Linus Gokusing, a botanist working at Kipandi Butterfly Farm in the Crocker Range stands under a sterile (non-fruiting) Ficus densechini root climber growing up the tree in the background. This tree is opposite Mushroom Shed 84 on the Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan road which crosses the northern end of the Crocker Range. This site is c. 1,000m asl and approx. one hours drive from Kota Kinabalu.
Ficus densechini is a rare root climbing fig endemic to the highest mountains of Borneo. The closest relative is Ficus laevis which is widespread in SE Asia but in Borneo has a relict (shrinking) distribution. In Borneo F. laevis is most common on limestone outcrops indicating that it prefers a dryer climate and may be shrinking in range . However F. laevis also occurs on Kinabalu and the Crocker Range, although it is uncommon.
Mushroom Shed 84 on the Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan Road which crosses the northern end of the Crocker Range in Sabah. These mushroom sheds are owned by a local Kadazan-Dusun co-operative and used to grow Japanese shiitake mushrooms for sale to local restaurants.
