About Ficus pumila L.
Ficus pumila L., commonly known as creeping fig, is a woody evergreen liana that grows 2.5–12 meters (8–39 feet) tall. Juvenile leaves are much smaller and thinner than the mature leaves that develop as the plant ages. Its leaves are oval, cordate, asymmetrical, and have opposite veins. The plant has a creeping growth habit, can grow as a liana, and climbs supports such as trees and rocks to heights of 4 meters or more. Aerial roots of Ficus pumila secrete a translucent latex that hardens as it dries, which lets stems adhere tightly to their climbing supports. This species is pollinated by the fig wasp Wiebesia pumilae (also known by the synonym Blastophaga pumilae), and is eaten by the larvae of the butterfly Marpesia petreus.
Like other members of the plant family Moraceae, contact with the milky sap of Ficus pumila can trigger phytophotodermatitis, a potentially serious skin inflammation. While the plant itself is not inherently poisonous, it is listed in the FDA Database of Poisonous Plants.
As its common name suggests, Ficus pumila has a creeping, vining growth habit. It is widely used in gardens and landscapes to cover the ground and climb trees and walls. It is hardy to temperatures as low as 1 °C (34 °F) and cannot tolerate frost, so it is often grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. It is fast-growing and requires minimal care. It can become invasive when growing conditions are favorable. Its secondary roots and tendrils can cause structural damage to certain buildings, especially those with fragile mortar or fragile construction materials. This plant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
