"Banyan trees are fig trees that are often known by another name: strangler figs. And there's a good reason for that. The seeds land on other trees and sprout there, sending down roots that slowly strangle the host tree. Readers of this absorbing volume will discover fascinating facts about this odd plant, including how it grows and its ecological importance. Age-appropriate text addresses important elementary science concepts, while colorful images enliven the text. Photo captions, fact boxes, and a graphic organizer enrich essential concepts"--