Ficus microcarpa is native to tropical Asia,
southern China,
Taiwan, islands of the Western Pacific and
Australia. The tree is considered a major
invasive species in
Hawaii,
Florida,
Bermuda,
Central America, and
South America.
F. microcarpa is widely used as a street and ornamental tree in areas of coastal
California that are free of regular frost. Its strong roots can lift sidewalks and pavements, and many California cities no longer recommend planting them. In
Southern California, a population of the symbiotic fig wasp is now established, which allows the ornamental trees to produce fertile fruit. Seeds are spread by fruit-eating birds, and
F. microcarpa can now spread without direct human help. Naturalized populations have been found in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Ventura counties, including on buildings, bridges, and other structures, and as an
epiphyte on other trees, especially palm trees. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree in most of
Spain's
Mediterranean coast, as in the
Balearic and the
Canary islands. Ficus microcarpa can also be found on the southern coast of
Sicily, in
Rhodes and
Cyprus. It is considered an invasive plant in Israel, although it is not widespread. ==Ecology==