This Indian Laurel Fig Tree was planted, in the 1920s, by Dr. Henry Nehrling (botanist and ornithologist 1853-1929) in Naples, Florida. This is the giant variety of fig trees. What you are looking at are aerial roots. The roots grow down from the branches. The fence was to stop people from climbing up for photo opportunities. Info from the sign. Indian laurel can refer to certain species of fig trees or banyans. Ficus microcarpa is also known as Indian Laurel, Chinese Banyan, Malayan Banyan, or Curtain fig and is native in the range from Sri Lanka to India, southern China, the Malay Archipelago, the Ryukyu Islands, Australia, and New Caledonia. Saplings are considered to be very aggressive, as they can grow on the walls of buildings, bridges, highways, and other concrete structures. The tree is considered a major invasive species in Hawaii, Florida, Bermuda, Central America, and South America. This info from Wikipedia. Worth a zoom! Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments. They are very much appreciated. Dana