Sorry Babe, but as destructive as you may think little Ficus pumila may be,
the Strangler Fig is far worse than you can imagine.

Be thankful that you will never encounter it in your little garden.


"David Ross" wrote in message
...
Nevertheless, creeping fig can still damage trees and structures
and needs to be controlled no less than strangler fig.

Cereus-validus wrote:

You believe wrong.

"Creeping fig" is Ficus pumila and "Strangler fig' is Ficus aurea, two
very
very different species that do not closely resemble each other at all.
Neither are parasitic.

"David Ross" wrote in message
...
GreenG wrote:

Hello,

I have a creeping fig vine that is a little out of control in my
back
garden. It is choking a shade tree, robbing it of sunlight. The
vine
is
very vigorous and the tree is having a hard time keeping up. It's a
real
job keeping it off the house and pavement as well.

I tried to kill it by cutting the vine near the base, but that had
no
effect.

Is this vine parasitic, living off of its host? It seems well
attached
to
the tree, so I don't think it will be easy to control or get rid of.
Any
suggestions?

I live in Northern Florida, USA.

I believe 'creeping fig' and 'strangler fig' are just two
different names for Ficus pumila. This is not a parasite.
However, as the plant matures, it can be quite destructive,
damaging walls and buildings and impairing the growth of even
vigorous trees. Even the roots are invasive.

If you want to keep it, cut it down to the ground every few
years. The immature new growth is far less problematical than
mature growth. Once a stem comes out that appears it will flower
(not conspicuous) and fruit (large), you are in trouble.

If you want to eliminate it, cut it down and then treat the new
growth with an herbicide (e.g., Roundup). Mix the herbicide
slightly less strong than indicated on the label to ensure it
translocates to the widespread roots before the top growth dies.
Otherwise, root suckers may become a problem. Repeated doses of
herbicide might still be required.

--

David E. Ross
http://www.rossde.com/

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