TIBIG Ficus nota (Blanco) Merr. (1904) Section Sycocarpus
Habit: A small tree which grows along the edge of forest and streams and in secondary forest, often next to villages. Tibig is one of the most common figs in the Philippines. The unripe female figs are eaten as part of a salad or can be eaten raw with sugar added.
The figs ripen green and are dispersed by small Cynopterus fruit bats. In Borneo confined to East Sabah where it is locally common on the banks of rivers and on the forest edge.
Ficus nota is often confused with Ficus fistulosa, Ficus rosulata or Ficus satterthwaitei.
All photos by Shuai LIAO taken on 12 September 2019. Collection #20190423.
DISTINGUISH
From Ficus fistulosa by the more prominent glands and hairy twigs and particularly the cordate (heart shaped) leaf base on both sides.
In general the leaves of Ficus nota are larger coarser and more hairy above and below than the leaves of Ficus fistulosa.
From Ficus rosulata by the flat (not upright) bracts around the ostiole.
From Ficus satterthwaitei by the lack of swellings or bracts on the side of the fig fruit. Note that Ficus satterthwaitei is very closely related to Ficus nota.
Note the typical cordate (heart-shaped) base of the leaf. Some leaves may be cordate on one side only.
