Ficus altissima

Botanical Description

Ficus altissima is a massive, evergreen tree with a large, spreading crown; it can grow 30 metres or more tall. The bole can be 40 - 90cm in diameter, with low buttresses[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. , 443 Title Biotik, Laos Publication Author Website http://biotik.org/species_list_laos.html Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Information on more than 100 species of Laotian trees. ]. The plant usually 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. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre and latex. It is planted as a pioneer species in reforestation projects in Thailand[ 998 Title Forest Restoration Planting in Northern Thailand Publication Proceedings of the Southeast Asian Moving Workshop on Conservation, Management and Utilization of Forest Genetic Resources No. 31/2002 Author Pakkad G.; Elliott S.; Anusarnsunthorn V. Et al Website http://www.fao.org/ Publisher Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Bangkok Year 2002 ISBN Description A report on reforestation in northern Thailand by using specific pioneer species. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ].