Ficus densechini is both one the rarest endemic figs in Borneo as well as being the most distinctive. However F. densechini is locally common at the Sayap sub-station on the very wet western slopes of Kinabalu Park.
Many of the tall trees surrounding the Sayap Kinabalu Park sub-station are covered with a dense tangle of lianas including the root climbing F. densechini. The figs grow very large, about the size of a large orange and ripen a dull brown.The leaves are also very large with variable length leaf stalks or petioles.Stipule of F. densechini. Note that the upper surface of this leaf is covered in epiphylls (tiny plants including mosses and ferns that grow on leaves) due to very wet climate at Sayap with rainfall exceeding 4m per annum.Proportionate to the size of the leaf some of the petioles (leaf stalks) are extremely long. exceeding 16 cm as shown in the photo above.The diameter of mature figs can exceed 12 cm making F. densechini ‘s figs some of the largest fig fruit in Borneo. Note the distinctive bumps around the large ostiole.Sayap is well worth a visit for the very interesting plants, including many species of figs. From Kota Kinabalu allow at least 2.5 hours each way for the drive via Kota Belud.There are are no visitor facilities at Sayap but the scenic Kampong Sayap has many homestays about 20 minutes drive from the entrance to the park.Dokikip Farmstay in Kg Sayap is only 20 minutes drive from the entrance to Kinabalu Park at the Sayap, sub-station and is highly recommended to visitors.
