Rock Fig (Ficus petiolaris)
Regular price $49.95Drought-Tolerant Wild Fig with Sculptural Roots & Striking Leaves
The Rock Fig (Ficus petiolaris), also called Petiole Fig or Mexican Rock Fig, is a beautiful and resilient fig species native to dry tropical forests of Mexico and Baja California. It’s named for its remarkable ability to grow out of rocky hillsides and cliffs, often clinging to bare stone with dramatic exposed roots and a natural bonsai-like form.
This fig is prized for its breathtaking appearance: large, heart-shaped leaves with rose-colored veins, a spreading canopy, and a thickened caudex-like base that forms over time—making it a showstopper in any landscape or container. The tree is highly adaptable and drought-tolerant, thriving in arid or subtropical conditions with well-draining soil and plenty of sun.
Rock Fig produces small, edible figs that are enjoyed by birds and wildlife, and can be eaten fresh or used in preserves. It’s a fantastic choice for xeriscaping, bonsai lovers, or anyone looking to grow a unique fruiting tree with sculptural form and native ecosystem value.
| Scientific Name | Ficus petiolaris |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Rock Fig, Petiole Fig, Mexican Rock Fig |
| Family | Moraceae (Fig Family) |
| Origin | Mexico, Baja California |
| Plant Type | Tropical/Subtropical Fruit Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Low Tree / Shrub Layer |
| Mature Size | 6–15 ft tall (can grow larger in ground) |
| Light | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Water Needs | Low; drought-tolerant once established |
| Harvest Season | Summer to Fall (depending on climate) |
| Time to Fruit | 2–4 years from planting |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Zones | USDA Zones 9–11 |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Cuttings, Seeds |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Semi-deciduous; drops leaves in dry seasons |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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