Why is the strangler fig called stragler?

The strangler fig is called so because of its unique growth habit. It starts as a seed that germinates in the branches of a host tree, sending down roots that encircle and eventually envelop the host. As it grows, the strangler fig can outcompete and kill the host tree, effectively "strangling" it. This process can lead to the host tree's demise while allowing the fig to thrive, often resulting in a hollowed-out remnant of the original tree.