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.

More about ants and figs

All photos by Xin-Xin Zhou taken on 30 January 2020.

02 Ficus midotis Tawau Hills Park 20 Jan 2020 ★Xin-Xin ZHOU_DSC_3947

03 Ficus midotis Tawau Hills Park 20 Jan 2020 ★Xin-Xin ZHOU_DSC_3947.JPG01 Ficus midotis Tawau Hills Park★Xin-Xin ZHOU_DSC_3947.JPG

04 Ficus midotis Tawau Hills Park 20 Jan 2020 ★Xin-Xin ZHOU_DSC_3947.JPG
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.

06 Ficus midotis Tawau Hills Park 20 Jan 2020 ★Xin-Xin ZHOU_DSC_3947.JPG

05 Ficus midotis Tawau Hills Park 20 Jan 2020 ★Xin-Xin ZHOU_DSC_3947.JPG

Tawau Hills Park pg 349