Identity
Category :
Arbre remarquable
Latin name :
Ficus carica
French name :
Figuier commun
Dutch name :
Vijgenboom
English name :
Common Fig tree
Family :
Ficus
Height :
2m
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 10–15 m
Diameter of the crown :
3 m
Trunk circumference :
52 cm (at the base of the shrub)
Expected circumference :
200 cm
Expected longevity :
Can live for 300 years (if planted in full ground)
Origin / Indigenous
Middle East and Mediterranean regions where it pollinates in the wild
Favorite soil :
Enjoys drained, damp or cool soils but can also deal with chalky or poor soils
Favorite climate
Mediterranean
Usefulness and services of the tree :
Enhances the landscape :
++
Enhances the biodiversity :
+++
Provide oxygen :
+
Purify the air :
Filter the water :
Prevents flooding :
Stores carbon :
Softens the climate :
Limits soil erosion :
Does good, heals :
+++
Features and characters of the individual
This is a particularly surprising tree. It belongs to a rare species in these latitudes. Who would expect to come face to face with a fig tree at Place de la Bourse in Brussels? Far from the usual Mediterranean regions, this tree is planted in a concrete tray on the edge of Boulevard Anspach and is wedged between a pole, another tree and a clump of other trees. It definitely does not seem to be in its proper place! However, it does seem to enjoy this spot. And is definitely part of the decoration nowadays. For most Brussels’ locals though, this tree goes unnoticed.
