PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Ficus elastica
Rubber Fig
Roxb. ex Hornem.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A massive, broad-leaved evergreen tree in the banyan group, growing up to 30-40 meters tall in nature. It develops a stout trunk with aggressive, banyan-like aerial and buttress roots. It features glossy, leathery, large oval leaves with a distinctive reddish sheath (stipule) protecting the emerging new growth. All parts exude an abundant milky white, irritating latex when cut.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Rosales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Moraceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Ficus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Roxb. ex Hornem.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the tropical rainforests and sub-montane zones of South and Southeast Asia, spanning from northeast India through Myanmar, southern China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It thrives in humid tropical lowlands, forest gaps, and alluvial valleys, adapted to warm climates with heavy monsoon rainfalls and well-drained, humus-rich soils.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Can grow as a massive terrestrial tree or occasionally as a hemiepiphyte (strangler) starting life in the fork of a host tree. It exhibits a completely stationary but immense physical growth pattern, dominating canopy profiles and mechanically overshading surrounding sub-canopy vegetation.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
300.0 - 4000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Develops a powerful, invasive network of aerial roots that descend from horizontal branches to anchor into the soil, functioning both as structural pillars to support the massive crown expansion and as auxiliary nutrient absorbers.
Produces a thick, chemical-dense white latex throughout its vascular system containing rubber elastomers and specialized protective enzymes, effectively sealing mechanical wounds and deterring wood-boring pests and general herbivores.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Classified as Least Concern (LC). While localized deforestation and habitat conversion affect native populations in old-growth Southeast Asian forests, the species faces zero global extinction risk due to extensive pan-tropical ornamental planting.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
In northeast India (Meghalaya), indigenous communities guide the robust aerial roots of Ficus elastica across rushing rivers using hollowed betel nut trunks, creating famous living root bridges that grow stronger with age and withstand extreme monsoon flooding.