In the south it is often the largest and most prominent tree,[3] and is virtually restricted to cliff faces and rock outcrops,[4] where it has a rock-splitting habit.

[7] The nominate subspecies is pollinated by the wasp Platyscapa desertorum Compton.

The wasp Comptoniella vannoorti Wiebes is an associated non-pollinator that oviposits through the fig wall.

[7] F. salicifolia,[8] the Wonderboom, is sometimes deemed a third subspecies of Ficus cordata, i.e. F. c. subsp.

salicifolia (Vahl) C.C.Berg, but it lacks the yellowish sessile figs of F. cordata, and its range is much to the east.