Ficus midotis at Tawau Hills. The evidence that this is a male fig (1) Figs ripen greenish yellow and then rot, (2) The numerous white dots (glands) covering the surface of the fig to provide food to attract ants, (3) The black detritus surrounding the over ripe figs. This detritus is believed to the dead flowers from inside the fig which have been ejected by ants so that the ants can use the interior of the male figs as temporary domatia or homes.
All photos by Xin-Xin Zhou taken on 30 January 2020.
