Ficus ixoroides, Poring, Kinabalu Park, first Sabah record

Ficus ixoroides is a rare Borneo endemic rheophytic fig.

Rheophytes are plants with narrow leaves which grow along the banks of fast flowing rivers. The long thin leaves  “go with the flow” and can survive strong currents and floods. So far all records of F. ixoroides are from the hills of Sarawak and West Kalimantan. This is the first record for Sabah. Most likely this undistinguished fig has been under-recorded in the past.

The photo shows a  view  from the river bridge at Poring Hot Springs where this fig was growing.

Poring Hot Springs is a popular local tourist site within the Kinabalu Park  located on the S. E. slopes of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Mount Kinabalu  is the world center of fig diversity.

All photos and information thanks to Shavez Cheema, Chun Xing WONG and Yulinda Wahyuni  of 1 Stop Borneo Wildlife