Family: Moraceae

Ficus nota, commonly known as tibig or sacking tree, is a species of fig tree native to the Philippines and parts of northern Borneo in Malaysia. This tree thrives in lowland, humid environments, often near water sources. It can grow up to 9 meters tall and is characterized by its wide-spreading crown and crooked trunk. The tree produces small, round fruits that are edible to humans, though they are rather bland and are typically consumed with sugar and cream. In addition to its fruit, the young leaves are also eaten as a vegetable in the Philippines.

Ficus nota has been introduced to various regions beyond its native range, including Hawai’i, where it has become naturalized on O’ahu and Hawai’i island. The tree is primarily dispersed by birds that consume the fruits and excrete the seeds, facilitating its spread in the wild. While it is not currently having negative impacts, there is concern that it could compete with and potentially exclude native or other desirable vegetation.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows and able to spread in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu, and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands)
  
• Spreading in native forest; may impact native biodiversity
  
• Other Ficus species are invasive
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds (specific pollinator present in Hawaiian Islands)
  
• Seeds dispersed by animals, water and both intentionally and accidentally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No negative impacts documented in Hawaiian Islands to date (despite widespread planting)
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Non-strangling fig tree
  
• Dioecious (requires male and female trees for seed production)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively