Ficus abutilifolia
Seen growing on rocky outcrops and cliffs from northern Kwazulu-Natal through Mpumalanga and Limpopo to North West Province (and beyond our borders as far afield as Guinea in the west and Somalia in the north-east), the Large-leaved Rock Fig is an easily noticed and impressive tree not necessarily for its size but because it is capable of flourishing in apparently precarious locations and of splitting rocks with its roots. These trees seldom grow taller than 5m, though their roots can stretch up to 60m deep!
In keeping with many other kinds of fig, the Large-leaved Rock Fig is pollinated by wasps. Ripe fruit are much sought after by frugivorous birds, bats and primates (humans included!), and antelope and wild pigs are very fond of figs that have fallen to the ground. Though their use in a garden is limited due to the strong and expansive roots, these trees work excellently as bonsai.
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
A small Large-leaved Rock Fig getting a grip on its rocky substrate
A small Large-leaved Rock Fig getting a grip on its rocky substrate
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
A yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax hiding in a crevice secured by the roots of a Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig roots and trunk
Large-leaved Rock Fig roots and trunk
Large-leaved Rock Fig roots
Large-leaved Rock Fig roots and branches
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig leaves
Large-leaved Rock Figs
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig supporting a boulders
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Fig
Large-leaved Rock Figs