They are Banyan Trees. A banyan is a fig that starts its life as an epiphyte when its seeds germinate in the cracks and crevices on a host tree (or on structures like buildings and bridges). The seeds of banyans are dispersed by fruit-eating birds. The seeds germinate and send down roots towards the ground, and may envelope part of the host tree or building structure with their roots, giving them the casual name of "strangler fig."
Older banyan trees are characterized by their aerial prop roots which grow into thick woody trunks which, with age, can become indistinguishable from the main trunk. Old trees can spread out laterally using these prop roots to cover a wide area.
Glad I discovered your blog via Skywatch Fri. I also love to photograph trees as well as paint them (on canvas, not on the tree :D). This is a fascinating photo of these roots! Thanks for sharing. I enlarged it to take a closer look. I'm bookmarking you. I like the nooks and crannies you captures with the light and dark shadow effects.
(I also noticed the commenter above. Nice of her to tell us what kind of tree.)
This is from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, FL. I don't know what kind of tree this is but I thought the tree roots looked cool!
12 comments:
That's neat! We have trees like those in the Botanic Gardens over here also. I don't know the name of them either. Enjoy your weekend :)
PS- tried leaving a comment before but it wouldn't work. Hope this works. And I hope I haven't doubled up...
They are Banyan Trees. A banyan is a fig that starts its life as an epiphyte when its seeds germinate in the cracks and crevices on a host tree (or on structures like buildings and bridges). The seeds of banyans are dispersed by fruit-eating birds. The seeds germinate and send down roots towards the ground, and may envelope part of the host tree or building structure with their roots, giving them the casual name of "strangler fig."
Older banyan trees are characterized by their aerial prop roots which grow into thick woody trunks which, with age, can become indistinguishable from the main trunk. Old trees can spread out laterally using these prop roots to cover a wide area.
Glad I discovered your blog via Skywatch Fri. I also love to photograph trees as well as paint them (on canvas, not on the tree :D). This is a fascinating photo of these roots! Thanks for sharing. I enlarged it to take a closer look. I'm bookmarking you. I like the nooks and crannies you captures with the light and dark shadow effects.
(I also noticed the commenter above. Nice of her to tell us what kind of tree.)
Nice shot Vicki! It's so funny how many shots we have of the same things :-)
My friend Martha (Color Carnival) just found out that this tree is a Morton Bay Fig Tree. Thnaks, Martha for checking this out, you're the best.
Vicki
That is a wonderful tree, no matter what its name is. Is that also a staghorn fern in the branches?
This is a gorgeous shot and an awesome tree. It has a wonderful tropical feel to it. Thanks for posting!
A very unique root...
Las Islas Filipinas World
the roots are amazing
What a beautiful shot! I love all the twists and turns and lovely dark crevices in those roots.
What a magnificent tree! I love the shadows :)
ooo this reminds me of a book cover? bridge to terabithia maybe.
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