Ficus cordata subsp. cordata old and battered but still

Ficus cordata subsp. cordata may be preserved when ensconced like this among the Namaqua Klipkoppe. Not so well cared for though, judging from all the broken branches. Surviving in nature is sometimes well less than thriving.

Remote from human settlement, this may illustrate how scarce trees for people to use are in the northwest of the country. This may also be the work of animals, the branches broken, not sawn. In the east of the country elephants cause this kind of tree damage in feeding or mischief, but Namaqualand has no elephants. Baboons or kudu may be considered as the guilty party, the tree not offering any clues.