Ficus prolixa

Botanical Description

Ficus prolixa is a much-branched, medium to large tree with a wide, spreading crown; it can grow up to 30 metres tall. The bole has numerous prop roots. The plant often begins life as an epiphyte, growing in the branch of another tree; as it grows older it sends down aerial roots which, when they reach the ground quickly form roots and become much thicker and more vigorous. They supply nutrients to the fig, allowing it to grow faster than the host tree. The aerial roots gradually encircle the host tree, preventing its main trunk from expanding, whilst at the same time the foliage smothers the foliage of the host. Eventually the host dies, leaving the fig to carry on growing without competition[ 354 Title Plants of Guam Publication Author Moore P.H. & McMakin P. Website http://university.uog.edu/cals/people/POG/scipn.htm Publisher University of Guam. Year 1979 ISBN Description Brief details, usually with a photo, of plants native to the island of Guam, often together with some information on their uses. An online version is available. ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre.