In all the photos below Ficus spathulifolia is on the LHS and Ficus retusa is on the RHS. Also note that the photos are not to scale. In reality the leaves of Ficus retusa are roughly double the size of Ficus spathulifolia. Note that in the photo below the fig of F. retusa (RHS) has a distinct but low rim around the ostiole absent with the fig of F. spathulifolia. (Note in the photo above of a F. spathulifolia fig the ostiole area is clearly a bright red as compared with the orange color of the rest of the fig but the junction between the two colors is smooth not separated by a rim)
On the underside of the leaf the venation of F. spathulifolia (LHS) is much less prominent than the venation on the underside of the leaf of F. retusa (RHS).
On the upperside of the leaf the venation of F. spathulifolia (LHS) is much less prominent than the venation on the upperside of the leaf of F. retusa (RHS).
SPOT CHARACTERS: FICUS RETUSA
- Medium sized obovate (spoon shaped) leaf.
- The basal veins and the midrib are all sunken and obvious on the upper surface of the leaf.
- Both basal veins and side veins are prominent below.
- Tertiary veins are faint but obvious.
- Small fig with a definite but distinct rim around the ostiole area.
- Habitat: Poor soils coastal Kalimantan only (and Java).
- Twigs and leaves may have a very thin layer of short sharp hairs very noticeable when the leaf is dried.
SPOT CHARACTERS: FICUS SPATHULIFOLIA
- Small sized obovate (spoon shaped) leaf.
- The paired basal veins are faint on the upper surface of the leaf.
- Both basal veins and side veins are faint below.
- Tertiary veins below can hardly be seen.
- Small fig with a smooth conical area around the ostiole which later opens into 3 bracts.
- Habitat: Poor soils throughout Borneo.
- All parts smooth and mostly hairless
