I was impressed by this beautiful tree in the middle of town demonstrating the force of nature taking over..

Yes, a Ficus. This is a good example of why people should not (but continue to) plant Ficus close to buildings. The roots will strangle anything. In our area, Ficus benjamina is used as hedges everywhere, and the roots are found in yards sometimes across the street from the trees.

There's a long list of Ficus in Brazil Myriam, I chose one, Ficus bahiensis, the leaves could be a good match but I didn't find any long shots of the tree.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/p...

Thanks Hetty! I just wonder if this tree has actually been planted or if it has self-set and people let it be..
One can see all kinds of plants growing in the old and crumbling walls in the older parts of Rio. It gives the town a friendly and informal face, not like the sterile stone cities in Belgium for example

Thanks Janet, just noticed your reply.
yes, I have checked most of the Ficus sps in the huge list but gave up not finding a match, I'll check what you found..

I feel sure you have nailed it down Janet, I do have to say again, you are most amazing!

I don't know how I go to the correct one first Myriam, it must be some sort of divine intervention.

That is an awesome looking Ficus! My first thought was the Banyan Tree, Ficus benghalensis: http://www.floridata.com/ref/f... whose roots grow like that too.

Ficus benghalensis sure is also looking impressive Lin! I have seen these on my trip to India many, many years ago!

There are so many beautiful and impressive Ficus Trees and I love the looks of the one in your photo!

I think the leaves of Ficus benghalensis are not so pointy and shiny and seem to show more venation. Could it be the Australian species Ficus macrophylla?

stefano

I attach some F. benghalensis I have been growing from seed

Hello Stefano,

If you look back further to my post as I have quoted below, this is the one which looks a possibility.

JRsbugs said:There's a long list of Ficus in Brazil Myriam, I chose one, Ficus bahiensis, the leaves could be a good match but I didn't find any long shots of the tree.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/p...

Hi, Stefano!
Beautiful healthy plants! I feel sure the Brazilian is Ficus bahiensis.