Strangler Fig

The overcrowding of plants on the rainforest floor means that they must fight for survival and grow skywards, in search of the sun's rays. Because of this struggle for survival there are some very interesting plants to view in the rainforest such as the strangler fig. The strangler fig often begins its life as a seed deposited by a bird at the top of a tree or in a trees crevice. It then develops roots and grows down the host tree, essentially strangling it all the way down to its base. Once the host plants dies, the strangler fig stands alone.
We were extremely privileged to photograph this particular tree as this has been the site where many Aboriginal people have come when they are ready to die and they cover their body in clay and wrap the vines around them so that they can return to the earth.