Ficus macrophylla, known for its grandeur, graces public parks and gardens in warmer climates worldwide, from California to Australia. These giants can grow to towering heights and boast sprawling root systems, making them a rare sight outside of very large gardens and expansive landscapes. The famous strangler figs of Cádiz must be playing havoc with the drainage systems around them!

Named for their unique growth process, strangler fig seed germinate in the canopy of a host tree where they grow and tap in to the sap system. They then produce aerial roots that develop ground wards over a long period. Once their roots reach the ground they grow quickly, eventually enveloping and “strangling” their host to stand independently. Some specimens soar to heights of 60 meters, with sprawling crowns sometimes spanning more than 70.

The audio guide tour of Cádiz

The The famous strangler figs of Cádiz are included in the Visit Cádiz audio guided tour. Check it out here: https://visitingcadiz.com/immerse-yourself-in-cadizs-rich-history-a-guided-audio-tour/

Or, just scan the QR code on the left with your mobile phone.

Enormous branches and trunk

The famous strangler figs of Cádiz. Relics of the past

These specimens a hundred metres or so along from the Caleta beach, planted in 1903, near the white shuttered “Mora” hospital, truly are living relics of Cádiz’s past. “The old hospital is now the university faculty of sciences and buzzes with students and teachers coming and going.

Originating from seeds brought by two missionary nuns who had travelled from India, these figs were apparently intended for northern Spain but they found a permanent home in Cádiz after the nuns fell ill and passed away whilst being cared for at the Mora Hospital.

Today, these majestic trees stand as a tribute to their caretakers, with the roundabout they occupy transformed into a pedestrian area to protect them from vehicular pollution. Vigilant care ensures their well-being, evident in the supportive structures safeguarding their massive branches.

These living monuments occasionally make the headlines, like the recent incident where a huge branch fell, or the amusing tale of a tourist so captivated by their photogenic allure they spent an entire week photographing them from all angles day and night!

The enduring presence of these figs in Cádiz has to be a testament to their remarkable journey and the lasting impact of two humble missionaries who carried them across the continents.

In fact there were four examples brought to Cádiz by the nuns. The other two were planted across the other side of the city and they can be found in the gardens of the Alameda Apodaca y Marqués de Comillas. these gardens are well worth a visit for the scenic gardens and sea views.

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