The shade could be the biggest problem. Weeds have no problem growing under fig trees, so you should be fine. I have a jalapeno and a tomato growing under a fig tree in partial shade. It's hot here, so they thrive.

I was hoping to plant shade loving plants. I have a couple of roses that were there BEFORE the fig and are doing fine. I also have some fancy begonias that are planted just outside of the canopy reach, but in another year they will be under canopy. Also doing well. It's just that don't have any other plant with such a shallow, matted root form.

thanks for your input

Well you could always set pots on top of the roots. That way you could have your shade loving plants in containers. You could always hang containers from the limbs of the tree too.