Hauili fig tree
Ficus septica
This tree has a 'lock and key' relationship with a specific species of wasp, Ceratosolen nanus, which is the only insect capable of pollinating its internal flowers.
- Scientific name
- Ficus septica
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Rosales › Moraceae › Ficus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Secondary forests, riverbanks, and disturbed lowlands.
- Diet
- Photosynthetic
- Range
- Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Northern Australia
- Size
- 5 to 15 meters in height
- Lifespan
- 30-60 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Deforestation and urban expansion, though it is highly resilient to disturbance.
- Safe to approach?
- The tree is harmless to observe, but its white latex sap is a skin irritant and toxic if ingested. Avoid breaking leaves or bark. If sap contacts skin, wash immediately with soap and water; if it enters eyes, seek medical attention.
Ficus septica (called Hauli tree in the Philippines, 棱果榕 in China and Taiwan) is a shrub or tree of the family Moraceae living at low altitudes from Northeast India to North Australia (Queensland), and throughout Malesia. It lives on the edge of the vegetation, often in degraded environments. The seeds of this species are dispersed by numerous species, including fruit bats (Megachiroptera) when present.
Photo: 葉子, CC0, via iNaturalist
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