This interesting group of trees contains members who have different methods of survival. In the group known as strangler figs, a seed germinates in the leaf litter accumulated in another tree, usually in the axis between two branches. The fig sapling develops roots down the trunk of the host tree until reaching the ground. Once the roots enter the ground the fig grows aggressively and strangles its host, eventually causing its demise and occupying its place in the forest.

Another group known as rock splitters are highly adept at germinating in tiny cracks or fissures in inhospitable rock faces and cliffs. They exert tremendous hydraulic pressure with their roots splitting the rocks apart to make space for their expanding and aggressive root system.

Many different and interesting features can be found in the genus Ficus: a riverine fig from Mozambique, F. cyathistipua, has a thick, buoyant layer surrounding the fig, which enables the figs to float downstream, thus facilitating dispersal; the swamp fig, F. trichopoda, which grows in swampy conditions, elevates its trunk out of the swampy environment by developing prop roots, which extend well above the marshy substrate; the banyan fig, F. benghalensis, is noted for its ability to send down aerial roots from the branches which, when touching the ground, thicken considerably to form thick trunk-like props to support the weight of the heavy branches. This fig is also regarded as sacred by certain Middle Eastern religions and spiritual rituals are performed under this tree.

Reproduction in the fig family is interesting in that the fig we know and eat is not a fruit but rather an inside-out flower stalk (syconium) containing many flowers inside the fruit-like structure. It is a closed structure with only a small opening at one end through which a small female wasp enters and lays her eggs in special infertile flowers, while inadvertently pollinating the fertile flowers and gathering pollen in special sacs. She then leaves through the opening again and carries the pollen to another fig. It is also very interesting that each species of fig has its own specific species of wasp that pollinates it. The seed is small and swallowed together with the fruit by the many birds and mammals which greedily consume it. It is then passed in the faeces normally some distance away from the parent tree, effectively distributing the species further afield.