strangler fig tree. this tree wraps around and grows up a host tree, eventually engulfing and killing the host. uttarakhand india

strangler fig tree ficus aurea aerial roots host epiphytic growth uttarakhand india species genus tropical indian flora parasitic plant banyan benghalensis ecological interaction botanical wonder woody vine forest canopy arboreal engulfing strangulation competition ecology native vegetation adaptation habitat destruction succession balance biodiversity conservation rainforest ecosystem natural phenomenon mortality anatomy physiology foliage climbing biology regeneration environmental impact symbiosis relationship hostparasite infestation colonization mutual dependency tree wraps grows eventually killing host