Many fig species in Borneo especially those in Sections Eriosycea, Kissosycea and Rhizocladus produce very different juvenile and adult leaves.
In Section Eriosycea the juvenile leaves are often lobed or palmate. Two species with similar leaves Ficus fulva and Ficus bruneoaurata can easily be confused in the juvenile stages. However the stipules are different colours. Ficus fulva has green to brown stipules. Ficus brunneoaurata has orange red stipules.
Ficus brunneoaurata leaves from a fig tree at Kipandi in the Crocker Range (730m asl)Ficus brunneoaurata tri-lobed juvenile leaf next to an adult leaf. Both leaf types may occur on the same tree.Ficus brunneoaurata, underside of leaf showing prominent glands. Ficus fulva often shows similar prominent glands but such glands are rare with Ficus aurata. The purpose of the glands is (believed) to provide food to attract ants which then defend the leaves against folivores (leaf eaters) such as the larvae of moths and butterflies.Ficus brunneoaurata. Typical “normal” leaf showing glands.
