Family: Moraceae

Ficus tikoua, commonly known as the Waipahu fig, is a low-growing, evergreen groundcover native to Southeast Asia. Typically reaching heights of 6 to 12 inches and spreading up to 5 feet, it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b. This plant prefers full to filtered sun and moderately moist, slightly acidic soils. Its dense, trailing habit makes it ideal for mass plantings, groundcovers, and hanging baskets. The foliage emerges bright green, maturing to a rich emerald hue, adding year-round interest to landscapes.

While Ficus tikoua is not native to Hawaii, it has been cultivated on Oʻahu, particularly in areas like the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa campus and Kipapa Army Nursery. In these settings, it serves as a decorative groundcover. The plant has a low risk of becoming invasive in Hawaii, as it is only found in cultivation and does not spread beyond its planted areas. Notably, Ficus tikoua has been used in folk medicine in its native regions to treat various ailments, and ongoing research is exploring its potential antifungal properties.

High Risk Traits:

• Congeneric species are invasive
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Reproduces vegetatively (stem rooting)
  
• Bird-dispersed fruits

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized
  
• Cold-intolerant (climate specific)
  
• No weedy history
  
• No spines, toxins, or allergens
  
• Requires specialist pollinator (limits reproduction)
  
• Low fire risk