Roxburgh Fig (Ficus auriculata) | Elephant Ear Fig with Edible Fruit

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Vietnamese Fig Tree

Ficus auriculata

A spectacular tropical evergreen with huge, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of edible figs that grow directly from the trunk.

$299.00

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Description

Ficus auriculata, commonly known as the Roxburgh Fig or Elephant Ear Fig, is a striking evergreen tree prized for its enormous, heart-shaped leaves and unusual, edible fruit that grows directly from the trunk and main branches. Native to the moist, lowland tropics of Southeast Asia, including southern China and India , this fast-growing species is renowned for its dramatic appearance and ecological importance, serving as a vital "food bank" for over thirty species of wildlife in its native rainforests . Its large, bold foliage and the novelty of its fruiting habit make it an exceptional accent plant for subtropical and tropical landscapes.

Quick Facts

Foliage: Huge, glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves, up to 21 inches long and 12 inches wide; new growth emerges with a striking coppery-red color .
Flowers: The fig structure is a syconium (a hollow, fleshy receptacle containing tiny, inconspicuous flowers).
Fruit: Large, rounded, green to reddish-brown figs grow in dense clusters on the trunk and mature branches ("cauliflory") . Fruit diameter is 3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches) . Edible, with a sweet, honey-like flavor . May take 3-5 years to bear fruit .
Mature Height: 6-10 m (20-35 ft) as a landscape tree ; can reach up to 10 m in its native habitat .
Mature Spread: 6-8 m (20-25 ft) .
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast .
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11 .
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade .
Core Benefits: Dramatic, architectural foliage; unusual, edible fruit; vital wildlife plant; versatile as a specimen, shade, or container plant.
Best Uses: Specimen tree, shade tree, edible landscaping, wildlife gardens, large containers (in colder climates).

Faqs

Q: Is the fruit of the Roxburgh Fig edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and often harvested from the wild . It is sweet with a honey-like flavor and can be eaten fresh, used in jams, or cooked in curries . The fruit is produced in large clusters on the trunk and main branches .

Q: How large does the Roxburgh Fig get?
A: In a landscape setting, it typically grows to a height of 20 to 35 feet (6 to 10 meters) with a similar spread . It is a moderately fast-growing tree that can be kept smaller through pruning, making it suitable for container growing as well .

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: No, it is a tropical and subtropical tree, hardy only in USDA zones 9-11. It is damaged by temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) . It can be grown as a large houseplant or in containers that are brought indoors for winter in colder zones.

Q: What is unique about its flowers and fruit?
A: It has an unusual reproductive habit known as cauliflory, where the flowers and fruit are produced directly on the trunk and large branches rather than at the tips of twigs . Like all figs, its flower is a hidden inflorescence, and it relies on a specific species of wasp for pollination .

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

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San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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20 Gallon

A less common large-container size that sits between typical 15-gallon plants and the heavier box-tree class. It offers more presence, but availability varies by grower and variety.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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