Angkor - Of Ruins & Roots (14)

Detail - Beng Mealea Temple

Angkor - Of Ruins & Roots (13)

Prasat Bram - Koh Ker

Angkor - Of Ruins & Roots (12)

Ta Prohm

Angkor - Of Ruins & Roots (11)

Ta Prohm

Angkor - Of Ruins & Roots (10)

Ta Prohm

Angkor - Of Ruins & Roots (9)

Ta Som

Strangler fig tree is a common name for a number of tropical and sub tropical plant species. These plants begin their life growing on another tree or object, when their seeds, often bird dispersed, germinate in crevices atop other trees. These seedlings grow their roots downwards and envelop the host while also growing upward to reach into the sunlight zone above the canopy.

Angkor - Of Ruins & Roots (8)

Kapok Tree

Two main species of trees are seen growing within the Angkor ruins: the kapok tree and the strangler fig tree.

Also called Java Kapok, Silk Cotton and Ceiba, the kapok tree grows to 60 - 70m tall. It has a very substantial trunk of up to 3m in diameter with buttresses. Its branches are sometimes covered by large robust thorns.

While Cambodian find the tree mostly useless as it is too soft for construction, the fibre obtained from its seed pods is light, buoyant and resistant to water. It was used to be employed as an alternative filler in mattresses, stuffed toys as well as for insulation and in life jackets.