Ficus Nitida

Dark green leaves and a
bold desert survivor, this
fig graces our streets.

~carliewired

Landscaping is big business in Arizona. People want shade and greenery, especially in the desert. These fig trees are not native to Arizona. They are from India and Malaysia and are commonly called "Indian Laurel Fig". These trees are very commonly found in yards and public landscaping in the lower half of Arizona. They grow to be a big, densely leafed tree. Last winter they were sorely tested with some freezing temperatures in the Phoenix area. Many were frost damaged there, but survived and renewed themselves after some drastic pruning.

Here in the Foothills of Yuma, the fig is a common shade tree in yards around my neighbourhood. This photo shows my neighbour's yard on the next street behind my house.Their figs are getting a haircut. Often the trees are manicured to form a perfect globe shape like these. Sometimes they are trimmed square which is called the "Mexican Box". Because the trunks are subject to sunburn, they are sometimes whitewashed to protect them.