ABOVE: Ficus albipila is a very large forest tree frequently mistaken for Koompasia (Local name: Mengaris) bee trees. Giant bees Apis dorsata use both F. albipila and 2 species of Koompasia  to hang their nests.

Note that all the fig trees in this article were photographed from a boat on the Kinabatangan River by Quentin Phillipps.

F. racemosa Sukau 3P7A7829
Ficus racemosa  (Local name Tangkol merah) is the Kinabatangan’s most common fig tree  growing along the edge of the bank. This fig only grows in full sun and is not tall enough to survive in the interior of the flood plain forest.
04 3P7A9125 - Copy.JPG
The bright red figs of Ficus racemosa  are eaten by many mammals including Proboscis Monkey, Macaques, Orangutans, Elephants, and Civets. Rhinoceros and Helmeted Hornbills also eat the fruit.
Ficus caulocarpa 3P7A7813
Ficus caulocarpa here growing on a limestone cliff near Sukau is a common forest tree along the Kinabatangan River
05 Ficus caulocarpa Prince Philip Park Sept. 2013 AP (3).JPG
Ficus caulocarpa: The tiny fig fruit ripen white to pink
F. benjamina Sukau 3P7A7827.JPG
Ficus benjamina (Local name: Waringin). Waringin  fig trees can be easily recognized from their drooping branches and leaves giving a “weeping effect” hence the english name Weeping Fig.
Ficus benjamina fruit IMG_2610.jpg
Waringin fig fruits. The leaves do not have clear side veins.
Ficus microcarpa Kuala Abai 3P7A6994 - Copy.JPG
Ficus microcarpa (Local name: Jejawi). Jejawi is one of the most common fig trees in coastal districts throughout Borneo as it can survive in brackish (part salty) water.
KNB 3. Kinabatangan Ficus microcarpa fig on river bank..JPG
Another example of Jejawai (Ficus microcarpa) growing in Nipa palm forest at Abai near the mouth of the Kinabatangan

 

01 Microcarp and benjamina compared IMG_0093 - Copy.JPG
(LEFT) Jejawai Ficus microcarpa (RIGHT) Waringin Ficus benjamina
01 Crassiramea 3P7A0928 - with circle.JPG
Ficus crassiramea growing  almost opposite the entrance to Sg Koyah downstream from Danau Girang. F. crassiramea is the most common large strangling fig in the Kinabatangan floodplain forest.
Crassiramea fruit IMG_2280.JPG
Fig fruit of Ficus crassiramea. F. crassiramea is closely related to Ficus stupenda another common large strangler on the Kinabatangan. F. stupenda has  much larger leaves and figs. Both species can be recognized  by the distinctive basal veins (at the base of the leaf blade) which  start in a “Y” shape.  See above