Site icon THE FIGS OF BORNEO

Ficus dubia, Agathis Camp, Maliau

uluulublog

Agathis Camp was previously the base camp for jungle trekkers exploring the crater of the Maliau Basin in Sabah. However after damage by elephants and the construction of a new road it is no longer used for camping.  Agathis Camp lies at the bottom of a gloomy damp valley which is rich in figs including Ficus cucurbitina and Ficus delosyce.  “Agathis” refers to a large tree  with ancient origins which grows on poor soils in Borneo. Both the wood and resin (dammar)  have commercial value. A close relative in New Zealand is known as the Kauri Pine. Agathis is a locally common tree within the Maliau Basin where it is fully protected.

A young Ficus dubia  strangler has managed to establish itself in a crack in a forest tree at Agathis camp.

Note the “weak” basal veins  on the leaf and the distinctive stipule like a red needle which immediately distinguishes this Conosycea strangler as Ficus dubia .
Ficus kerkhovenii has a similar leaf but the  stipule of F. kerkhovenii  is  stubby, thicker and green, not red and shaped like a needle.
The end of the new road to Agathis camp at the Maliau Basin. The “camp” lies at the bottom of the valley below.
Map of NW Borneo. The Maliau Basin  at bottom right, is about  6 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu allowing for rest stops.
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