Strangler fig

It begins its life as a parasite as its seed lodges in the cracks and crevices of the bark of a host tree. The seed germinates and sends out air roots that take in nutrients and water from the air and host tree. The air roots grow to reach the ground and develop their own underground root system that is independent of the host tree.

During this process, it may cover the host tree with its own trunk and strangle the host tree, hence the name. The branches grow and on reaching the ground they will send out new shoots and roots. Eventually, this can create a compound structure of trees that covers a large area.

It can grow up to 165 feet tall. Its fruits (syconia) are deep purple to black in colour and around 1.5 inches long.

It’s root can be dried and the hollow tubes within it can then be smoked producing calming or pain relieving effects.