photo #7359564

This is a strangler fig tree, Inside this tree is a hollow space where a different tree stoodThe strangler fig's seeds have made their way into the canopy of a host tree and germinated. As the fig's roots grow, they cascade down the trunk,Once they are in the ground it competes for nutrients and water with the host. Then It gradually tightens its grip around the host treeThis process hinders the flow of water and nutrients, causing the host tree to weaken and eventually die. Over time, the strangler fig takes over completely, once the process is complete, the original tree decomposes, a hollow centre is all that remains to mark its existence💙