Habitat of the Strangler Fig Tree

Born from Above

• Strangler figs grow from seeds dropped by birds and animals in the canopies of the tropical forest, catching in leaves, branches and cavities with their sticky coverings. There they sprout and grow as epiphytic seedlings, developing long, dangling roots and vinelike foliage. The dangling seedling roots grow down toward the ground to reach soil and the branches hug the host tree as they grow.

Strangling the Host Tree

• As the epiphytic seedlings grow and develop more roots and branches with leaves, they also grow wider and thicker roots and branches. The root and foliage growth is strong and fast-growing and encircles and envelopes the host tree, drawing its water and nutrients from the soil under it and shading its sunlight. The host tree eventually dies under the stress and starvation caused by the parasitic strangler fig, leaving a hollow trunk structure topped by a large canopy of shady foliage.

Maturing Strangler Fig Trees

• Young strangler fig trees grow quickly, embracing and enveloping the host tree with thick, hard roots that flatten and fuse together to form a shell around the dying or dead original tree. Because the strangler fig's "trunk" is formed from roots, it has gaps, slits and other openings throughout, creating attractive spaces for a variety of small animals and insects. This interesting mosaic is very strong and durable while allowing entrance and shelter to a host of tropical forest life and supporting the leaves and branches.

Providing Food

• The strangler fig produces small, fat, golden-colored fruits, figs, from its blossoms when they are pollinated by tiny wasps. Thousands of different species of wasps specialize in pollinating different fig species, allowing individual fig species to thrive without cross-pollinating or hybridizing, and providing a bounty of fruit at different times of the year. The figs are an important food source for many kinds of insects and small animals such as bats, birds and monkeys, which disseminate the seeds.