A priori perhaps a person who sees the ficus obscura plant I didn't find anything special. It does not have pretty flowers and is not striking in any way like other species can be. However, if you are a lover of botany and like to investigate different species, you will surely end up falling in love with it. Especially when you know a few details about her that we are going to tell you in this article.
It is a ficus, like many others, that comes from the jungle areas of Central and South America, with some peculiarities that will catch your attention if you like to learn about the characteristics of different plant species.
Below we explain information about the place of origin of the ficus obscura, the type of flower it has, what it needs to care for and how you can grow it at home if you finally decide to do so.
What is the ficus obscura plant
From the almost complete moraceae family, is a small tree with rough branches full of hairs. The measurements of the ficus obscura are variable, depending on whether it is a young or mature specimen and whether it is outdoors or indoors. As it grows, it can reach a maximum of 5 meters, although it is not uncommon for it to stay at just one and a half or 2 meters. As for the crown, it can span from one to three meters depending on the space available to grow.
Not only are the branches and crown voluminous, but also the trunk has a tendency to be striking, because it thickens as it ages, and it is not uncommon for it to grow up to 30 cm.
What is the place of origin of the ficus obscura?
As we mentioned before, the ficus obscura has its origin in the tropical forest of South America and Central America. It is common, therefore, to find it in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.
What is the type of leaf of the ficus obscura?
La ficus obscura is an evergreen type And, furthermore, it is very popular because it retains its intense green color throughout the year. Thanks to this, it is a species widely used to decorate spaces, because it manages to resist despite seasonal changes without losing its vigor and color.
Thanks to its reproduction, which occurs both sexually and asexually, produces small white flowers that can turn yellowish and some round fruits that start red and turn purple when they become more mature.
What needs does the ficus obscura have?
In order to develop healthily, the ficus obscura plant must be on warm environments and where there is humidity. Let us not forget that it is native to the tropical jungle. To do this, it is important that you have a well-draining soil, which preserves humidity but without waterlogging.
As for light, it is a plant that it will grow better the more light there is, although this does not mean that it cannot also live in places with semi-shade.
In addition, we must avoid sudden changes in temperature and ensure that it is in a place where these fluctuate. between 18 and 25º.
It is also interesting to prune dry branches so that the plant gains strength and can grow with full vigor. A little fertilizer will do you good, but in moderation. This way it will grow more bushy, healthy and beautiful.
What are the pests and diseases that most affect ficus obscura?
As they say, prevention is better than cure and, in the case of ficus obscura there is no exception. Check the plant regularly to ensure that there is no sign of mealybugs, aphids or mites. If you see something strange, apply a biological insecticide as soon as possible.
This ficus can also be affected by fungal diseases that cause the root to rot due to excess water. Avoid this by controlling irrigation and giving it good drainage and aeration.
Indoor or outdoor plant?
It is a plant that you can grow both outdoors and indoors, although its natural environment is outdoors, where it will receive enough sun, light and air and will have ample space to develop. If you have enough space for it, the ficus in the interior or outdoors it can grow and grow, becoming a very leafy and beautiful tree with a trunk that will also attract attention due to its proportions.
What are the uses and/or benefits of having a dark ficus nearby?
Starting with the benefits that this plant brings to the environment, you have to know that the ficus obscura It is capable of absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. It does this during its photosynthesis and, thanks to this, helps reduce pollution and make the environment cleaner and healthier.
In addition to this environmental advantage, it is a plant that also stands out for its medical uses. They mainly highlight their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Nor can we ignore its enormous value as ornamental resource. Since it is common to find ficus obscura trees in gardens, parks and public and private spaces, providing large spaces of shade and admirable beauty.
We must add the role played by its fruits, which are very nutritious and are an important source of food for the local fauna. Birds, especially, take advantage of the rich flavor of its fruits to obtain interesting nutrients and, while eating, they carry its seeds, contributing to the natural expansion cycle of the ficus.
The same thing happens with wasps, which, in this case, what they do is take food from the flower, helping with pollination, before the fruits appear.
As we can see, having a ficus obscura nearby is not only a privilege to behold and a gift for botany lovers, but also an environmental treasure of indisputable value for what it contributes to the health of the environment and the food chain of other animals and expansion of floral species.
You like the ficus obscura plant? Would you dare to plant and care for it in your home or on some land you own?