THE FIGS OF BORNEO

Ficus consociata, Temburong, Brunei

uluulublog

9 years ago

Ficus consociata is a common hemi-epiphytic liana which can also grow as a strangler or occasionally as a small stand alone tree. The figs are relatively small and the leaves relatively large. The twigs, leaf surfaces and stipule (especially juvenile leaves) are often covered in of brown scurfy hairs). Young leaves of Ficus drupacea may also may also be covered in a similar scurf but usually not to the same extent as F. consociata.

ficus-consociata-3p7a3998 — Ficus consociata is a common hemi-epiphytic liana which can also grow as a strangler or occasionally as a small stand alone tree. The figs are relatively small and the leaves relatively large. The twigs, leaf surfaces and stipule (especially juvenile leaves) are often covered in of brown scurfy hairs). Young leaves of Ficus drupacea may also may also be covered in a similar scurf but usually not to the same extent as F. consociata.

Ficus consociata figs are also easy to recognize because the ostiole is often covered with a circular pinkish disk, as if the bracts have decayed. In the photo above however the bracts covering the ostiole are still clearly visible.

Ficus consociata figs are sessile (no stalks). Note the circular disk covering the ostiole at the base of the fig, which makes it look as if the bracts covering the ostiole are decaying.

The Ficus consociata illustrated above was photographed from this suspension bridge which crosses the Temburong River above the junction (kuala) with the Sungai Belalong. All visitors to the Belalong Canopy Walkway have to cross this bridge.

The name of the bridge Jambatan Gantung Keruing means “Dipterocarp suspension bridge” in Malay. Keruing is the Malay name for the genus Dipterocarpus. The most likely candidate is Dipterocarpus oblongifolius (also known as Neram) which is locally common along the banks of the Temburong river that runs under the bridge.

This is the view downriver from the suspension bridge. The photos of the fruiting Ficus consociata were taken looking up river from the other side of the bridge. The Ficus consociata is growing as an epiphyte on the tree on the left bank of the river and the leaves hang over the river.

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