Ficus pumila L.

Description:

Kelana Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.Ficus pumila L. Moraceae. CN: [Malay - Ara jalar], Climbing fig, Creeping fig, Creeping rubberplant, Figvine. Native to China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam. Elsewhere cultivated as ornamental. Creeping fig is an enthusiastic climber able to scramble up vertical surfaces 3 and 4 stories tall with the aid of a powerful adhesive. This vine coats surfaces with a tracery of fine stems that are densely covered with small heart shaped leaves that are 1 inch long by about 2 cm wide, they are held closely to the surface creating a mat of foliage that extends barely 2.5 cm from the surface. These are the juvenile leaves. Once the vine has reach the top of its support if will begin to form horizontal branches on which adult foliage is borne. Adult leaves are held alternately in two rows along these branches. They are more leathery than the juveniles, and are dark green, and about 7.6 cm long by 5 cm wide. The fruit is a fig (a sycamore). These are borne only on the horizontal stems, they are pale green in color and about 7.6 cm long by 6.4 cm wide. Most experts warn against allowing the climbing fig to attach itself to your home, garage, or other valuable buildings. This winding vine will peel paint, pop screws, and otherwise wreak havoc on fences, buildings, and any other structure. It can also attract insects and mold that cause costly damage. Very invasive and difficult to eradicate. The seeds and other plant parts are poisonous.Synonym(s):Ficus awkeotsang Makino [Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang]Ficus repens Rottler [Ficus pumila var. pumila]Ref and suggested reading:www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?16951en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_pumilawww.bitterrootrestoration.com/medicinal-plants/creeping-f...