THE FIGS OF BORNEO

Ficus endospermifolia, fallen male figs

uluulublog

9 years ago

Ficus endospermifolia at Kinabalu Park HQ where it is a locally common small tree. All photos by Anthea Phillipps.

Ficus endospermifolia at Kinabalu Park HQ. These are male figs which fell to the ground under the parent tree. All 20 species of SECTION ERIOSYCEA figs are dioecious (separate male and female trees). Male figs only produce fig wasps whilst female figs produce seeds. In some species as with F. endospermifolia the male figs split open when ripe to allow the fig wasps to escape. Male figs are never eaten by dispersers and either rot on the tree or fall to the ground uneaten.

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