There’s something undeniably magical about the Knobbly fig tree. Its long, aerial roots cascade to the earth like nature’s own sculpture, its slanted trunk twists as if whispering ancient secrets, and its branches, heavy with succulent fig fruits, seem to hum with life. Every time I drive past this mystical tree, my guests are captivated. “Can we stop?” they ask, drawn by its enchanting presence.
It’s as though the tree has stepped straight out of a fairytale, a living embodiment of the Mother Tree from Avatar. But its magic runs deeper than appearances—it is a giver of life, a keystone in the ecosystem.
From its branches, fruit-eating birds, bats, and monkeys feast, while insects buzz in a flurry of activity. On the ground below, nyala, elephants, and impala indulge in the sweet bounty of fallen figs. It’s not just a tree; it’s a sanctuary, a dining hall, and a meeting place for all.
An elephant feeds and seeks shade at the bottom of the knobbly fig tree.
Though the figs are edible, their thick, pink flesh has an acquired bitter taste. Local communities, however, transform them into delightful jams—a testament to the tree’s generosity, even for us.
A Gathering of Birds
Recently, I had the privilege of guiding a guest at Londolozi who was a passionate birder. For a year leading up to his African adventure, he studied the birds of Southern Africa, determined to identify 100 species. But as his trip neared its end, time was slipping away, and so were opportunities to tick new birds off his list.
If you look closely, you will see two Greater Blue-eared Starlings, a female Violet-backed Starling, and Dark-capped Bulbuls enjoying the figs.
As we approached its familiar silhouette, the air seemed to hum with anticipation. There, perched on its branches, was a spectacle of life: two Greater Blue-eared Starlings, a female Violet-backed Starling, Dark-capped Bulbuls, and more. We parked beneath the tree’s shade, its vibrant green canopy alive with movement. Within minutes, we counted nine bird species flitting from branch to branch, including Purple-crested Turacos, Weavers, Canarys, and Buntings. It felt like the tree had called them together for a final, grand performance—a gift for my guest.
“Here,” I whispered, pointing to a male Violet-backed Starling feeding on a fig. “This must be a pleasant reward after such a long journey.”
The Song and Dance of the Knobbly Fig
The Knobbly fig tree wasn’t just alive; it was performing. The cooing calls of the Purple-crested Turaco wove melodies through the air, while the grey go-away birds added their sharp cries, almost like percussion. Insects buzzed in the background, a steady hum, as the leaves rustled in the wind.
A great blue-eared starling feeding on a fig fruit. Here you can see the pinkish flesh of the fruit.
We could hear the tree sing as we sat in silence. It sang through the coo calls of the purple-crested turaco and it shouted through the go-away calls of the grey go-away bird. Its leaves buzzed with insects and rustled in the wind.
And it danced, too—with every wingbeat of a bird and every branch that shook beneath the landing of a vervet monkey. Watching it, I felt a sense of reverence. This was nature at its most abundant, its most connected, its most magical.
Reflections Under the Tree
This tree and the life it supports remind me of nature’s infinite ability to connect us—not just to the wild but to each other. Beneath its branches, time seemed to stand still as we marvelled at the delicate balance of life it sustains.
As I sat there, the weight of its presence settled over me like a warm embrace. The Knobbly fig tree is more than a provider; it is a reminder of the beauty, abundance, and sheer resilience of the natural world.
Here is a video I took of the knobbly fig tree. Please enjoy the songs of the wild…
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on The Knobbly Fig: The Tree of Life