Ficus aurea aka Florida Strangler

Ficus aurea is an evergreen tree in the mulberry family. Its common names include golden fig and strangler fig. It grows wild in Florida and the western Caribbean. Its range also runs from southern Mexico to Panama. It grows in forests, on open slopes, and on coastal hummocks.

Garden trees reach 50–60 feet [15.2–18.3 metres] tall. Their crowns spread 50–70 feet [15.2–21.3 metres] wide. Another source gives a height of 66 feet [20 metres]. Growth is fast, and the broad crown casts dense shade. Young plants may start high in another tree's branches. They send aerial roots down toward the soil below. These roots can surround the host and restrict its growth. The fig may kill its host and stand alone. Roots from lower limbs can form more supporting trunks.

The thick, glossy leaves stay green through the year. They grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each leaf is simple, with an oval or egg-shaped outline. The edges are smooth or wavy, with pinnate veins. Leaves look dark green above and paler beneath. Bark ranges from tan to gray and starts smooth. Older bark may develop fine scales on its surface. Stout green twigs turn orange-brown and contain white latex. Tiny flowers grow inside rounded structures near the branch tips. Wasps pollinate them. The fleshy figs turn red, burgundy, or purple when ripe. Florida guidance lists fruit in spring and summer. Virginia Tech reports fruit through much of the year.

This tree grows in full sun or partial shade. It also tolerates shade, drought, and some salt spray. It accepts clay, sand, and loam across acidic and alkaline soils. Sites may drain well or become wet at times. Florida guidance places it in USDA zones 10b–11. New plants need watering, but established trees need little care. Growers can raise it from seed or cuttings. Uses include bonsai, indoor growing, and planting on reclaimed land.

Its size makes it a poor choice for small gardens. Surface roots and deep shade hinder lawns beneath the crown. Fallen leaves and fruit add litter, and seedlings spread nearby. Pruning helps build a strong branch structure. Aphids and scale insects can lead to sooty mold. No major disease problems are reported. The fruit is edible, and people have used latex for chewing. Traditional medicine also uses latex against intestinal worms. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards, but gives no specific pet-safety evidence.