Description
This India-rubber Fig (Ficus elastica) is located within the school playground mulched play area near Block B. The canopy extends over a large section of the playground. The roots possibly extend within a similar area. It measures approximately, height 16 metres, canopy spread 35 metres with trunk diameter 1.8 metres at one metre above the ground (with multiple trunks and aerial roots typical of this species). This hardy fig appears to be in good condition and health. It displays a very dense, broadly spreading canopy.
Significance
This India-rubber Fig (Ficus elastica) is a landmark tree creating a memorable landscape character in this location. This specimen has local significance in terms of visual, social and amenity values in this school setting.
Historical notes
This very large specimen India-rubber Fig (Ficus elastica) is believed to have been planted in the late 1960’s to early 1970’s (according to the nomination by Glebe Public School). The India-rubber Fig, the once commercially valuable species used in the production of natural rubber, has been available in Sydney nurseries since the early to mid-nineteenth century. It is however a relatively rare mature specimen in the City of Sydney LGA allowed to grow unimpeded. These figs had a renaissance in popularity during the late 1950-1960’s period as indoor plants. Some of these figs were transplanted to private gardens and public parks.