Ascension : Conservation Weekly
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 09.06.2011 (Article Archived on 23.06.2011)

This week we continue with our information on trees which grow here on Ascension.

Ascension Island Conservation Department

Moraceae Ficus Trees

This week we continue with our information on trees which grow here on Ascension.

                                                                             Ficus trees in the restoration sites

The Moraceae family is an economically important family widely distributed in the tropics, subtropics and some temperate regions of both hemispheres. The large and varied genus Ficus includes the common fig (Ficus carica) which bears edible fruit, but most species are grown for their ornamental foliage and for shade. The tiny flowers are completely enclosed in the developing fruits. All species have milky sap.

When mature this large evergreen reaches 100 feet and can form dense curtains of aerial roots. The small, oval pointed leaves are held on ascending branched. The fruits are small red figs.

The most familiar tree of this species, and, to judge by its size, a very early introduction, is to be found on the Portuguese track, facing north, where it forms an extensive canopy. Many of the huge roots appear above the ground.

The trees found near top of the mountain have aerial roots as well and they intercept mist that forms over the mountain and this mist then forms into water which goes into the ground and helps with the growing of the endemic plants in our restoration site.

Paths

When driving on the track towards Cricket Valley please stop at the bay at the top of the Cricket Valley track. Do not drive beyond this point due to flood damage.

Thank you

We would like to welcome back and to thank Liz Penrose at Interserve Defence for volunteering her time on the beaches clearing invasive plants.

Turtle tours

We would like to advise you that turtle tours have now stopped for the season. They will resume again next year.

Cats - Reminder

Please could you contact Nathan Fowler on telephone 6359 about whether your cat is new to the island, whether there has been change of ownership, or if a pet is deceased.

Please be advised that due to on-going field work the Conservation Office will open from 7.30am -10am during week days. We open as normal on Saturdays, 10am-12noon, signs will be posted on the door when the office is closed.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Volunteers welcome. Please contact Olivia Renshaw or Natasha Williams. Ascension Island Conservation Department. Georgetown. Tel: 6359. Email:  olivia.renshaw@ascension.gov.ac

natasha.williams@ascension.gov.ac