Strangler Fig

Description:

Looking upwards into an old Strangler Fig Tree after the original host tree has died and very little remains. Family Moraceae. The tree actually starts as an epiphyte in the branches of other trees. As it grows, it's roots drop down until contact with the ground is made and it begins to enlarge and strangle the original tree until it can stand on it's own. They can get very large and tall as is this individual.

Habitat:

Mayan Ruins of Calakmul, Calakmul Biosphera Reserve.