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 citrifolia
Shortleaf Fig
Mill.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, fast-growing hemiepiphytic 'strangler' fig tree that often reaches 15 to 25 meters in height. It features a vast, complex network of greyish aerial roots that fuse around host trees, dark-green glossy leaves with prominent veins, and spherical, stalked syconia (figs) that change color from green to dark-purple or black when fully mature.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
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).Urticaceae
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.Mill.
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.
Stable
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 and subtropical Americas, spanning from Florida and the Caribbean basin through Central America into northern South America and Brazil. It thrives in diverse coastal forests, lowland rainforests, and inland hammocks, demonstrating high tolerance for secondary disturbed growth and open urban areas.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
Functions as an essential ecological keystone species. Its unique, locally unsynchronized internal clocks trigger fruiting events irrespective of seasonality, ensuring that a dense biological collective of figs remains continuously available to forest frugivores when other plant cycles fail.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)
1500.0 - 25000.0 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
Employs an aggressive hemiepiphytic growth form; starting on high branches, its fast-extending aerial roots drop down to ground-level soil, out-competing the host tree for root-zone nutrients and mechanical sunlight placement.
Possesses a resilient physiological system that seals internal wounds with hydro-repellent white latex, effectively immobilizing chewing insect mandibles and acting as an antiseptic cover against opportunistic fungi.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Though structurally highly resilient, isolated mature individuals are prone to targeted mechanical removal in urban and pastoral developments due to the capacity of their root systems to disrupt underground pipes, foundations, and sidewalks.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Like many strangler figs, it acts as a structural ecosystem engineer; over long periods, the hollow interior skeleton left behind after the original host tree rots away turns into a complex cave-like sanctuary for nesting bats, reptiles, and invertebrates.