Ficus benghalensis 'Ben'

Ficus benghalensis, commonly known as the Banyan tree, is one of the most iconic and majestic trees found in various parts of the world. Among the numerous cultivars of this species, Ficus benghalensis 'Ben', also referred to as FIG, stands out with its unique leaf characteristics and striking appearance.

One of the prominent features of 'Ben' is its spreaded leaf arrangement. The leaves are well-spaced out, providing an elegant and airy look to the plant. The leaf tips are described as blunt or obtuse, adding to the overall rounded appearance of the foliage. Combined with the entire and undulate leaf margins, the result is a visually appealing leaf structure.

The general shape of the leaves of 'Ben' is obovate, which means they are reversed egg-shaped. This gives the plant a distinctive look, making it stand out from other Ficus benghalensis cultivars. However, some leaves may also lean towards an elliptic or oval shape, contributing to the overall variation in leaf appearance within the cultivar.

'Ben' can reach a height of 40 - 50 cm or even grow taller, ranging from 70 - 80 cm. This makes it a relatively compact cultivar, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. The plant's manageable size allows gardening enthusiasts to easily incorporate it into their green spaces, whether it be in a garden bed, container, or as a decorative houseplant.

As for the width of the leaves, they typically measure around 10 - 15 cm, providing a good balance between leaf size and the plant's overall form. The leaf surface of 'Ben' is generally described as dull and smooth, imparting a velvety texture that adds to its aesthetic appeal.

The leaves of 'Ben' have an average size of 20 - 25 cm, making them relatively large compared to other Ficus benghalensis cultivars. This, combined with their unique shape, creates a sense of grandeur and beauty.

The main color of the leaves is a dark green, representing the characteristic hue of most Ficus benghalensis varieties. This deep shade of green adds a touch of elegance to any garden or indoor space where 'Ben' is planted. The uniform color pattern further enhances the visual impact, with the leaves exhibiting a unicolored appearance throughout.

In conclusion, Ficus benghalensis 'Ben', also known as FIG, is a captivating cultivar that showcases a range of distinctive leaf characteristics. From its spreaded leaf arrangement and blunt/obtuse tips to its entire and undulate margins, 'Ben' truly stands out. With a height ranging from 40 - 50 cm to 70 - 80 cm, this cultivar is a perfect choice for those seeking a compact and visually appealing plant. Its obovate or elliptic/oval-shaped foliage, along with its dull yet smooth leaf surface, adds to its allure. Lastly, the dark green, unicolored leaves provide a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden or indoor space.

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