Ficus opposita

Sandpaper Fig

Moraceae

Form and Size: A tall shrub or small tree, 3-8m high, often deciduous; it lacks aerial roots.

Distribution: Across northern Australia; on rainforest margins, in scrubs and along stream banks.

Leaves: Opposite or alternate, egg-shaped or oval, sometimes heart-shaped, margins finely toothed, veins prominent, dark green above, paler beneath, rough and sandpapery, 4-8cm x 3-5cm but sometimes larger, new growth softly hairy

Receptacles: Globular, red-brown, rough to the touch or hairy, 1-1.2cm diameter; borne singly or in pairs in the leaf axils.

Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from seed, aerial layers or cuttings.