Short-Leaf Fig (Ficus citrifolia)

Description:  A medium-size TREE (30-40 feet); smaller, less aggressive, and less prone to drop aerial roots than the related Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea).  

Natural Habitat:  Tropical hammocks.

Planting and Care:  Grows rapidly in full sun and moist organic soil; tolerates drought once established. 

Pros: Apart from shiny attractive foliage, it is a KEYSTONE species: it supports a complex insect ecosystem, its year-round fruit attract and support numerous birds and other small animals, and it is the host plant for the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly (pictured below), as well as numerous moth species. Requires little care, and better behaved than its cousin the Strangler Fig.  A must for hammock restorations.

Cons:  Avoid planting next to a roof or driveway due to fruit and leaf fall.