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 lyrata, commonly known as Fiddle-leaf Fig, is native to western Africa, from Cameroon west to Sierra Leone, where it grows in lowland tropical rainforest. It can grow from 12 to 15 m tall with variably shaped leaves, often resembling a lyre or fiddle. They are up to 45 cm long and 30 cm broad, though usually smaller, with a leathery texture, prominent veins and a wavy margin. The fruit is a green fig 2.5cm to 3cm in diameter. It is a popular ornamental evergreen tree in subtropical and tropical gardens and is also grown as a houseplant in temperate areas, where it usually stays shorter and fails to flower or fruit. It requires indirect natural light. It is not really all that hardy, only coping with minimum temperatures of 10°C. Grown indoors, light is the most limiting factor for Ficus lyrata. It is a full sun plant, in its natural habitat, but it can also grow well indoors in bright indirect light.