Ficus is a pan-tropical genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemi-epiphytes in the family Moraceae. Ficus occupies a wide variety of ecological niches; most are evergreen, but some deciduous species are endemic to areas outside of the tropics and to higher elevations. Fig species are characterized by their unique inflorescence and distinctive pollination syndrome, which utilizes wasp species belonging to the Agaonidae family for pollination. The fruit of most species are edible though they are usually of only local economic importance or eaten as bushfood. However, they are extremely important food resources for wildlife. Figs are also of considerable cultural importance throughout the tropics, both as objects of worship and for their many practical uses.

Ficus americana subsp. andicola, commonly known as Andean Laurel Fig, is a large evergreen tree with marvelous, glossy green foliage and small red fruits, usually found growing at higher elevations in the rain and cloud forests of the Andes from Venezuela to Peru to 2600 m. It makes a great bonsai and is also grown as an ornamental, popular as a street tree in the Andes.