Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Moraceae

Genus:

Ficus

Species:

Ficus elastica

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

12-20 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Native Range

United States: Florida, Guam, Puerto Rico, Palau

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers humid environments typical of tropical rainforests