Johor Fig (HT 2003 65)

Reference ID
HT 2003-65

Scientific name: Ficus kerkhovenii
Family name: Moraceae
Girth: 21.8 m @ 1.3 m height
Height: 22.4 m

Location
Changi, along Catterick Road
near Fairy Point Chalet 3

The Johor Fig is an immense strangling fig that can grow up to 45 m in height. It has a very large and wide spreading crown and pinkish brown bark. Its figs ripen to a pale yellow or orange colour. Native to Singapore and endangered in the wild, this species was reportedly common in Java and Malaya in the mid-1900s.

The species epithet 'kerkhovenii ' is named for Dutch botanist E.J. Kerkhoven (1834 – 1905), who was known for his explorations in Java.

As with many other Ficus species, the figs are a reliable source of food for fruit-eating animals such as the Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans), Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala), Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), and Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris).

This Heritage Tree had a girth of 7 m when measured in Year 2003.

For more information on this species, please refer to NParks' Flora & Fauna Web profile here.

Gallery

📷: Brendon Phuah