Life for this tree begins like most trees, as a seed. The only difference is that this seed is carried by a bird, and is usually deposited in the crevice of another tree, not on the ground. The seed sprouts and sends out a thread-like root that travels down the trunk of its host, eventually making it to the rich, nourishing earth below. Soon, the strangler fig starts to grow, eventually squeezing the host tree out of the way and taking over its spot in the limited space of the hammock. The dark green leaves are alternate, and the fruit, originally green, ripens to red.
White sap oozes from the leaves and branches when cut.
Its gray trunk resembles a cement pillar. The park's most visited area was named for this giant, and is the best area to view the trees. Pileated woodpeckers drill holes in their trunk and use them for nesting.