Ficus henneana (Deciduous fig)

The deciduous fig is the least common in the Wollongong area. It is a variety of the Ficus superba.

It can be found in the rainforests behind Coalcliff and Scarborough. It grows naturally from Milton to North Queensland and the Northern Territory.

As the common name suggests, it loses its leaves in the winter. In Spring, it most spectacular with the new leaf growth.  It is usually 15-20 metres tall but can reach 40 metres with a massive crown. It prefers low altitudes and fertile soils.

One has been planted in the Reserve and is growing well. As deer seem to like to eat fig tree leaves, oddly enough, including the common Sandpaper Fig, we have had to cage it.

Banksia Bushcare News

The rainy weather has been good for the trees, but also for the growth of weeds.

We have the usual culprits, Lantana, Senna, Ochna and Asparagus Fern, and to a lesser extent Madeira and Moth Vine, but we have also seen some new invaders, notably White passionflower (Passiflora subpeltata), which is starting to come up everywhere.

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to pull out when it is young.