FICUS I AM
Please come a little closer. Hugs are my specialty. If you don’t come to me, I’ll just come to you! Some people even think that I walk and stride about. Many actually believe I am also made of flesh, skin, and jointed bones, just like themselves. In a way, these people are right. I stretch my legs and extend my arms. Over time, I can raise my massive body and climb over almost anything. I do move about. It is all a matter of time, and I have mountains of time. Moment by moment, year by year, I slowly reach out, growing around all that is near. Stones, walls, even stairways I patiently integrate into my woody inner world. Some say I look like a forest cathedral. Others say that I am not just one tree but a whole family of trees. But no, at my core I am one single being with many legs and multiple extensions.
My arms are strong and flexible — like the muscular limbs of a great god. My leaves are fleshy, large, and shimmer in the wind.
My fruits are round and colorful: little orbs of their own. I love to wave my leaves to those passing by and invite them to spend some time with me. Some people come and actually give me a hug. Those who dare to stay, I invite to linger longer. Yet, most people depart too quickly. They step away as if sensing the consequence of indecision. If they would stay a little longer, I could just hug them into eternity. Too bad, no time to spare. That’s just the way you humans are.
My ancestors came from distant lands. We all share the same fate. We all possess the same all-encompassing disposition. If only I could grow wide enough, extend my limbs and roots far enough, then my relatives and I could hold hands. We could reunite our families across the continents of the globe. Together, we would embrace the whole world. Well, who knows? Time is on our side.
Home:
Italy, San Remo, tree endemic to Australia, Queensland, Moreton Bay
Tree species:
Ficus macrophylla
Tree family:
Moraceae, mulberry
Common Names:
Moreton Bay fig, Australian banyan
Motivation:
Back in 1850, this tree was planted at the terraced entrance of the Villa Rambaldi (rebuilt in 1887 as Villa Ormond) in San Remo, Italy. The beautiful park was planted with botanical curiosities from around the world. This Ficus macrophylla found its place as decoration for the large, terraced entrance. Today, this scene seems rather reversed. The Ficus has not only taken over much of the stairs and the terrace, it now towers over the villa itself in size and splendor.