Common: Green Island ficus, Green Island fig
Green Island ficus or Green Island fig does not have a lot of scientific documentation available but appears to be a cultivar of the Ficus microcarpa species. Most online information is from south Florida landscaping nurseries, which market hedge plants. It is unclear whether it is a cultivar of the Ficus microcarpa or some other more specific scientific distinction based on currently available literature.
The Green Island ficus leaves are smaller and more rounded than standard Ficus Microcarpa. Structurally, based on marketing materials, it is much shorter than standard ficus microcarpa and is often used as a 'ground hedge.'
Growers have crafted some beautiful and well-known bonsai from this material collected in south Florida nurseries. In some other cases, commercial bonsai sellers have applied the name "Green Island Bonsai" to standard Ficus microcarpa with smaller, more rounded leaves for marketing purposes.
The specimens generally show significant aerial root development, small leaves, and often sport sturdy trunks. The bark takes on an aged gray look and the canopies show ample branch development. Due to their small leaf size and vigorous growth, growers graft Green Island ficus branches to ficus species with larger trunks.
No matter the scientific distinction, the care of a Green Island ficus bonsai would be most similar to standard Ficus microcarpa. For more information on lighting, watering, wiring, and pruning for your Green Island ficus, see our detailed guide on Ficus microcarpa bonsai.