The Strangler Fig (Ficus burkei = F. thonningii)

LUISE HOFFMANNTHE dark green spreading crown of this large tree stands out against the drab, grey vegetation of the dry season.

Its smooth, pale grey or whitish to yellowish trunk is frequently fluted as a result of aerial roots, growing downwards from the branches, flattening out and fusing after having reached the ground and established themselves. When injured, all parts of the tree exude sticky white latex. The bud at the tip of the twigs is covered by a pointed stipule. The colour of the trunk, the white latex and the stipule on the growing point are typical characteristics of all fig trees in Namibia. The base of the leaves of the strangler fig is narrow to broadly tapering.

Names: E Strangler fig, common wild fig; G Würgefeige A Gewone wildevy, gewone wurgvy; H Omukuyu; Ficus is the Latin name of the fig and burkei refers to the plant collector Joseph Burke.

The strangler fig occurs from the Karstveld into the north central regions, and along the Kunene and the Kavango River.

Strangler figs can reach a height of up to 20 metres. What seems to be the fruit of any fig tree actually is a flower, the base of which has adapted to enclose the other floral parts. The real fruits are the little seeds inside the fig. The small red ‘flowers’ of the strangler fig are edible but not very tasty.

Remarks: This tree can be very variable. It derives its English, German and Afrikaans common names from the fact that the seed frequently germinates in the fork of another tree species. The small seedling then sends down aerial roots to the ground, which over time develop into thin trunks that fuse and eventually engulf and strangle the host. The host often is a leadwood tree (Combretum imberbe). The strangler fig is not a parasite because its roots do not enter the vascular system of the host. For many years – until the host finally dies – such a tree will have live branches of both the host and the strangler.

The dry remains of the host may often still be seen in the crown of the strangler fig and can sometimes be identified by its bark. Strangler figs provide shade at some of the lay byes along the B1 and the B8 from Otavi northwards. It is well worth your while to stop, get out of your car and take a closer look at this interesting tree, which can also grow on its own without strangling a host.

Uses: Strong ropes and bark cloth can be made from the inner bark, which is also used to treat flu. The leaves of the strangler fig are said to be poisonous and are not browsed. The juice obtained by stamping the roots is so sticky that it is applied to twigs and grass to trap birds. It is said to be strong enough to trap guinea fowl.

The root has also been used to treat snake bite, syphilis, stomach cramps and skin rashes.

Due to its highly aggressive root system this tree should not be planted near any buildings.

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