The Deadly Hug: Ficus aurea Traditional Cache
The Deadly Hug: Ficus aurea
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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This is one of several geocaches placed along the Quarantine and Cemetery Trails at Cayo Costa State Park. There is no bushwhacking needed, so enjoy an easy hike along the trails of this wonderful barrier island state park. When you are finished, spend some time looking for shells along the beach, swimming, or enjoy lunch at the picnic area. The park is accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry and there is a $2.00 fee for the park.
Strangler fig, also called golden fig, is a large fast-growing tree with a fascinating life history. The tree begins life, when their seeds, often bird-dispersed, germinate in the cracks and crevices of the bark of the host. As the seed germinates, it sends out air roots that take in nutrients and water from the air and host tree. These seedlings roots grow downward and envelope the host tree while also growing upward to reach into the sunlight zone above the tree canopy. Eventually the air roots will reach the ground and develop its own underground root system, independent of the host tree. Often during this process, the stranger fig may cover the host tree with its own trunk and strangle the host tree. Florida’s state tree the Cabbage palm is one of the favorite hosts.
Look for a cabbage palm surrounded by a strangler fig just off the trail that will mark the site of this cache. You will need your own pen. Please replace it carefully as you found it to preserve the hide for the next geocacher
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur anzr fnlf gur cynpr