The Forgotten Tree

[Bretts]

After reading From Rain forest to Bonsai' by Len Webber I was interested in trying to create a Strangler fig composition while keeping the host tree alive.
I struggled to find a good candidate for the host tree but eventually gave it a go with this which I believe to be an Australian Hackberry that I collected in my first years of bonsai and a random fig variety.

That was a few years ago and I had pretty well forgotten about this tree as it spent the Winter under my bench to give the fig a little protection from the frost.
Last I looked it was pretty hammered but when I glanced at it today (still under the bench and ignored) it seems the Fig is still going and the tough hackberry is still going well.

The fig was planted on the trunk like a root over rock but now a root over trunk.
Maybe one day it will turn into something but I would like to try again with a better host and fig. Maybe a host that would contrast with the fig leaves better?

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[Handy Mick]

Hi Bretts,
The strangler is a certain type of fig not a random variety, however i think if you could find one the results would be quite interesting.

mick

[Bretts]

Mick the strangler fig is a common name for various fig species that start growing in the branches of a tree and eventually strangle the host.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strangler_fig
It is a common misconception that it is a certian species of fig.

[Paulneill]

Cool idea Bretts
I am going to try and use a strangler fig to grow over some sort of large item maybe a sand stone statue . And maybe even have a small pump on a timer coming on every hour for 5 mins and have a pond or just a sump below. I saw one before at a nusery. they had a very impressive sand stone statue like somthing from tomb raider covered in strangler roots but I think they just used spagnum moss to keep moist .

Just need my own house first

What's the best fig to use for such a set up?

[Bretts]

I am definitely no expert on the species of Fig. I haven't even bothered to work out what type of Figs I have.
I would think all of the common figs we use would lend it's self to a root over rock application in the best way. If there is a certain fig species that is better than others for this I have never heard of it being mentioned.
Len in his book uses a Moreton bay fig.

He does mention two species that he states have been recorded to not grow aerial roots. Ficus virens and Ficus drupacea. I am not sure I have grasped what he means but it seems these two will create the curtain type fig. As in they will grow away from the host tree and not encircle it.
Doesn't seem to make sense to me but that seems to be what he is saying?