Roots, Balmain, trees, plants

These are the aerial roots of the Moreton Bay Fig, many of which were planted in the 19th century.  Now fully mature, these trees can be found in almost every public park and garden and are Sydney icons.

Their roots descend to the ground, providing extra support and nourishment and allowing the fig to slowly spread outwards.
The largest specimen recorded covered an entire hectare.

There is an enormous one in Sydney's Botanic Gardens and I will try to blip it one day so you can see the scale.  This one is in Elkington Park, Balmain.

They are incredibly beautiful and just about every part of them warrants a closer look.