Pulau Si Lumpat is one of several small islands in Darvel Bay near the towns of Kunak and Lahad Datu off the coast of East Sabah.

Si Lumpat  is protected as forest reserve and most of the original forest remains though often  the largest trees  (especially Intsia bijuga or  Merbau) have been illegally felled for boat building by the local Bajau laut community.

Ficus ampelas is a common medium sized  forest tree on Pulau Si Lumpat.

Ficus ampelas is very similar to and frequently confused with Ficus parietalis. They can be distinguished by two key features;

  • F. ampelas grows as a tall straight tree. The mid-rib on the upper surface of the leaf is raised and prominent.
  • F. parietalis grows as an epiphytic liana or small bushy tree. The mid-rib on the upper surface of the leaf is sunken.

Ficus ampelas is very common throughout the Philippines, but so far there have been no confirmed records for Borneo.

See F. ampelas range map.

All photos by Shavez Cheema and Chun Xing Wong of 1StopBorneo Wildlife