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

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Vietnamese fig

Ficus auriculata

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

$189.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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).

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 .