Tree identification help needed

[scorpster]

We have this tree on our property and would appreciate help to identify what kind this is. I looked in the books and couldn't figure it out:

[brooklyn1]

You'd make it much easier to help if you'd disclose where in the world this tree is growing... would also help to have a view of the entire tree,

[scorpster]

This is in Orange County (Southern California). I tried to also take a photo of the entire tree but there is another different type of tree in front of it blocking the view so I could just take a photo of the top portion. It's pretty tall, perhaps 20-30 feet tall.

[David E. Ross]

The long leaf buds and the shiny leaves with smooth edges make me think of some kind of ficus (although some have fuzzy or lobed leaves). I would cut a small branch and take it to a local nursery for identification. When you ask, let them know whether it goes dormant (even very briefly) in the winter, which will help the identification.

As an alternative to a nursery, you might visit a nearby community college that has a botany department or even UCI or UCR.

[Dioclese]

The thin appearing bark makes me think of the local hackberry trees here in central Texas. Yet, when I do some research on that species, the hackberry does not have a range in Texas either. So, I'm more confused now.

[D. Staples]

The photo tree has vanilla like seed pods showing over what appear to be red petals.

Since we don't know where the tree is located, I would call it an exotic.

[Garrapata]

Do the leaves have a strong smell? does it have white sap? describe the flowers - they may not be conspicuous if you have a scanner scan a branch and post it/

[scorpster]

I took some more photos including a close-up of the leaves and the trunk after we had it trimmed. Maybe this will help to identify?

[Pat Kiewicz]

pictures, and I still think it's a Ficus, though I can't be sure of the species. (Ornamental Ficus are indoor plants only, where I live.)

Maybe Ficus microcarpa?

Here's an article on ornamental Ficus (as landcape plants):