Folio: James Niven

Ficus Macrophylla – An intimate view

The iconic Moreton Bay fig tree (Ficus macrophylla) stands as a dominant feature of Sydney’s Parks and public recreational spaces throughout the city. 

As a teenager, I remember standing on the large prehistoric-looking buttress roots of these magnificent trees; from this vantage point, I was able to obtain a better view of the public speakers on a Sunday in the Domain and enjoyed lazy afternoons relaxing under the large canopies of the fig to escape the intense Sydney summer heat.

Recently, I had the opportunity to reconnect with these majestic trees, some of which were originally planted in Sydney during the mid-1800s. With renewed enthusiasm to capture the true essence of the Moreton Bay fig tree and discover a more intimate perspective than what I had previously known, I made a conscious decision to photograph the Moreton Bay fig tree with just one camera and lens, a Hasselblad 503CX and 180mm CF f4 lens. For consistency, I selected one film stock, Ilford Pan F 50 120 black and white film, and one developer, Pyrocat HD in semi-stand development, for its stained organic-looking negatives. 

In August and September 2025, I searched for Sydney’s oldest Moreton Bay fig trees across Observatory Hill, Hyde Park, The Domain, Chippendale, and the Royal Botanic Garden. All images are scans of black and white negatives. 

A distinctive feature of the Ficus macrophylla is the white sap that is often seen trickling down its trunk. This substance, known as latex, serves as a natural defence mechanism against insects, fungi & micro-organisms

The Ficus macrophylla was of significant importance to the Aboriginal people of the east coast of Australia. Its fruit was edible, and fibres from the bark were used for practical purposes such as making fishing nets. The tree’s expansive canopy provided shelter and served as a sacred site for ceremonies, gathering places, and spiritual landmarks. It also held special significance for some Aboriginal women’s communities, being used as a sacred space for birthing. 

One distinguishing feature of the Ficus macrophylla is its large, glossy foliage, with individual leaves reaching lengths of up to 30 centimetres. 

James Niven values of simplicity, balance, and harmony, are important components to my compositions and central to my creative approach. I am most inspired and challenged by seascapes, landscapes, and streetscapes; these genres offer an outlet for my artistic voice and, above all, bring me great joy.