Fauna
Plant

Moreton Bay Fig

Ficus macrophylla

Also known as Australian Banyan

Beginning life as an epiphyte in the forest canopy, this massive banyan drops aerial roots that envelop its host tree, eventually developing colossal, flanged buttresses that anchor a broad and shady crown. Dense clusters of purple, globular figs ripen across all seasons, sustaining large populations of fruit-eating bats, pigeons, and marsupials. It maintains a strict obligate mutualism with a tiny, specialized agaonid wasp, which is solely responsible for fertilizing its enclosed flowers.

EvergreenButtress RootsCanopy Tree
Moreton Bay Fig reference1 / 7
(c) Greg Tasney, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Greg Tasney · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Fig Leaf Beetle
  • Grey-headed Flying-fox
  • Green Catbird
ThreatsHabitat clearing, fragmentation of coastal rainforest, root compaction in urban soils
HabitatsSubtropical and warm-temperate rainforests, coastal margins, urban parklands
Life span100–500 years
Classification
  1. OrderRosales
  2. FamilyMoraceae
  3. GenusFicus
  4. SpeciesFicus macrophylla
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Milky sap is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; wild fruits have look-alikes, so never eat wild plants based on app ID.
Why it is dangerous
The milky sap contains the enzyme ficin and furocoumarins, which cause mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting in pets.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by gigantic flanged buttress roots, dark glossy leaves with rusty-velvety undersides, and paired purple figs.
What to do
Do not snap branches or tear leaves, and ensure pets do not chew or ingest any fallen plant material.
Responsible observation
  • Root Awareness: Step lightly around the extensive surface buttresses to avoid compacting the sensitive root zone.
  • Canopy Spotting: Scan the mid-to-upper foliage with binoculars during fruiting peaks to find feeding birds and bats.
  • Latex Precaution: Keep dogs away from fallen foliage and twigs, as broken stems release irritating white latex.
Related species
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