Ficus is a pan-tropical genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. Ficus occupies a wide variety of ecological niches; most are evergreen, but some deciduous species are endemic to areas outside of the tropics and to higher elevations. Fig species are characterized by their unique inflorescence and distinctive pollination syndrome, which utilizes wasp species belonging to the Agaonidae family for pollination. The fruit of most species are edible though they are usually of only local economic importance or eaten as bushfood. However, they are extremely important food resources for wildlife. Figs are also of considerable cultural importance throughout the tropics, both as objects of worship and for their many practical uses.

Ficus thonningii commonly known as Bark-cloth Fig, Common Wild Fig or Strangler Fig in English and Gewone Wurgvy in Afrikaans is an evergreen tree that can reach form 6 to 21 meters in height. It has a rounded to spreading and dense crown. It can sometimes be epiphytic, often strangling other trees. The trunk is fluted or multi-stemmed. The bark on the young branches is hairy, but smooth and grey on older branches and stems. This tree effortlessly produces aerial roots hanging down from branches. Ficus thonningii is a South African indigenous tree which makes an impressive landscape tree, when planted in open soil but also grows happily in containers and are popular bonsai subjects.