Banyan Tree
Banyan (Ficus subgenus Urostigma) is a subgenus of many species with an unusual growth habit. They are large trees that usually start life as a seedling epiphytic on another tree (or on structures like buildings and bridges), where a fig-eating bird has deposited the seed. The roots descend over the trunk of the host seeking out the soil below. Once they have rooted the fig roots rapidly thicken. Where the fig roots cross each other they fuse, thus creating a lattice around the host tree's trunk. The fig competes with its host for light, water and nutrients, while its roots prevent the host's trunk from growing. Eventually the host dies and rots away, leaving the fig self-supporting as an ordinary tree, but with a tubular lattice of lignified roots instead of a trunk. For this reason banyans are often referred to as strangler figs.
Size: 3400px × 5100px
Location: Key West, Florida, USA
Photo credit: © Jim Kidd / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: coastal, color, colour, daytime, fl, florida, lattice, lignified, outdoor, roots, saltwater, summer, tubular, usa, vertical
