#6 - The Sicamore Fig & The Fig Wasp

A single tree can support countless animal species. It attracts birds, monkeys, bats—and sometimes even fish and crocodiles. The sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus) is one of Africa's most important trees. It bears fruit almost year-round and is a central element of many river landscapes in southern and eastern Africa. But inside each individual fig, an invisible drama unfolds. A tiny species of wasp pollinates the flowers inside the fig. Without it, there would be no ripe seeds. And without seeds, no new trees. Tree and wasp are completely interdependent—a so-called obligate mutualism. But inside each individual fig, an invisible drama is taking place. In this episode you will learn: • why figs are not "normal" fruits • how wasps and seeds develop simultaneously inside • why the mother wasp dies inside – yet no remains are found in the ripe fig • why the fig tree is indispensable for entire ecosystems An episode about time, patience – and a partnership that has worked for millions of years. .............................................................................. Become my patron on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership Thank you! ..............................................................................