard surfaces. Importation of the wasp which pollinates the flowers may stimulate production of fertile fruit and this could allow the tree to become a pesty weed.
Growing easily in full sun or partial shade, Cuban-Laurel thrives on various well-drained soils and is moderately salt-tolerant.
Propagation is by cuttings or air layering.
Pests
Scales are a problem, but it is resistant to thrips.
Diseases
No diseases are of major concern.
