Family: Moraceae

Ficus rubiginosa, commonly known as the Port Jackson fig, is an evergreen fig tree native to eastern Australia. It is recognized for its dense, rounded canopy and distinctive reddish-brown aerial roots that can develop into additional trunks over time. The tree produces small, sweet figs that attract birds and other wildlife. In Hawai‘i, Ficus rubiginosa has established in several locations: it is naturalized on Lana‘i and Maui, and potentially naturalizing on Kaua‘i and O‘ahu. Its ability to adapt to a variety of soils and climates makes it a resilient urban and landscape tree, though it can spread where conditions allow.

Despite its attractive appearance and wildlife value, Ficus rubiginosa can pose challenges in some areas. On islands where it is naturalized or potentially naturalizing, its roots may damage pavement or structures, and fallen fruits can create messes in gardens and public spaces. The species is not currently highly invasive in all parts of Hawai‘i, but monitoring is recommended to prevent unintended spread.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized outside native range
  
• Environmental weed status
  
• Congeneric species are weeds
  
• Strangler growth habit
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates various soil types
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Intentionally planted as ornamental

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines/thorns/burrs
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• Not toxic to humans/animals
  
• Not a major pest host
  
• Requires specialist pollinator
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• No persistent seed bank
  
• Controllable with herbicides