22 



TROPICAL PLANTS 



other trees, they begin to extend over their surface ; for, while 

 the stems of other plants generally assume a cylindrical form, 

 these climbers have the peculiarity of divesting themselves of 

 their rind when brought into contact with an extraneous body, 

 and of spreading over it, until they at length enclose it in a 

 tubular mass. When, during this process, the powers of the 

 original root are weakened, the trunk sends forth new props to 

 restore the equilibrium; and thus this tough and hardy race 

 continually acquires fresh strength for the ruin of its neigh- 

 bours. 



Several species of the fig trees are peculiarly remarkable for 

 this distinctive property, and from the facility with which their 





'^^t^/;^ 





Fi^ Tree. 



seeds take root where there is a sufficiency of moisture to per- 

 mit of germination, are formidable assailants of ancient monu- 

 ments. Sir Emerson Tennent mentions one which had fixed 

 itself on the walls of a ruined edifice at Polanarrua, and formed 

 one of the most remarkable objects of the place, its roots streamf 

 ing downwards over the walls as if their wood had once bee4 



