If the top was broken off or chopped back within the last couple of months, the new buds are exactly what would be expected. There are several causes of strong back-budding, but removing the apex (growing tip) of a branch is probably the most significant stimulus. Note that the buds are immediately above old leaf (bundle) scars, which is reliably where you'll find latent buds just waiting to be stimulated into action. These buds are indeed nascent branches. If they occur in a place where you do not want a branch, just rub them off with your thumb and immediately wash your hands. Ficus sap can be very irritating to skin.

Al

@tapla, OMG, that is so exciting! I'm going to let them do their thing. If back-budding is an indication of a healthy plant, I'll take it!

I took a before and after of the tree since I got it over three weeks ago. I think it's looking happier and perkier because I have watered it whenever the stick came out dry. :)

Back-budding CAN be a sign of a high vitality level, but an intentionally created hormonal imbalance from pruning or the broken top would be a stronger stimulus in most cases.

Al