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

## TL;DR

Strangler figs in Sumatra's burned peat swamp forests often grow from the ground, not on host trees, aiding ecosystem recovery.

## Contribution

This study reveals a novel pattern of terrestrial establishment of strangler figs in degraded tropical peat swamp forests.

## Key findings

- 97% of strangler figs in burned Sumatran forests germinated on the ground, not epiphytically.
- Ficus sundaica was the most common species, comprising 67% of all figs.
- Strangler figs may support ecosystem recovery due to their abundance and ecological role.

## 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.

Strangler figs (Ficus spp.) typically establish as epiphytes on host trees. Here we document abundant terrestrial establishment of strangler figs in burned tropical peat‐swamp forests of Sumatra, Indonesia. Given their abundance, flexible establishment mode, and role as keystone species supporting frugivore communities, naturally regenerating strangler figs may facilitate recovery in these ecosystems.