Figs of Eastern Ghats, India

Fig trees (Ficus spp.), one among the world’s oldest trees, traced back to the earliest historical documents are considered sacred in many ancient civilizations and cultures. Figs symbolize knowledge, enlightenment, passion and fertility. They are considered as keystone species and in tropical and subtropical regions, an ecosystem has developed surrounding these trees. During flowering, a full-sized fig tree is visited by more than 2000 birds per day. The co-evolution of wasps with figs is an enchanting biological drama.