FICUS
Banyan
Local names: Nunu (Guam); Nonok, Lonok, Baliti (Philippines)
Among the species of Ficus indigenous to Guam is a giant banyan. These trees were considered by the ancient Chamorros sacred to the aniti, or spirits of the departed, and they are still regarded with superstitious dread by the natives. It is interesting to note that the Tahitians and Samoans have the same superstitious awe of the allied aoa trees in their islands, which in ancient times were sacred to the aitu, or wood spirits. Even at the present time, few natives of Guam will linger near a nunu tree after dark.
For more information, see Safford's Useful Plants of Guam, 2009 facsimile edition, page 275.
Local names: Nunu (Guam); Nonok, Lonok, Baliti (Philippines)
Among the species of Ficus indigenous to Guam is a giant banyan. These trees were considered by the ancient Chamorros sacred to the aniti, or spirits of the departed, and they are still regarded with superstitious dread by the natives. It is interesting to note that the Tahitians and Samoans have the same superstitious awe of the allied aoa trees in their islands, which in ancient times were sacred to the aitu, or wood spirits. Even at the present time, few natives of Guam will linger near a nunu tree after dark.
For more information, see Safford's Useful Plants of Guam, 2009 facsimile edition, page 275.