Strangler Fig
(Ficus aurea)
Description: The Strangler Fig is a member of the mulberry family (family Moraceae) which includes trees and shrubs, sometimes herbs, with white sap or latex usually present and often abundant. About 1400 species mostly in tropical and subtropical areas, a few in temperate regions; 5 native and 3 naturalized tree species.Leaves: alternate, often in 2 rows, simple; without teeth, toothed, or lobed; pinnate- or palmate-veined.
Twigs: with 1-2 large stipules forming long-pointed bud, soon falling and leaving scars or rings at nodes.
Flowers: tiny, often greenish; male and female on the same plant or separate plants, usually numerous and crowded, often in spikes or heads. Calyx usually with 4 sepals or lobes and no petals; male with 4-1 opposite stamens, and female with 1 pistil.
Fruit: a drupe or achene, often multiple and fleshy, sometimes edible.