The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Fruitful Fig
In tropical forests, the fig is considered a keystone species because of its abundant, year-round fruiting. When other fruit is not available, figs sustain many species, including fish, lizards, giant tortoises, birds, fruit bats, monkeys, and rodents.
Although originally devised for top predator species, such as wolves, the concept of keystone species has expanded to include species that have a big impact despite their relatively small numbers.
The Many Faces of the Fig
There are more than 900 different species of fig. Figs can take on a wide variety of forms, including trees, vines, shrubs, bushes, epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants), and strangler figs, which grow upon—and often kill—their host trees.
Erected by Smithsonian Gardens, Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Horticulture & Forestry • Science & Medicine.
Location. 38° 53.293′ N, 77° 1.611′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker can be reached from Jefferson Drive Southwest just east of 12th Street Southwest, on the right when traveling east
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Moongate Garden (a few steps from this marker); Threats to Dragonflies (within shouting distance of this marker); Acquired in 1886 by the Department of Living Animals (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Moongate Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Enid A. Haupt Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Enid A. Haupt Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); "Nature is my religion." (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Enid A. Haupt Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
Additional commentary.
1. Why This Qualifies as a Historical Marker
While this sign is heavily about the environment, it qualifies as a historical marker because of its discussion of the History and Philosophy of Science, particularly within biology.
— Submitted October 24, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 77 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
