Warm, moist habitat provide ideal conditions for atypical plant growth. Typical of elementary science learnings, plant growth does not always follow the same path for success. The Strangler Fig (there are several varieties) tree shown in these images is an example of a rule bender.
Once upon a time, deposited high up in a host tree, perhaps by a passing bird, a sticky seed began to grow. This Strangler Fig seed used the moist tropical air to grow, sending roots downward, eventually reaching the ground. The earth-bound roots were able to allow the seed to grow into a self-sufficient tree, sending many roots and branches around its host tree. Though the Fig did not exactly strangle its host, it did grow large enough to take over the water, sunlight, and air (CO2) supply resulting in the host tree’s demise and eventual departure from the scene.
Looks like something out of Harry Potter.
Cool!
Wonder if they also are in Europe. …
I wonder how many people walked by and never noticed the heart. Lucky it survived with no intials carved into it. Not so lucky for the tree.
It’s all in your perspective!