Ficus coronata Spin

Shrub or tree to 15 m high, generally strongly scabrid. Leaves alternate to spiral; lamina ovate to oblong or narrowly elliptic, (3.5–) 5–15 (–17) cm long, (1.5–) 2–8 cm wide (larger and often lobed on young growth), cuneate to rounded (sometimes cordate) and often asymmetrical at base, entire or dentate to crenulate margin, acuminate at apex, strongly scabrid above, often densely brown-villous beneath (shortly white-pubescent beneath, fide Ross 1983: 57); lateral veins 5–8 pairs; petiole 0.3–1 cm long, bristly; stipules to 1 cm long, hairy. Figs axillary, ramiflorous or sometimes cauliflorous, ellipsoidal to ovoid to ± globular, 1.5–2.5 (–3) cm long, dark red or purplish black when mature, scabrid, often also hairy; ostiole to 4 mm diam., raised with protruding apical bracts; lateral bracts present; basal bracts variously arranged; peduncle to 1.2 cm long. Male flowers with 4 or 5 tepals; stamens 1 or 2. Female and gall flowers with 4–6 tepals.

A tropical plant. They grow in subtropical and warm temperate locations. In tropical Queensland it grows between 500-600 m altitude. It needs well drained soils. It can grow in sun or shade. It often grows along creek banks. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.

The fruit are eaten when fully ripe. They are good flavour but dry and can be stewed with sugar and water. The hairy skin needs to be removed.

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. The seed are removed from the fig and mixed with sand before sowing as they are very small. Take the seed from ripe purple-black fruit. The plant needs a small wasp to fertilise the fruit.