Commonly known as the Port Jackson fig, Ficus rubiginosa has enjoyed a long history of cultivation for its fruits. It has characteristic ornamental leaves, which show a rusty red on their underside.This tree produces edible inflorescences in inverted syconia, as is typical of the genus Ficus. Originally from Australia, the tree was first described in a taxonomic sense by Rene Louiche Defontaines in the late 18th century. The plant has enjoyed a history of export and cultivation for its fruit, showy, ornamental foliage, and general hardiness. Our campus is home to three of these stately trees.
