I have found the same thing on my ficus also with the leaves curled up.(cept mine were little red bugs)
I have no idea what it was but i pulled off everyleaf and that was about 4 months ago and my ficus looks like it did before.
I think it is some type of insect that uses the leaves for some sort of cocoon or something?
Does any one else know??

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Lack of space never stopped a serious gardener.