Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Ficus pumila L.

Frost tender, root-clinging, evergreen perennial climber.  The leaves of the climbing shots are asymmetrical, while those on the non-climbing stem are oblong, leathery and glossy dark green, to 10cm long.  The hairy figs are white-dotted green, ripening to purple.  To 5m or more.  [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers’].

Horticultural & Botanical History

Probably introduced to Britain in 1759 or earlier [PD].  ‘Ficus stipulata was, according to Aiton, introduced about the year 1771, but it is comparatively lately that it has become so common a favourite for tapestrying the walls of conservatories, &c., and for which no other plant is so well suited.  It is a native of both China and Japan, extending as far south as Hong Kong.’  [BM t.6657/1882].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.448/1845].  Ficus stipulacea was included among a consignement of plants sent by John Bidwill from Kew in November 1843.  [AJCP].  This is the probable source.  Ficus repens was included among desiderata to Loddiges, 6th January 1845. [MP A2933-2, p.28].

Notes

Published Mar 18, 2010 - 02:33 PM | Last updated Mar 18, 2010 - 02:40 PM

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Shown are creeping stem, glossy ovate leaves and figs. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.6657, 1882.

Ficus pumila L. | BM t.6657/1882 | BHL

Family Moraceae
Category
Region of origin

China, Japan
Synonyms
  • Ficus stipulacea Noronha
  • Ficus stipulata Thunb.
  • Ficus repens Hort.
  • Ficus scandens Lam.
Common Name

Climbing fig, Creeping fig
Name in the Camden Park Record

Ficus stipulacea 
Confidence level high