Ficus abutilifolia
Seen growing on rocky outcrops and cliffs from northern Kwazulu-Natal through Mpumalanga and Limpopo to North West Province (and beyond our borders as far afield as Guinea in the west and Somalia in the north-east), the Large-leaved Rock Fig is an easily noticed and impressive tree not necessarily for its size but because it is capable of flourishing in apparently precarious locations and of splitting rocks with its roots. These trees seldom grow taller than 5m, though their roots can stretch up to 60m deep!
In keeping with many other kinds of fig, the Large-leaved Rock Fig is pollinated by wasps. Ripe fruit are much sought after by frugivorous birds, bats and primates (humans included!), and antelope and wild pigs are very fond of figs that have fallen to the ground. Though their use in a garden is limited due to the strong and expansive roots, these trees work excellently as bonsai.
de Wets Wild 
Ek het dit by Kagga Kamma ook gesien!
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Is iets wat mens nie kan vergeet nie, ne Aletta? En met Kagga Kamma wat so n rotsagtige omgewing is gedy die rotsvye seker daar?
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Amazing… daardie wortelstelsels. Dit is ‘n kwessie van uithou en aanhou totdat ek kry wat ek wil hê.
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Mens wil-wil amper n les daaruit leer!
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Mens kan!
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Goodness, it is impressive looking. You have to admire its tenacity.
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Oh absolutely, Tracy!
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Splitting rocks, eh?
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And in the process creating nooks and crannies where so many kinds of animal life can find shelter!
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Which has to be good!
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Sjoe, hier’s soveel mooi foto’s van hierdie boom! Dis darem net ongelooflik hoe dit so uit die rots kan verrys … en dat die wortels tot 60m diep kan groei, wow!
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Mens kan nie help om party van hierdie bome met n oop mond te aanskou nie!
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This is a fantastic array of photographs illustrating the tenacity of these figs!
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Thank you very much, Anne!
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Some amazing roots in these shots, Dries. I’m always astonished at the places plants will grow where seemingly there’s nothing there to anchor or nourish them.
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It’s incredible to see these trees not clinging to life but actually thriving despite their precarious perches. Again we stand in awe at how perfect His Creation is.
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That we do.
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Fantastic photographs of unique scenery and our fabulous dendrology – Many thanks!
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Thanks for reading, Joep. You must’ve seen some really beautiful specimens of this tree over the years?
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Yes, I have, thanks, Dries! Like most trees they take a hammering during drought when they get utilised by herbivores.
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I can imagine in places like Mapungubwe with a high concentration of elephants that can have an especially serious impact on those growing within reach, Joep. Luckily some are in such difficult to reach places that they probably act as a “reservoir” from where fruit and seed can be spread to start a next generation.
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Fascinating. Looking at them I thought of people who overcome so many difficulties in life and reach their goals. Thank you.
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That is a wonderful comparison, thank you Lakshmi!
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Amazing plant!
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A real cliff-hanger, Montucky! 😀
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