The Ficus benjamina, more commonly known as the Weeping Fig, is a highly valued ornamental tree, admired for its timeless beauty and adaptability. Native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Australia, this plant is characterised by its dense foliage of small, oval leaves, which can be a vibrant green or variegated, depending on the variety. It is frequently grown in botanical gardens, parks, and indoor spaces for its undeniable aesthetic appeal.
In its natural habitat, the Ficus benjamina, or Weeping Fig, can reach heights of up to 30 metres. However, when cultivated in pots or regularly pruned, it remains much smaller. Its sturdy trunk and gracefully drooping branches give it an elegant silhouette, hence the name “Weeping Fig.” At the Au Bois Vert botanical garden, located in Ivato near Antananarivo, the Ficus benjamina blends harmoniously into the landscape, offering visitors a shaded and tranquil retreat.
This plant thrives in bright environments but can also tolerate partial shade. However, it requires moderate watering to prevent root rot. Indoors, it helps purify the air by absorbing toxins such as formaldehyde, making it an ideal choice for hotels, restaurants, and lodges looking to combine natural décor with well-being.
In tropical gardens, the Weeping Fig plays a key role in creating a refreshing atmosphere and structuring green spaces. When paired with low-growing plants and flowers, it enhances both the aesthetic and ecological value of its surroundings, delighting botany enthusiasts and visitors to Bois Vert alike.
Plant use
The Ficus benjamina is a versatile plant, valued both for its decorative appeal and its environmental benefits. In botanical gardens such as Le Bois Vert in Ivato, this fig tree is primarily used to create shaded, tranquil spaces. Its dense foliage filters sunlight, providing a natural refuge from the heat. This tree is particularly favoured by hotels and restaurants looking to enhance their outdoor areas with an elegant touch of greenery. Indoors, Ficus benjamina is easy to grow in pots, making it a popular choice for modern and eco-friendly interior design. Its air-purifying properties make it ideal for lodges and offices in urban areas such as Antananarivo. By absorbing chemical pollutants, this plant helps to improve air quality and create a healthier environment for occupants. Traditionally, certain cultures used the leaves and latex of this fig tree for their medicinal properties. Today, its main use is in landscaping, garden enhancement, and interior decoration. At Le Bois Vert botanical garden, it plays a role in educating visitors about the importance of tropical plants in biodiversity conservation. To fully enjoy the Ficus benjamina, proper care is essential: regular pruning, controlled watering, and adequate light allow it to thrive. Whether in a hotel, restaurant, or garden, this fig tree naturally enhances any space it inhabits.
Key information
| Common name | Weeping Fig |
| Scientific name | Ficus benjamina |
| Origin | South-East Asia, Australia |
| Natural habitat | Tropical rainforests |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | Spring-summer, especially in its natural habitat |
