Ficus pallescens is a small uncommon but widespread strangler found throughout the lowland forests of Borneo.
Ficus pallesecens has also been recorded from the island of Banka and the Malay Peninsula
Although recorded as hemi epiphytic (with drop down support roots) it appears that F. pallescens can also use its roots to grow up a trunk by clasping the the host trunk on two sides. A similar growth habit has also been recorded for F. annulata, F. consociata and Ficus binnendijkii.
In the photos below the host trunk is clearly being strangled and will soon be dead.
F. pallescens is locally common at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo where two separate individuals can be visited close up.
(1) The individual shown in the photos below grows next to the far end of the lake on the path surrounding the lake near the sign shown in the photos.
(2) A second individual grows on Jalan Fabia near the large HQ building.
