In the southern and eastern Cape forests the species becomes a strangler or liana, while when found on rocky outcrops and cliffs it usually develops into a rock-splitter.

[3][4] In its epiphytic form this species starts its life in the forks of tree branches, where an accumulation of organic debris aids germination and initial development.

The roots thicken and grow in number with the passage of time, and can eventually enclose the supporting tree, strangling and killing it, leaving the fig to stand alone with no competition for resources.

Fruits are green with white spots when immature, yellowish when ripe, growing singly or in pairs from leaf axils, 5-10mm in diameter.

[9] Fourcade described the wood as "very light and soft, very weak, elastic, porous, with alternate concentric layers of soft and firm tissue; medullary rays fine and close; pores moderately large and numerous, irregularly distributed; colour white or grey, tinged with brown; makes rough boards, but decays rapidly if exposed to the weather.