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.

Ficus densechini Sayap 01
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.
Ficus densechini Sayap 01.JPG
The leaves are also very large  with variable length leaf stalks or petioles.
Ficus densechini stipule.JPG
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.
Ficus densechini Sayap 02 .JPG
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.
Ficus densechini Sayap 03 .JPG
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.
Ficus desnechini Sayap 05 .JPG
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.
Ficus desnechini Sayap 06.JPG
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.
Doikikip Farmstay Kg Sayap.JPG
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.

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