Fig tree with two different leaves - Ask Extension
My fig tree (in the house) has two different kinds of leaves. I have had it for at least 15 years taken from a cutting from a tree my step-father had...
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Fig tree with two different leaves #648189
Asked June 09, 2020, 9:47 AM EDT
My fig tree (in the house) has two different kinds of leaves. I have had it for at least 15 years taken from a cutting from a tree my step-father had in Texas. It produces a few brown figs every year. Not sure the kind of fig. The leaf is a three lobed leaf and has always been since I got it. This year there are more figs than usual (about 14). It now has two different leaves one the typical three lobed and the other a no-lobed leaf. Attached are photos. What causes two different leaves on a tree? It the tree still healthy?
Further look, I notice some of the leaves are 3 lobe and some are 5 lobe. A few three lobed leaves look like the outer lobes did not fully form.
Further look, I notice some of the leaves are 3 lobe and some are 5 lobe. A few three lobed leaves look like the outer lobes did not fully form.
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
It is not uncommon for fig trees to develop different shaped leaves. This phenomenon is called "polymorphism". The specific reason why some plants (e.g. mulberry, fig, sassafras) develop these different shaped leaves is unclear and has led to many debates among botanists. One prominent theory has to do with light distribution since non-lobed leaves are more often found toward the top of the plant in many plant species with polymorphic leaves.
Bottom line is that it is normal and, from the photos, your tree looks great. Enjoy! :-)
Bottom line is that it is normal and, from the photos, your tree looks great. Enjoy! :-)
