The fig germinated high in the branches of a mature rainforest
tree from seed deposited by birds. It was sustained by leaf
mould caught in a crevice of the host tree as its roots slowly
descendd to the ground. During this stage it had the capacity
to resist drought by remaining dormant for years if necessary.
The fig became more active now that its roots were in the ground
and it had an assured food supply. The roots fused together where
they touched, forming a lattice work around the host tree.
If the host tree had died at this time both would have fallen
to the forest floor.
The fig roots continued to thicken and gained the strength needed
to support itself. The death of the host tree followed either from
conditions associated with old age or from its sap flow being
retarded from pressure exerted between the host tree growing and
expanding with the vice like grip of the fig.