This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)

In the upper part of Bordighera, beside the parking lot in the square, are some magnificent specimens of Ficus macrophylla. That is a plant native to the Australian rain forests, where it often grows as a parasitic climber. In fact, when it germinates on the branch of a tree, it spreads its roots around the trunk, suffocating or even killing the host to take its place taking its place – hence the common name of this plant.
The typical Ficus macrophylla shows large columnar aerial roots which, once in the ground, mutate into additional trunks. They actually serve as “pillars” that support the very heavy top of the tree and, at the same, absorb great quantities of water. As many other extremely “thirsty” Australian species, this type of tree should not be planted in any urban area, especially where water is scarce: its roots may literally destroy the water pipes.

How to reach it:

The monumental tree is located in the small garden, a few steps from the town hall (Palazzo Garnier) of Bordighera.
The tree is very large, with a circumference of over 32 ft and a height of 59 ft. The broad branching extends horizontally and forms a spectacular evergreen canopy. Tropical trees are a recurring ornamental feature throughout Liguria Region, as the latter is blessed by a mild and suitable climate all year long.

The Ficus in Bordighera had not been in good health for several years when, in November 2017, phytosanitary and stability assessments were carried out by some experts. In March 2018, the first long due interventions were made, like cutting the dry branches. Pruning will take place soon, to rebalance the canopy, as well as the removal of part of the pavement to free the roots.

Botanical Information:

Originally from Australia, it was introduced to Sicily in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, mostly in parks or botanical gardens.
Ficus macrophylla is an evergreen tree with a large crown formed by leaves with very leathery appearance.
The trunk is short and massive and in its places of origin, the species can rise up to 164 ft.

A fascinating feature is that of sprouting pillar-like aerial roots from the branches; when the former reach the ground, they become actual secondary trunks. The root system is very extensive and intrusive, for this reason, the plant would need a lot of free space in order to properly grow.

The Ficus macrophylla has leaves similar to those of magnolias, appearing broad, oval-elliptic, leathery and dark green; they’re also shiny on top, silvery on the bottom, and from 4 to 10 inch-long. The fruit is an edible syconium, similar to that of the common fig (Ficus carica); it’s ovoidal and about 0.8-inch long – initially green, but turning purple with yellow-green patches when ripe. It is produced only from mature trees grown outdoors; it usually develops in pairs.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)