Velcro Fig: Name change to Ficus uncinulata

As far as we know within Borneo the Velcro Fig is unique.

Although many of the Bornean fig species have hairs covering the fig fruit, it appears that only the Velcro Fig  has hooked hairs that are strong enough to cling to passing animals.

The Velcro Fig was originally described by the botanist E.J.H Corner in the Gardens Bulletin Singapore Vol.18  Corner (1960) Taxonomic Notes on Ficus Linn. Asia & Australia, as shown below.

It appears that by mistake Corner described  two types for the Velcro fig, the first TYPE as one of 5 varieties of Ficus recurva  (var pedicellata) and the second TYPE as an entirely new species Ficus uncinulata.

In the later Flora Malesiana treatment of Borneo’s fig species (2005)   the main author C.C. Berg chose to list  the Velcro fig as a variety of Ficus recurva, however  we believe that there is enough evidence to consider that  it is a unique species. Therefore  we are reverting the scientific name of the Velcro fig to Corner’s original TYPE description of Ficus uncinulata.

Thanks to Chun Xing Wong for information and photos.