Variegated Rubber Tree (Rubberboom)

Variegated Rubber Tree (Rubberboom) #

Ficus elastica variegata

Ficus elastica variegata

Quick Info #

  • Distribution & habitat: native to South and Southeast Asia – favours colder climates or tropical regions that offer direct sunlight
  • Family: Moraceae
  • Florescence: -
  • Fruiting: -
  • Leaf habit: evergreen
  • Name origin: “ficus” means “fig”, “elastica” means “elastic” and “variegata” refers to variegation
  • Other names: Indian rubber bush, Indian rubber tree, rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber plant and rubber tree plant

Description #

The variegated rubber tree is popular for its use as a potted plant inside the house, where it likely grows up to about 3 metres, but in nature it may reach 12 metres. It has big, glossy leaves with creamy-white or yellowish-green, widely varying variegation patterns over a green background. The colours can vary, however, between pink, white and dark red. The leaves are smooth, wide and ovoid.

Uses & Ecology #

Its aesthetic appeal makes it a common choice for adorning the home.

In India, the roots have reportedly been guided over gorges to form “living bridges”.

Caution: Do not medically use or ingest any plant parts before consulting a qualified health practitioner. Any mentioned traditional uses are based on cultural practices and anecdotal evidence. They are not necessarily clinically proven or supported by modern scientific studies.

References #