Ficus cordata subsp. cordata stem with crown gall

The multi-stemmed base of this large specimen of Ficus cordata subsp. cordata has developed curious globular growths all along its surface. Judging from healthy fruits and leaves this quite old tree is still thriving in its Gifberg habitat, looking good for many years to come. These growths may be crown gall, caused by a bacterium and manifesting as rotund overgrowths that bulge on root or stem surfaces of a variety of plant species.

The bark on the branched stems of F. cordata subsp. cordata is pale grey and fairly smooth, although some fissuring, vertical lines and hints of flaking near the base can be observed here (Coates Palgrave, 2002).