Ficus trigona

Ficus trigona is a species of tree in the family Moraceae. It is native to South America.^[1]

Ficus trigona
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Moraceae
Genus:	Ficus
Species:	F. trigona
Binomial name
Ficus trigona L.f.
Synonyms
Ficus ajajuensis Dugand Ficus alvareziana Dugand Ficus coombsii Warb. Ficus cotoneaster Warb. ex Ule Ficus euomphala (Miq.) Miq. Ficus fagifolia (Miq.) Miq. Ficus fanshawei Standl. Ficus juruensis Warb. ex Dugand Ficus llanensis Dugand Ficus llewelynii Standl. Ficus plicato-ostiolata Pittier Ficus regularis Standl. Ficus vulpina Benoist Ficus weberbaueri Standl. Ficus wuiana (Rusby) Rossberg Oluntos trigona (L.f.) Raf. Urostigma costatum Rusby Urostigma euomphalum Miq. Urostigma fagifolium Miq. Urostigma trigonum (L.f.) Miq.

Characteristics

Ficus trigona typically starts life as an epiphyte on another tree. Eventually the plant will send roots to the ground in order to seek more nutrients, however, these roots may completely encircle and constrict the host tree reducing the tree's ability to grow. This in addition to the vigorous growth of the Ficus trigona may lead to the plant outcompeteing and killing the host tree.

At maturity the tree can grow up to 35 metres tall, with a trunk width of up to 75 cm. It is usually found in or near swamps, on the sides of rivers, or on coastal plains.

The tree is sometimes sought for use as medicine, but seldom has any other use.^[2]