Meet the Killer Tree, ‘Strangler Fig’ #wildlife #wild #nature

Strangler #figs begin life as a sticky seed on a tree branch high up in the canopy and are usually left there by an animal.

As the young strangler fig grows, long roots grow down along the trunk of the host tree, eventually completely engulfing the host tree trunk. Once these roots reach the ground, they enter the soil. At the same time, the strangler fig grows leaves.

The growth process of strangler figs can be murderous, leading to the death of its host, and earning it the Spanish nickname, ‘matapalo’ (tree-killer). The roots constrict the trunk of the host tree and surround the host tree roots, cutting off the nutrient and water supply. Its thick fig foliage high up in the canopy can also steal sunlight.

But, strangler figs are not just destructive parasites; they are very ecologically important in tropical areas.
The hollow center of #strangler figs provides habitats for several animals including bats and birds. They are also known as ‘keystone species’, as their fruits provide an important source of food to a variety of animals.