Ficus albipila is the tallest fig tree in the world, frequently surpassing 45 m in height.
The trunk is pale, straight and smooth.
From a distance F. albipila is frequently confused with the two species of Koompasia trees commonly found throughout the forests of Borneo, K . excelsa and K. malaccensis.
Because the two Koompasia species are relatively common in Borneo the mistaken identities are nearly always one way i.e. Ficus albipila is frequently identified as a Koompasia not the other way round. Close up the differences are very obvious. If in doubt scratch the trunk to see if there is any latex. Ficus albipila will produce white watery latex. Koompasias are members of the bean family Fabaceae which do not produce latex.
FICUS ALBIPILA & 2 KOOMPASIA SPECIES COMPARED
| Plant | Ficus albipila | Koompasia sp |
| Family | MORACEAE (figs) | FABACEAE (beans) |
| Local name | Tandiran by mistake for F. variegata | Mengaris (Sabah) , bangris (Kalimantan) |
| Habit | Very tall straight emergent tree to 45+m | Very tall straight emergent tree to 60+ m |
| Trunk color | Pale buff grey/green | Pale grey white |
| Leaves | Simple | Pinnate feathery |
| Seed | Small fig ripens red | Winged bean samara |
| Leaf loss obvious | Temporarily deciduous shedding leaves for a few days | Not obvious |
| Buttress | Very large panels often thin creating a hollow wing | Large strong supports |
| Habitat | Rare river floodplain | Common lowland forest |
| Latex | Watery white | No latex |
| Bee hives | Occasional Yes | Occasional Yes |
