Florida strangler fig
Ficus aurea

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a tree. It germinates in the tops of trees and it grows attached to the trees until the roots contact the ground It strangles the tree becoming a free-standing tree. It can be 30 m tall. The size and shape of the leaves varies. They are usually 10 cm long. They can have a wedge shaped or heart shaped base. They are green and turn yellow when ripe. They can be 1 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bahamas, Belize, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Cuba (country/location of origin), Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica (country/location of origin), Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, USA, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Amate, Higo

Synonyms

Ficus dimidata Griseb.; Ficus sapotaefolia Kunth & Bouce; Ficus sororia Kunth & Bouche;