Figs can show many variations when grown from seed. Seedlings are never identical to the parent tree.  This variability helps the fig adapt to different conditions in its environment but often complicates or makes a firm identification of a fig species a real guessing game. Once the fig has syconia/figs the naming is often a much easier process.

For example Ficus microcarpa, the Chinese Banyan, is one of the most popular figs to use for bonsai and it is also one of the most variable. I am going to list some examples of the variation possible in just this species but there are other fig species that are also just as variable.

Leaf shape varying from almost round to long and tapered

Leaf size varying from fingernail to almost palm size

Leaf color from yellowish green to dark green

Leaf thickness from paper thin to thick and rubbery

Leaf glossy or shiny varying from dull to very waxy

Petiole color from yellow, to green, to red

Trunk and bark color varying from dark grey, brown,  to very white with many or no spots of white

Clearly identifying a specific plant as a distinct species of fig can be complicated.

A seedling of a named cultivar, say Ficus microcarpa ‘Green Island’ should not be called ‘Green Island’. Only a cutting(vegetative propagation) of the mother tree will be genetically identical and properly called ‘Green Island’.  As an example, I have seed grown Ficus microcarpa that look very similar to ‘Green Island’ but the tree that they come from is not ‘Green Island’ and even if it was the seedlings should just be called Ficus microcarpa x’Green Island’. The x indicating that it is a cross of Green Island and something else. But if I take a cutting form a real ‘Green Island’ than I can properly call it Ficus microcarpa ‘Green Island’.