Ficus of Plaza de San Francisco

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Leisure · Subcategory: Singular trees · Year: 1897

The four spectacular specimens of ficus ( Ficus macrophylla ), also known as rubber tree or rubber fig, were planted in Plaza de San Francisco in 1897 at the initiative of the mayor of Santa Cruz at that time, Anselmo Benítez.

They are trees of an evergreen species of the fig genus, native to northeast India (Assam), southern Indonesia (Sumatra and Java) and Australia. It was introduced to Europe in 1815 as an indoor plant, although those we can see in this setting have reached considerable height. They have a solid irregular trunk more than 2 metres in diameter, which develops aerial roots in the form of long lianas and buttresses that help anchor the tree to the ground. The leaves are broad, shiny and oval, developing a sheath that grows as the new leaf grows. These trees tolerate drought well despite their tropical nature and when a wound occurs or a branch is cut, a very irritating latex flows like bleeding, harmful to eyes and skin, and fatal if ingested.

These century-old ficus have adapted incredibly well to Plaza de San Francisco. With their grand height, wide stature and aerial roots, they form, together with the Church of San Francisco, the Audiencia and some old houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, one of the highest quality urban landscapes in the city.

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