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Curtain Fig: Ficus virens

Starting from a seed dropped high in the canopy, this strangler fig grew vertical roots, which gradually became thicker and interwoven. Over hundreds of years these roots have strangled the host causing it to fall into a neighbouring tree-a stage unique to the development of this fig. Vertical fig roots then formed a curtain-like appearance and the host trees rotted away, leaving the freestanding fig tree. The tree is thought to be nearly 50 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of 39 metres, and is estimated to be over 500 years old.

Now a popular tourist attraction, it is situated near Yungaburra, on the Atherton Tablelands.

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Uploaded on January 30, 2021
Taken on October 28, 2010