Koberg BV explores the fascinating world of the killer strangler tree, a Ficus species often used by interior landscapers. These trees, including Ficus macrophylla and Ficus aurea, both of which are famous for their "strangling" nature, start as epiphytes, growing on host trees before sending down roots that eventually encase and strangle their support. Over time, they outcompete their hosts for nutrients and sunlight, leading to their demise.

 

 

The strangler fig’s lifecycle begins when birds or other animals disperse its seeds onto the branches of a host tree. These seeds germinate and send down aerial roots that reach the ground, providing the fig with access to additional nutrients. As the tree matures, its roots thicken and form a lattice around the host tree’s trunk, gradually restricting its ability to transport water and nutrients. Eventually, the host tree weakens and may die, leaving behind a hollow, self-sustaining ficus structure.

 

Despite their ominous name, strangler figs play a crucial role in their ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for various wildlife species, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Their extensive root systems help prevent soil erosion and contribute to forest regeneration by creating new habitats for other plant and animal species.

 

 

The killer strangler tree is a testament to nature’s ingenuity, demonstrating the fine balance between survival and competition in the plant kingdom. While it may appear ruthless, it serves an essential function in maintaining biodiversity and ecological stability. You can read the original Koberg BV article here