04-01-2014, 04:17 AM
Let's set the record straight here, folks!!! A 'Banyan' is a Ficus benghalensis and though CAN be (but for the most part is NOT) a 'strangler' is EASILY controlled through judicious and selective pruning when the tree is young and as it grows larger and larger. The 'strangler' moniker is given almost pervasively throughout the Ficus genus and has lead to some misconceptions about certain species of the Ficus genus, UNFORTUNATELY.
I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND several species:
Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay Fig which grows to ENORMOUS dimensions over time. Make sure you have room for it!) ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_macrophylla
Ficus microphylla/rubiginosa (Rusty Leaf Fig which is much smaller and grows to about 20-50 feet with a crown/spread of about 30 feet) ~ https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/FIC...GINOSA.htm
Ficus microcarpa nitida (retusa) or Cuban Laurel, with a growth habit of about 50-100 feet high by 50-100 or more feet in crown diameter,
Ficus benjamina (Benjamin Ficus), with a growth habit (OVER time) of 100 feet and 100 feet or more in diameter,
In spite of it's reputation as a notorious 'invasive species' in Hawai'i, and which is more specifically the Ficus religiosa, Ficus species are TOTALLY APPROPRIATE in the Puna area where a large space is available. They do better in wetter climes and will need more water in lower elevations. And though they are 'epiphytic', the 'strangler' effect of the different species prone to that behavior takes YEARS to happen and can EASILY be thwarted through, as I stated above, selective destruction of tree-born seeds, and judicious and selective pruning (which, by the way is done OPPOSITE of other trees, basically from the ground UP NOT from the top down as the sap is profuse and can cause an allergic reaction in some that are allergic to latex). Typically the seeds do better IN the tops of other trees and NOT SO GOOD on the ground.
Ficus provide shelter for birds and other epiphytes like a HUGE variety of bromeliads and other native Hawai'ian species.
Having said all that, there are a couple of Ficus genus I would RECOMMEND STRONGLY AGAINST: Ficus religiosa and Ficus repens (pumila). Ficus repens, in particular, exhibits 'strangler' behavior and is plenty strong enough to move VERY LARGE buildings with their rapid growth and invasive root systems. AND they are fast growers. DO NOT be deceived by their gorgeous tiny heart-shaped leaves when they are young as ultimately the leaves of the older plants grow to ENORMOUS dimensions and without proper 'training' will grow up, over, and into, EVERYTHING around them. In the early 70's-80's these Bad Boys were used EXTENSIVELY as espaliers on fences and walls of homes MUCH to the disdain of the owners when years later it costs THOUSANDS of dollars of repair/replacement/removal because of their GINORMOUS root systems and growth.
My FAVORITE of all is the Ficus macrocarpa (Moreton Bay Fig). Just MAKE SURE that where you plant it is far away from structures (BOTH above and below ground, ie, utilities) and that you shape it when it is young so that it forms an umbrella/crown with age. It is EASY to prune the air roots so that they do not 'buttress' over time
ALOHA
Punanny
I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND several species:
Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay Fig which grows to ENORMOUS dimensions over time. Make sure you have room for it!) ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_macrophylla
Ficus microphylla/rubiginosa (Rusty Leaf Fig which is much smaller and grows to about 20-50 feet with a crown/spread of about 30 feet) ~ https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/FIC...GINOSA.htm
Ficus microcarpa nitida (retusa) or Cuban Laurel, with a growth habit of about 50-100 feet high by 50-100 or more feet in crown diameter,
Ficus benjamina (Benjamin Ficus), with a growth habit (OVER time) of 100 feet and 100 feet or more in diameter,
In spite of it's reputation as a notorious 'invasive species' in Hawai'i, and which is more specifically the Ficus religiosa, Ficus species are TOTALLY APPROPRIATE in the Puna area where a large space is available. They do better in wetter climes and will need more water in lower elevations. And though they are 'epiphytic', the 'strangler' effect of the different species prone to that behavior takes YEARS to happen and can EASILY be thwarted through, as I stated above, selective destruction of tree-born seeds, and judicious and selective pruning (which, by the way is done OPPOSITE of other trees, basically from the ground UP NOT from the top down as the sap is profuse and can cause an allergic reaction in some that are allergic to latex). Typically the seeds do better IN the tops of other trees and NOT SO GOOD on the ground.
Ficus provide shelter for birds and other epiphytes like a HUGE variety of bromeliads and other native Hawai'ian species.
Having said all that, there are a couple of Ficus genus I would RECOMMEND STRONGLY AGAINST: Ficus religiosa and Ficus repens (pumila). Ficus repens, in particular, exhibits 'strangler' behavior and is plenty strong enough to move VERY LARGE buildings with their rapid growth and invasive root systems. AND they are fast growers. DO NOT be deceived by their gorgeous tiny heart-shaped leaves when they are young as ultimately the leaves of the older plants grow to ENORMOUS dimensions and without proper 'training' will grow up, over, and into, EVERYTHING around them. In the early 70's-80's these Bad Boys were used EXTENSIVELY as espaliers on fences and walls of homes MUCH to the disdain of the owners when years later it costs THOUSANDS of dollars of repair/replacement/removal because of their GINORMOUS root systems and growth.
My FAVORITE of all is the Ficus macrocarpa (Moreton Bay Fig). Just MAKE SURE that where you plant it is far away from structures (BOTH above and below ground, ie, utilities) and that you shape it when it is young so that it forms an umbrella/crown with age. It is EASY to prune the air roots so that they do not 'buttress' over time
ALOHA
Punanny
Kaihekili