Ficus tikoua - Prostrate fig

The Ficus tikoua, also known as the Wasp Fig, is a species of creeping or climbing fig tree that is tender and rare in cultivation, capable of covering several square metres, forming an elegant ground cover that follows the contours of the ground or large rocks: its slender branches develop adventitious roots in places, enabling it to climb various supports. Its foliage is semi-evergreen to deciduous in winter depending on the cold. Suitable for planting in the ground in regions spared from severe frosts, this fig tree can make a very attractive plant for patios or balconies, but must be sheltered in less favourable climates.

Like all figs trees, the Ficus tikoua belongs to the Moraceae family. It is native to China, northeastern India, Laos, and northern Vietnam, where it grows in fallow lands and rock crevices up to 4000 metres in altitude. Its hardiness enables it to withstand short frosts of around -6°C, possibly more if its stump is well protected in winter, as evidenced by a specimen planted in the Strasbourg's Botanical Garden. Not exceeding 30 cm in height, this bush can develop branches 2-3 m long. It is a dioecious plant, meaning that there are distinct male and female individuals. Reproduction in this fig tree is closely linked to the presence of small wasps living in the flowers of male plants that will pollinate the flowers of female plants.

The Wasp Fig tree is an elegant collector's plant perfectly suited to exotic or Japanese-style decors. In milder regions, it will thrive in a large rockery that is not too dry, planted in a pocket of humus between large stones. It could also be acclimatised in a large container on a patio, placed in fairly acidic, very well-draining yet moist substrate. It will form a beautiful ground cover in a heathland bed, beneath rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas, for example.