Ficus obliqua aka Small Leaf Fig

Ficus obliqua is an evergreen tree in the mulberry family, Moraceae. Its native range spans Indonesia, New Guinea, and eastern Australia. It also grows across the southwestern Pacific. It lives in rain forests and forests regrowing after disturbance. Other sites include dry forests, rocky shores, and dry cliffs. Rain forest records reach 3,281 feet [1,000 metres] above sea level. People also grow it in villages and some home gardens.

The tree forms a broad crown and varies greatly in height. Many trees stay below 49 feet [15 metres]. The source gives an overall range of 13–164 feet [4–50 metres]. It lists 66 feet [20 metres] as a separate height figure. One photographed wild tree reached 184 feet [56 metres]. These figures do not define a clear garden size range. Its evergreen foliage and wide crown shape its year-round form.

This fig often begins life as an epiphyte on another tree. Roots grow down from its perch toward the soil. Once rooted, they draw nutrients that help the fig grow. The roots may wrap around the host trunk and restrict growth. The fig's crown also competes with its host for space. Together, these effects can kill the supporting tree. Older figs send more aerial roots down from their crowns. These become prop roots that feed and brace the tree. They also help support a wider canopy.

In cultivation, this species accepts full sun or partial shade. It can bear flowers and fruit throughout the year. Wasps pollinate its flowers. Those flowers develop inside the structure that becomes the fig. The source describes male flowers and two female flower types. Female wasps lay eggs in the short-styled female flowers. They also pollinate the long-styled female flowers during their visit. The account gives no seasonal limit for flowering or fruiting.

Local people collect this tree for fibre and medicinal uses. They have used its latex on sore joints. Other latex uses include sealing boats and keeping water out. The inner bark has served as material for cloth. Wood and aerial roots supply material for tools and light building. People also burn the wood as fuel. The source records no known food uses or hazards. That does not establish that its fruit is edible.