Terrestrial Establishment of Strangler Figs in Burned Tropical Peat Swamp Forests, Sumatra, Indonesia

Sidiq Purwanto; Muhammad Iqbal; Douglas Sheil

doi:10.1002/ece3.73194

journal article Open Access Feb 27, 2026

Terrestrial Establishment of Strangler Figs in Burned Tropical Peat Swamp Forests, Sumatra, Indonesia

Sidiq Purwanto Muhammad Iqbal

Douglas Sheil

Ecology and Evolution Vol. 16 No. 3 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/ece3.73194

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Strangler figs (
Ficus
spp.) typically establish as epiphytes on host trees before developing ground roots; terrestrial establishment also occurs but is less widely recognised. Here we document abundant terrestrial establishment of strangler figs in burned tropical peat swamp forests of Sumatra, Indonesia. Across 3.4 ha of transects in two post‐fire sites, 97% of 138 strangler fig individuals (representing 10 species) germinated directly on the ground rather than epiphytically.
Ficus sundaica
dominated, comprising 22% of all trees and 67% of all figs. We find that strangler figs exhibit striking terrestrial establishment ability in degraded peatlands where active planting efforts have largely failed. Given their abundance, flexible establishment mode, and role as keystone species supporting frugivore communities, naturally regenerating strangler figs may facilitate broader ecosystem recovery in fire‐damaged peat swamp forests.

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Details

Published: Feb 27, 2026
Vol/Issue: 16(3)
License: View

Authors

S

Sidiq Purwanto

Forest Ecology and Forest Management Chair Group Wageningen University and Research Wageningen the Netherlands

M

Muhammad Iqbal

Restorasi Ekosistem Riau, Jalan Lintas Timur, Pangkalan Kerinci Kabupaten Pelalawan Riau Indonesia

D

Douglas Sheil

Ecology and Forest Management Group, Department of Environmental Sciences Wageningen University Wageningen the Netherlands; Center for International Forestry Research Kota Bogor Indonesia

Cite This Article

Sidiq Purwanto, Muhammad Iqbal, Douglas Sheil (2026). Terrestrial Establishment of Strangler Figs in Burned Tropical Peat Swamp Forests, Sumatra, Indonesia. Ecology and Evolution, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73194

Terrestrial Establishment of Strangler Figs in Burned Tropical Peat Swamp Forests, Sumatra, Indonesia

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