A tree in the Moraceae family, Ficus phaeosyce grows in eastern New Guinea, endemic to the nation of Papua Niugini.

[5] Native to the eastern parts of the island of New Guinea, it is endemic to the nation of Papua Niugini.

[5][7] In this area it is one of the most abundant understorey taxa, alongside F. conocephalifolia and F. wassa, F. phaeosyce had some 4552 individuals per square kilometre.

[9] The micromoth Niveas kone, in the metalmark moth family Choreutidae feeds on the tree.

[10] The plant has a conservation rating of Least Concern from the IUCN, because it is a widespread common species with a stable population.