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Early stages of a strangler fig on a host tree in the Western Ghats.

Strangler fig is the common name of several species of fig that begin their lives as epiphytes as their seeds lodge in the cracks and crevices of the bark of a host tree. The seeds germinate and send out air roots. During this initial phase the plant grows comparatively slowly. Each air root takes in nutrients and water from the air and host tree. Eventually the air roots grow to reach the ground and develop their own underground root system, independent of the host tree. At this point, the tree begins to grow very quickly, often covering the host tree with its own trunk and strangling it, hence the common name. The host tree is forced to compete for water and light and prevented from growing by the Stranglers hold on its trunk. In time the host tree dies and rots away. The strangler fig does not collapse however and continues to exist as a hollow tubular lattice which many forest animals use as shelter. New branches grow and if these reach the ground, they will send out new shoots and roots. Over time, this can create a compound structure of trees that covers a large area of interlocking vines. Strangler Figs can also be found in the Amazon Rainforest.

Ficus citrifolia is a common species of Strangler Fig found in Florida. Other strangler figs include Ficus barbata, which gave Barbados its name. Numerous tropical species show the strangler habit of growth.

Strangler figs also occur in areas of Australia such as the Daintree rainforest in Queensland's far north. Well known is the Curtain Fig Tree on the Atherton Tablelands.

The underground roots of the Strangler roots are cut into 10 cm lengths, dried and smoked regularly to relieve pain. This practice originated in the Amazon. There are no visible side effects.

• Stranglers and Banyans

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