Ficus

Ficus L.

Ficus is a large genus with ca. 750-850 species. By far most species are native in the (sub-) tropics of southeastern Asia and Africa. None is native in Belgium. Numerous species are economically important, either as ornamentals or as sources of rubber, fiber, paper, timber, etc. Ficus carica is widely cultivated for its edible fruits (figs). It is one of the more hardy species and easily survives western European winters.
In addition to Ficus carica a second species is sometimes seen as an escape, F. pumila L. (for instance in the Botanic Garden in Meise). So far it has not yet been recorded outside greenhouses but it could occur on walls in sheltered, urban habitats where frostbite is less likely (see also Clement & Foster 1994).

Literature:

There is a vast literature on the genus Ficus but very few references are relevant for the genus in the wild in Belgium.

Alexander J.C.M. (1989) Ficus. In: Walters S.M. & al. (eds.), The European Garden Flora, vol. 3. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: 90-101.

Clement E.J. & Foster M.C. (1994) Alien plants of the British Isles. BSBI, London: XVIII + 590 p.

Ramirez W.B. (1977) A new classification of Ficus. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 64: 296-310.

Wunderlin R.P. (1997) Moraceae. In: Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.), Flora of North America, vol. 3. Oxford University Press, New York-Oxford: 388-399. [available online at: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=10583]