Overview
Ficus damarensis Engl., commonly known as the Damara fig, is a species of plant belonging to the Moraceae family. It is native to Africa, particularly in Namibia and Botswana.
General Appearance
The Damara fig tree is characterized by its small to medium-sized evergreen leaves, which are glossy and leathery and are 2-7 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The tree also has a greenish-yellowish bark with distinctive cracks and a smooth appearance when young. As the tree matures, the branches and trunk become more gnarled and textured.
Common Names
The Damara fig tree is known by several common names, including basterfig, Damara rubber tree, and wild fig.
Uses
The Damara fig has several uses, and one of its most significant uses is in traditional medicine. The bark is known to have potent medicinal properties and can be used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, toothaches, and respiratory infections. The latex from the leaves and stems can be used to make rubber, which is used in the manufacture of items such as tires and gloves. As a landscaping plant, the Damara fig tree is popular due to its aesthetically pleasing appearance, with its green foliage, and textured bark adding to the scenic appeal of any garden.
Light Requirements
Ficus damarensis grows best when exposed to bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but may suffer from leaf scorch if exposed to too much sun. The plant should be placed in a location where it can receive at least six hours of bright light per day.
Temperature Requirements
Ficus damarensis prefers warm temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It is important to keep the plant away from drafts and temperature fluctuations, as this can cause stress and leaf drop. If the temperature drops below 55°F (12°C), the plant may suffer from cold damage.
Soil Requirements
Ficus damarensis requires well-draining, fertile soil to thrive. The ideal soil mixture should consist of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. The plant should be potted in a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation
Ficus damarensis Engl., commonly known as the Damara Fig or Fig Marula, is a drought-tolerant tree that can be grown outdoors in warm temperate to tropical regions. It prefers a well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, and a location that receives partial shade throughout the day.
The best time to plant Ficus damarensis is in the spring when the temperature begins to rise. Container-grown plants can be planted at any time of the year, provided that the soil is not frozen.
Watering Needs
Ficus damarensis is drought-tolerant and requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, during the growing season. Water the plant deeply, and then allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again. During the winter, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent root rot.
It is important to note that Ficus damarensis will drop its leaves if it becomes too dry. This is its way of conserving water and preventing further stress to the plant. Once watering resumes, the plant will produce new leaves.
Fertilization
Ficus damarensis benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every two months or a liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to the build-up of salts in the soil and cause root burn.
Pruning
Ficus damarensis requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as possible to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Prune to shape the plant if necessary, but do not remove more than one-third of the plant at any one time. Pruning should be done in the winter or early spring, before the plant begins to grow new leaves.
Propagation of Ficus damarensis Engl.
Ficus damarensis Engl. can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or air layering.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most straightforward method of reproducing Ficus damarensis plants. The seeds need to be collected from ripe fruits, cleaned, and then sown in a well-draining soil mix. Germination typically takes around four weeks, and the seedlings need careful tending until they are big enough to be re-potted in individual containers.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method of reproducing Ficus damarensis plants. Softwood cuttings, around six inches in length, should be taken from a healthy plant in late spring or early summer. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, keep them moist and out of direct sunlight until rooted, which usually takes around six weeks. Once rooted, the young plants should be re-potted in individual containers.
Propagation by Air Layering
Propagation by air layering is a method that involves inducing roots to grow while the cutting is still attached to the parent plant. To do this, a section of a stem's bark is removed and keeping the exposed fibrous root covered in moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. When the roots have grown, the stem is cut and planted in well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Ficus damarensis Engl.
Ficus damarensis Engl. is a resilient plant but is not immune to pests and diseases. Below are some of the common pests and diseases that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them effectively:
Common Pests
1. Scale insects: Scale insects can be identified by their oval shape and brown color. They suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing yellowing and dropping of leaves. To manage them, use an insecticide or wipe them off with a neem oil solution.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny, oval-shaped, and covered with a white, waxy substance. They suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken, wilt, and eventually die. To manage them, use an insecticide or wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
3. Spider mites: Spider mites are too small to see with the naked eye but leave visible webbing on the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage them, wash the plant with a strong jet of water or use an insecticide.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark brown spots on the leaves. It is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or high humidity. To manage it, remove the affected leaves and improve the plant's drainage and ventilation.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or bacterial and fungal infections. Signs of root rot include yellowing of leaves and wilting of the plant. To manage it, remove the infected roots and repot the plant in a well-draining soil mix.
3. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It is caused by high humidity and poor ventilation. To manage it, remove the affected leaves and improve the plant's ventilation.
Regularly inspecting the plant and using preventative measures are critical in controlling pests and diseases on Ficus damarensis Engl. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using insecticides and fungicides.
