Ficus coronata

The Creek sandpaper fig has notably rough leaves, as the name suggests and Aboriginal people knew how to use this tree to its full potential. The leaves were used to maintain weapons, string made from the bark, and the fruit was a staple food source.

In the wild, the Sandpaper fig grows in the east of both Queensland and New South Wales. Sandpaper fig is a Ficus tree and that means the flowers form on the inside of the fruit. Which is why only a very specific type of wasp can pollinate the figs. 

The ideal way to enjoy the fruit of the Ficus coronata is raw and fresh from the tree, skin and seeds too. Some people prefer to peel the fruit and scoop out the seeds. Or if cooked figs are more your taste, you can bake, boil or grill them. You can also enjoy the fruit dried or powdered. It can be used in everything from cakes and biscuits to sauces and jams.

The fruit is small, only about 2 cm in length, and starts off green. As the fruit starts to ripen, the colour changes to a deep purple-black.

The Sandpaper fig is hardy, coping with many kinds of natural settings that include rainforest and creeks. It can handle cold weather and poorer soil. It does love light, but will adjust, enjoys lots of space to grow, good moisture levels, and warmth.

The Sandpaper fig is usually between 6 and 12 metres in height and can spread out between 3 and 6 metres. The root system is small by comparison with many other fig species but can still be penetrative.

Useful links to further information

• Sandpaper Fig – Ficus Coronata Growing Guide, Aussie Green Thumb