Costa Rica strangler fig tree

A number of species in the Ficus genus that share certain characteristics are all referred to as "strangler figs".

"Strangler figs" lose their leaves in the dry season, forming a thick litter of dead leaves around the tree.

Like other species of the same genus, this strangler fig often starts out as a small epiphyte at the top of a host tree, where its seeds have been left by birds or bats and have sprouted. As it grows, its long roots extend down the host tree to the ground. Over time, its foliage interferes with photosynthesis by the host tree and kills it. Despite its common name, the \strangler fig\ does not actually throttle its victim.

Its fruit is eaten by many animals.

This tree provides a home for many beneficial insects. Ants, for instance, protect it from predators. The tree's sterile female flowers serve as incubators for wasp larvae, which later pollinate the tree.