ABOVE: Ficus subgelderi fruits and leaves photographed at Bidanu Waterfall in Brunei. Note that the figs are round more than oblong and have a raised rim like a nipple around the ostiole.



Ficus subgelderi and Ficus pellucidopunctata are both common CONOSYCEA figs that grow on other trees in the lowland forests of Borneo. Both species produce aerial roots but rarely become full stranglers. As these 2 figs are frequently confused we list the differences below;
Species | Fig ripens | Basal veins length | Side veins | ALL veins | stipule | Ostiole |
Pellucidopunctata | White/yello w or pink/ yellow. Red ostiole | To ¼ leaf | 6-12 pairs | Not very distinct | Short and hairy | Open hole |
Subgelderii | Yellow-orange-red | To 1/2 leaf | 4-7 pairs | distinct | Short and hairy | Small nipple |