Ficus watkinsiana
(Strangler fig)
Classification
| Division:
|
Magnoliophyta
|
| Class:
|
Magnoliopsida
|
| Family:
|
Moraceae
|
Geographic Range
Found from northern New South Wales to the rainforests of Northeastern Queensland.
Physical Characteristics
| Height: | Grows up to 30 meters |
| Diameter: | The diameter is dependent upon the fig's host tree |
The strangler fig has large oval-shaped leaves that are 20 mm long. The rounded fig fruit it produces are 40 mm long, purple, and edible. The tree itself produces a white, milky sap. The strangler fig roots and branches form an interlocking lacework around its host tree.
Natural History
Reproduction
The strangler fig is interdependent with its pollinator, the tiny agaonid wasp. The female wasp builds a nest for her young in the fruit of the fig. The wasp carries pollen from another fig tree into the her nest and pollinates female flowers which eventually develop and produce a seed. The fruit of the strangler fig are the primary food source of the green catbird which is responsible for dispersing the seeds of the fig to the branches and crevices of neighboring trees. The seeds of the strangler fig then germinate on the banches of surrounding rainforest trees. Once germination has occurred, aerial roots are sent downward to the forest floor. Once these roots reach the ground, they thicken and begin to surround the host tree. The tree then dies and rots away under the fig's "strangling" lacework of roots and branches. The strangler fig tree is then formed with a hollow trunk.
Habitat
Though this tree prefers tropical to sub-tropical regions, it can successfully grow in temperate areas as well. It adapts well to a wide range of soils and grows well in moist areas.
Conservation/Biodiversity
The strangler fig is presently not considered to be at risk in the wild.
Economic Benefits for Humans
Positive
Though it is too large of a tree for suburban gardens, Ficus watkinsiana provides excellent shade for parks and larger properties. It can also be grown as a free-standing plant for indoor or outdoor cultivation.
Negative
Since the strangler fig is lethal to its host trees, its parasitism may result in a downward shift in the size variation of the canopy trees it preys on. This may limit the dominance of its host trees in the rainforest ecosystem. This change in the structure of our rainforests could possibly effect animal life as well.
Comments
The strangler fig has interdependent relationships with both the catbird and the agaonid wasp. Without each of these creatures, the fig would not be able to reproduce. Also, the strangler fig seems to be parasitic mainly on larger and older canopy tree species in the rainforest.
References and Links
Image Source
| Entry Author: |
Rachel Barrett |
Union College |
2003 |