VLVL2 (1): Creeping Fig

[Tim Strzechowski]

The creeping fig (Ficus pumila), a remarkable Asian vine that is commonly cultivated in southern California. There are two distinct types of stem growth: Young, juvenile branches and older, mature branches. The juvenile branches (with smaller leaves) produce aerial roots that adhere to concrete, stucco, masonry and even glass windows. Without pruning, a single plant can envelop a four-story building. The aerial roots secrete a clear, gummy latex that works like rubber cement. This remarkable adhesive was first described in detail by Charles Darwin in his book The Movements and Habits of Climbing Plants (1876). Older, mature branches with larger leaves produce fleshy, flower-bearing syconia. In fact, this species has been crossed with the edible fig (F. carica) to produce a hybrid vine (F. x pumila-carica) with edible syconia. 

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ecoph30.htm

http://www.cityoforlando.net/planning/nature/vines_creepfig.htm



Interestingly, considering Zoyd's seeming laziness,

"Consider this a high maintenance plant when grown on structures as pruning will be required several times a year to remove growth from windows, roofs, etc. as the vine relentlessly endeavors to coat everything it encounters in a green blanket."
http://www.floridata.com/ref/f/ficu_pum.cfm



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