Things Bajan:Bearded Fig Tree

For the month of November, we will focus on things Barbados as this country celebrates its independence. Every day we will be highlighting Barbadian sayings, artefacts unique to the country, as well as personalities, icons, some places and things that reflect Barbados.
Today we focus on The Bearded Fig Tree (Ficus citrifolia)
It is said that these trees were once so common in Barbados that Portuguese sailors chancing upon the island named it after these ‘bearded ones’ (in Portuguese this becomes Barbados/barbadas). The tree is large with many stilt roots and fine hanging roots. It is often found rooted on large coralline boulders and will rapidly take possession of ruined sites.  
• Source: A-Z Of Barbadian Heritage