Ficus microcarpa L.f.

The seedling grows as an epiphyte eventually engulfing its host. In Hawai'i, most of the main islands are infested with F. microcarpa. Typically, this species invades disturbed urban sites to degraded secondary forests in areas nearby initial plantings. It has recently been observed growing on native wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicense) in lowland dry forests of Maui. (Starr, 2003); Parasitic hemi-epiphytes, like Ficus, begin their life as an epiphyte growing on another plant and then produce roots that continually grow downward toward the soil as the plant matures. (OLIVEIRA-NEVES, 2017)

Ficus microcarpa can propagate spontaneously from seed on many surfaces. If it is not removed, F. microcarpa can cause structural damage to concrete and buildings, and as an epiphyte it will eventually strangle the host tree (Weber 2003; HEAR 2015; ISSG 2015). In addition, F. microcarpa is a fastgrowing tree that can shade out native plant species and modify competitive regimes of natural communities (Gordon 1998; ISSG 2015). (RIEFNER, JR, 2016)

The pollinator wasp (Parapristina verticillata) has been introduced both intentionally to places such as Hawai'i and unintentionally to other places such as Florida. The presence of pollinator wasps allows F. microcarpa to produce viable seeds and spread from initial plantings. Fruits of this species are small and are eaten by numerous fruit eating birds and possibly other animals. Seeds are then deposited in trees or other structures. On Midway Atoll, the wasp was introduced later than on the main islands and, as a result, F. microcarpa has only recently begun to spread there. (starr, 2003)

This evergreen tree produces a very dense shade excluding all other species. It does not invade undisturbed forest but once established it will displace all other trees in its shade. (Smith (1985 )