Grown outside in warm humid conditions, Ficus elastica can become a massive tree, growing up to 40m, given time.
It has aerial and buttress roots helping to anchor the trunk and support the heavy branches.
It also has invasive roots that can break up paths and water pipes.
It has large, glossy, elliptical, deep green leaves that start bronzy from a rolled up, pointed sort of sheath.
It produces tiny flowers but these are not visible as they grow within the developing fruit.
The fruit are oval and greeny-yellow.
In cooler climates it is a popular ornamental house plant growing up to 3m.
The glossy deep green leaves give the room it inhabits a tropical feel.
Because of their popularity many hybrids have been created and many have variegated leaves.
When grown as house plants they tend not to produce flowers and fruit.