Hidden away in an archaeological park near Naples, Italy, a wild fig tree has been growing upside-down for decades. Its roots are embedded in the ceiling of an archway, meaning the plant’s branches – which sometimes bear fruit – hang towards the ground.
This strange tree is set in the modern-day town of Bacoli, the site of the lost town of Baiae, which is often referred to as Las Vegas for the uber-wealthy of ancient Rome – a hedonistic weekend break destination.
The common fig tree, Ficus Carica, is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia, but now it can be found in every corner of the world. The edible fig was one of the first plants ever that humans cultivated. Ancient fig fossils have been found in the Jordan Valley, North of Jericho,and they date back to 9400-9200 BC.
Edible fig was very widespread in Ancient Greece, and it was also a popular food source for the Romans as well. So, it’s quite likely that the wealthy guests of Baiae were feasting on figs too.
Most of the ancient town – which lies near Naples – is underwater today, but the parts of it remain on land and can be explored in the Parco Archeologico delle Terme di Baia.
The Italian reference site Storie di Napoli says that the tree grew upwards in a normal fashion until the 1940s, but when excavations of the archaeological site began, the tree was destroyed. However, its roots survived, giving life to a new tree that grew from the peculiar position from which it hangs today.
It seems to be getting all the nutrients it needs – the Royal Horticultural Society says that fig trees ‘need a warm, sunny, sheltered spot’ to grow, adding that ‘restricting their roots encourages fruiting’.
While the archaeological site has long drawn in visitors, the upside-down tree has become a minor tourist attraction in itself.
Tripadvisor reviewer ‘Bidule05’, who toured the archaeological park, declared: ‘We were amazed to see a fig tree growing upside down… it was the highlight of the visit!’
Contemporary Italian writers such as Antonella Cilento and Patrizia Rinaldi have even woven this peculiar tree into their stories, Storie di Napoli adds.
The fig tree can be found a stone’s throw from Parco Archeologico delle Terme di Baia’s Temple of Mercury, which actually served as a Roman baths rather than a temple.
According to historians, the ancient town of Baiae was where the rich and powerful of Rome came to drink and be merry – and indulge in debauchery.
In the TV series Secrets of the Dead: Nero’s Sunken City, Professor Kevin Dicus, who has experience in excavating these Roman ruins, said: ‘Some of the greatest names of the Roman republic… Caesar, Cicero, Mark Anthony, Nero, all of these men had villas at Baiae.
The ruins that have been lost to the sea can be explored via a glass-bottom boat tour or on a guided scuba excursion.
Know Before You Go
It is not really hard to find with a car and a navigator. Just arrive to Baia/Bacoli and follow the street signs.
References
Tree Weaver 