Huge tree: Ficus insipida, also called Ficus Glabrata and Amate
Ficus insipida, also called Ficus Glabrata, the wild fig, grows from Mexico all the way down to South America. Having buttress roots, this tree can grow up to 130ft tall.
This tree, called the Amate, served as a source of fiber used in the making of the codices for the ancient Maya. While it is not the only one used, it was the preferred tree.
In the 1980’s, AMATE: the Fig Tree documentary produced by Richard and Carol Foster inspired us as youth environmental action group members. Amate, as we learnt is a "keystone resource". If figs disappeared everything else could come crashing down. All this means fig trees can provide hope for a future with a changing climate.
Photograph courtesy Institute of Archaeology
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