On a visit to the Rafflesia Centre in the Crocker Range, Sabah we found two of Borneo’s rarest endemic figs growing together as lianas on two adjacent trees next to the Rafflesia Centre public washrooms.
Photos taken 14 May 2024.
All photos of leaves and figs below are of Ficus carrii. Ficus densechini was identified from the unique thorny liana (see photo below) on one of the two trees.
Under the trees were the large fallen male figs of Ficus carrii (15 cm long) covered in dense short hairs, beginning to rot.
This is normal for male figs which are not eaten by animals.
Another uncommon root climbing liana Ficus ruginervia is also locally common growing up the trunks of several trees and a stump next to the Rafflesia Centre offices.
Many thanks to Yulinda Wahyuni and the 1StopBorneo team for assistance.
Note: The Rafflesia Centre is about 2.5 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu next to the Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan Road which crosses the Crocker Range in Sabah. Rafflesias flower irregularly and sightings cannot be guaranteed however the Centre is surrounded by beautiful mountain forest full of interesting figs and other plants. For a fee the Rafflesia Centre staff can provide a Guide Service for forest walks to view any flowering Rafflesia and other interesting plants (highly recommended).
EMAIL: rafflesia.info@gmail.com WEBSITE: https://sabahtourism.com/destination/rafflesia-information-centre/
