Ficus midotis and Ficus subulata compared
SIMILARITIES
Both species are common under-story epiphytes with large shiny leaves and numerous side veins Both have normal drip tips and produce bird dispersed orange to red figs with obvious stalks (to 1 cm). Both species have unequal bases to the leaf sometimes with an obvious auricle (ear). Both are very common in wet forest throughout Borneo. Some obvious differences are listed below;
BASAL VEINS
Midotis has basal veins straighter than the other side veins
Subulata basal veins are curved exactly like the other side veins
LEAF UPPER SURFACE
Midotis: Slightly shiny, Side veins are sunken giving a bullate appearance
Subulata: More smooth and shiny than Midotis. Side veins are also sunken/impressed giving a bullate surface.
However the mid vein is obviously raised in Subulata but flat or sunken in Midotis
LEAF EDGE
Midotis: Slightly crenate/dentate (wavy)
Subulata Leaf edge is entire (smooth)
STIPULE
Midotis: Short with scattered hairs
Subulata: Smooth, sharply pointed like an awl. Exactly matches the stipules of F. chartacea and F. dubia
FIG FRUIT
Midotis: Rough with short hairs and obvious raised white dots (glands)
Subulata: Surface smooth with an occasional small bract
