This native ficus will frequently find refuge as a seedling in another canopy tree where it might find safety from a hungry mouth. Deep in the crevassed bark of a live oak or the boot of a cabbage palm, this tree starts its journey surviving until it ultimately chokes out it's source of refuge, hence the name "strangler" fig. This is a natural process, though, and no need for alarm in the native setting where a large live oak might be coming to the end of it's own journey anyway. The strangler fig on it's own is a beautiful sprawling tree that can grow tall into the canopy providing cover for native wildlife including racoons, bobcats, birds, snakes, frogs and possibly even the occasional fox. The fruit is sweet and enjoyed by wildlife - you might even enjoy it too! If you have space in your native yard, this plant can be a little messy, so just make sure to put it in the correct location. This plant can be found at many conservation areas including Captain Forster Hammock Preserve!

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