The Strange and Astonishing Strangler Fig

July 31, 2024

Living collections

If you’ve ever walked through the Costa Rica biome, you’ve probably noticed the enormous tree in the center of the room. While not a living tree, this structure is a replica of a strangler fig. Strangler figs are opportunistic and ruthless in their fight for sunshine. There are many strategies plants use in dark environments to get enough sunlight. One of these strategies is to start life high in the canopy above the forest floor; this is the strangler fig’s specialty.

“Strangler fig” is a common name given to many tropical fig trees. The common thread between these figs is their growth habit. They grow extremely quickly and strangle other trees. The strangler fig typically germinates in another tree’s canopy where there is ample sunlight, and the seedling can send roots down towards the ground and sprout shoots upwards. Growing at a rapid pace, the strangler fig will overtake the host tree, often killing it. Sometimes the host tree rots away, leaving a hollow core within the strangler fig. This is seen in the Costa Rica biome replica at the base where there is a walkable tunnel going through the tree.

Strangler fig replica at Cleveland Botanical Garden

Strangler figs showcase a unique plant and animal relationship. Like all figs, strangler figs produce fruit. These small figs are eaten by birds and the seeds with the figs are deposited through the bird’s droppings onto tree canopies throughout the cloud forest. Without the birds, the strangler fig would be unable to start life high above the forest floor and would not thrive. Next time you’re in the Costa Rica biome, take a moment to explore the strangler fig!

Sadie Smith

Horticulturist

Sadie Smith joined Holden Forests and Gardens in November 2021 and oversees the Costa Rica and Madagascar Biomes at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. She has a B.S. in Environmental Resource Management from Penn State University. Her horticultural background includes agricultural research, trialing new perennial cultivars, and managing a butterfly conservatory. In the biomes, she works to create an environment of plants and animals that give guests a taste of two wonderfully different locations beyond Cleveland.

Here’s more to explore

View all

People for Trees™

Make a difference in
your own backyard.

Plant and care for a tree beginning with making a pledge. We will support each pledge with easy-to-follow instructional toolkits, guidance on how to select the most appropriate tree and where to purchase it, free virtual classes and other ongoing support.

Make a pledge