The Ficus elastica, the botanical name of the rubber tree, is related to the edible figs because it belongs to the same genus. Very small fig-like fruits form from inconspicuous flowers, but they are almost inedible.
What do the flowers of a rubber tree look like?
The flowers of the rubber tree (Ficus elastica) are inconspicuous, barely visible and hidden in an approximately 1 cm large inflorescence. They contain male, female and sterile flowers, with fertile seeds only produced by pollination by the fig wasp.
What do the flowers of the rubber tree look like?
The flowers of the rubber tree are rather inconspicuous. In an inflorescence about a centimeter in size there are male and female flowers and also sterile gall flowers. In order for these flowers to develop into fertile seeds, pollination must occur by the fig wasp.
Why is the rubber tree still so popular?
The appeal of the rubber tree as a houseplant lies in its relatively easy care and also in its shiny, mostly dark green leaves. If it doesn't get enough light, it quickly lets it down.
In summer you can definitely put your rubber tree on the balcony, but it is not hardy. If the autumn nights become cool, the plant should move back into the apartment quickly, as the rubber tree cannot tolerate temperatures below around 16 °C.
In winter the location can be a little cooler than in the summer months. This winter rest is good for your rubber tree and it will grow new leaves and shoots in spring.
The most important things in brief:
- no decorative, showy flowers
- barely visible and inconspicuous
- hidden in an inflorescence
- male and female flowers, also sterile ones
- fertile seed formation only when pollinated by the fig wasp
Tip
If you would like to own a particularly decorative rubber tree, then buy a variegated variety.
