Abstract:
The genus Alocasia (Schott) G.Don (Araceae) is revised for the Philippine Islands.  Fourteen species are recognised, of which four are new to science.  A key to the species is provided.  All except Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don are endemic.  Alocasia wenzelii Merr. is placed in the synonymy of A. zebrina Schott ex van Houtte.  Alocasia manilensis Engl. and A. warburgii Engl. are synonyms of A. heterophylla (Presl) Merr. Alocasia reversa N.E. Brown is Bornean, not Philippines as originally attributed.  The new species (A. boyceana A. Hay, A. clypeolata A. Hay, A. scalprum A. Hay and A. ramosii A. Hay), the frequently misinterpreted Alocasia heterophylla and the very rare A. atropurpurea Engl. are illustrated.  Brief notes are made on horticultural value, conservation status, local endemicity and relationships of Philippines Alocasia. Where possible, cultivars recognised by the international horticultural community are ascribed to species.

Abstract:
Pollination of a canopy tree of two species, Vatica aff. parvifolia and V. micrantha (Dipterocarpaceae) was investigated in Sarawak, Malaysia.  Flowers of the two species open in the evening, and last for + 2 days.  Rewards are petal tissue and pollen.  In V. aff. parvifolia, pollen was removed from anthers on the first day, and deposited on stigmas on the second day, which suggests that the flowers are protandrous.  Most (76%) flower visitors were beetles (Chrysomelidae), 25% of which carried pollen.  The beetles mated inside flowers and often touched anthers and stigmas.  These suggest that the beetles are pollinaters.  Pollination of V. micrantha rarely occured, because of few pollen grains were removed from anthers and deposited in stigmas.  Dominant (71%) flower visitors were weevils (Apionidae and Curculionidae), 9% of which carried pollen.  The weevils laid eggs from outside flowers.  Bagging treatment increased fruit set in V. micrantha.  This suggests the negative effects, such as seed predation, of the weevils on fruit set.

Abstract:
Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the trichome morphology on the leaves of 24 species of Durio.  Glandular trichomes and non-glandular trichomes are present on the abaxial leaf surface.  Stellate hairs can be found on the abaxial leaf surface of D. affinis, D. graveolens, D. oblongus, D. oxyleyanus, D. singaporensis and D. zebithinus.  Trichome morphology can be used to distinguish the Durio species studied.  D. carinatus can be distinguished by the presence of only peltate scales on the abaxial leaf surface.  The other species can be divided into three major groups based on the density and distribution of the peltate scales and stellate hairs.

Abstract:
Records for Vietnam foliicolous ascomycetes (including the mitosporic species) are reviewed.  The current locations of previously cited specimens are noted.  Recent collections from Ba Vi and Cuc Phoung National Parks are annotated in the genera. Appendiculella, Asteridiella, Asterina, Atractilina, Hyalosphaeria, Leprieurina, Malacaria, Meliolaster. Polychaeton, Sarcinella, Sirosporium and Trichothyrium.  Seven of the twelve species are new records.

Abstract:
One new species, Olea moluccensis Kiew from the islands of Buru and Taliabu, is described and new combinations are made for three Philippine species, O. gitingensis (Elmer) Kiew, O. obovata (Merr.) Kiew and O. rubrovenia (Elmer) Kiew, all originally described as Linocieras.  Olea decussata (Heine) Kiew is synonymus with O. ribrovenia, Linociera lauterbachii Lingelsh. with Olea paniculata R. Br.; L. longifolia Merr. with O. gitingensis, and L. pallida (Merr.) Merr. and L. philippinensis Merr. with O. borneensis Boerl.

Abstract:
The identities of two closely related species of Euphorbia naturalised in Southeast Asia from the New World tropics are considered. The name Euphorbia heterophylla L. has been consistently misapplied in the Malay Peninsula to plants of Euphorbia cyathophora Murray. True Euphorbia heterophylla is found as a garden escape and weed of waste ground, but is not as common in the Malay Peninsula as E. cyathophora. The differences between the two species are summarised.

Abstract:
Study of three begonia populations in montane forest at Cameron Highlands, Pahang, confirmed that hybridization had occurred between Begonia decora and B. venusta.  The hybrids are fertile and calculation of the hybrid index indicates that introgression had taken place.  Two populations are stable and are represented by hybrid swarms.  Plants of the two parents were not located in the vicinity of these two populations  The third, comprising both parents and hybrids, is unstable and its composition has changed over the years.  A further two populations have been destroyed by habitat disturbance, which is prevalent at Cameron Highlands.

Abstract:
Eupatorium catarium Veldk. (Compositae) is a new name for Eupatorium clematideum Griseb., non Sch.Bip.,also known as Praxelis clematidea R.M.King & H. Rob.. The species has been introduced in S. China and Queensland, Australia, where it appears to be spreading rapidly.

Obituary  

Abstract:
No abstract

Abstract:
This vascular plant checklist of the Nature Reserves of Singapore is a compilation of historical records (herbarium specimens, published and unpublished checklists) as well as recent field observations and studies.  A total of 1634 species of vascular plants have been recorded in the Nature Reserves since the last century, of which 443 (or 29% of the indigenous) have not been seen during the last 10 years.

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Abstract:
A total of 381 butterfly species have now been recorded in Singapore of which 18 are new records since 1990. Of this total, 236 species (62%) were recorded during the present survey. All except 8 (3%) of these occur within the Nature reserves and 148 (63%)  were recorded within the Nature reserves. A total of 74 species (31%) within the Reserves were considered very rare.

Abstract:
Forty-one species of phasmids found in Singapore extant as well as extinct are listed and aspects of their conservation discussed. Eleven species are still relatively common and are widely distributed especially within the Central Catchment Nature Reserves. Eleven species exist in only very isolated pockets within the Central Catchment Nature Reserves. One speceis has been found only in Punggol area. A further ten species are very rare and in almost a decade of studying these insects only one or two specimens have been found in Singapore. An additional eight species have not been seen or recorded for at least 30 years and are best described as extinct in Singapore.

Abstract:
A total of 37 species of semiaquatic bugs were recorded from the forest during the survey of the Nature Reserves. 78% were found in the Nee Soon Swamp Forest that also has the highest percentage of the area or threatened species on the island. Bukit Timah Nature Reserves has the lowest diversity.  Three forest-dependent species, Cylindrostethus malayensis, Ventidius hungerfordii and Esakia fernandoi previously recorded from Singapore were not found and hence are, presumed extinct. Eight species are new records for Singapore.

Abstract:
Of the 36 species of aquatic beetles recognised here, 17 are rated threatened.  Two rare species of Microdytes (Dytiscidae) were only found in a small springlet in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.  Nee Soon Swamp Forest has the highest diversity as well as the highest number of locally threatened water beetle species in the Nature Reserves.

Abstract:
An account is given of Odonata collected during the survey of the Nature Reserves. Most of the species described from Singapore material in A.R. Wallace's collection in 1856 still occur. A total of 79 species have been recorded within the Nature Reserves, including an endemic damselfly, Drepanosticta quadrata. Eight species are known only from Nee Soon Swamp Forest.

 

Abstract:
The diversity of mammals, reptiles and amphibians is still high in the Nature Reserves with a total of 141 indigenous species recorded in the past decade, comprising 44 mammals, 72 reptiles and 25 amphibians. During the four-year survey, there were 10 additions to Singapore's checklist of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and 13 other species were rediscovered compared with four and ten, respectively, recorded during the six-year period prior to the survey. This is a clear indication that our Nature Reservcs may still hold many species that are either not recorded for Singapore or are thought to be extinct. The Nature Reserves are probably the last refuge for 74 forest-dependent species and 80 species whose populations are of such low numbers that they are threatened with extirpation. Bukit Timah, Nee Soon and MacRitchie are the richest in biodiversity and, hence, are key areas for conservation. They should be set aside as core zones with the incorporation of Mandai and Lower Peirce.

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Abstract:
Eleven new species and one new record of Lithocarpus are described from Sabah and Sarawak. The new species are L. brochidodromus, L. corneri, L. kalkmanii, L. keningauensis, L. kochummenii, L.  melataiensis, L. muluensis, L. oblancifolius, L. sandakanensis, L. stonei, and L. tawaiensis, and the new record is L. hystrix. Descriptions of the new taxa are provided.

Abstract:
Two new species of Helicia Lour. (H. sessilifolia and H. symplocoides) and two new species of Heliociopsis Sleumer (H. percoriaceae and H. litseifolia) are described and illustrated from Borneo.

Abstract:
The begonia flora of limestone hills in Sabah is extremely biodiverse with several begonias being found at a single locality, the great majority of which have extremely local distributions. For example, on Bukit Dulong Lambu (better known as Gomantong Cave) four species coexist. Two are new species. Begonia gomantongensis and B postarii for which descriptions are provided. The former is endemic to Bk. Dulong Lambu, as is B. malachosticta Sands. The fourth species, B. gueritziana Gibbs is widespread on limestone, as well as on other rock tvpes. Field observations show that niche partitioning occurs between these four species based on light conditions (that also relate to severity of water stress) and substrate. All four begonias are vulnerable to habitat changes - B. gomantongensis and B. postarii that grow in the damp and shaded conditions around the base of the hill are vulnerable to clearance or disturbance to the tree canopy, while all species are endangered by the periodic forest fires. Indeed, the summit vegetation of Bk. Dulong Lambu has still not recovered from the 1983 fires.

Abstract:
A survey on termites in the Singapore Botanic Gardens Rain Forest included termite collection and quantitative assessment of vegetation, dead trees and wood litter in 15 random sample plots, which covered 7.5% area of the forest.  Termite infestation was high in the northern zone, moderate in the central and light in the southern zones. The abundance of termite-infested microhabitats shows a positive relationship with the number of big trees, dead standing trees and ground timber, and a negative relationship with the number of herbs.  A total of 22 termite species were found.  Three genera of gallery-forming temites identified were  Bulbitermes, Nasutitermines and Microcerotermes. The major fungus-growing genera were Macrotermines, Odontotermes and Microtermes. The ground-nesting genera included Termes, Dicuspiditermes, Hospitalitermes and Prohamitermes. The other genera found were Coptotermes, Schedorhinotermes, Subulitermes and Procapritermes.  Three new records for Singapore are Bulbitermes borneensis, B. constrictus and Microcerotermes crassus.  Microcerotermes and Nasutitermes are involved in the self-pruning of trees. The Bulbitermes, Macrotermes and Odontotermes are dominant in ground timber. The different species richness and uneven distribution of termites in different parts of the forest is attributed, not only to the differences in forest structure and flora, but also the degree to which the forest floor space has been depleted for visitor and horticultural activities.

Abstract:
Unique elements of the flora of the Batu Tengar Cave include Begonia keithii (Begoniaceae), a new species endemic to this hill, and the phytogeographic affinities of its flora, which are a new species which are not only with the nearby Mandai limestone hills, but also with limestone in Kalimantan (Borneo) and the Philippines. Notes on species of special interest, Euphorbia lacei (Euphorbiaceae), Impatiens winkleri (Balsaminaceae) and Paraboea madaiensis (Gesneriaceae) are given.

Abstract:
Three new species and one new variety of Artocarpus and fourteen new species of Ficus and seven new varieties are described.  All the new species and varieties are from Sabah and Sarawak except F. ngii,  which is from Peninsular Malaysia. The new species and varieties are Artocarpus corneri,  A. jarrettiae, A.   primackii, A. anisophyllus var. sessilifolius, Ficus ashtonii, F. borneensis,  F. chaii,  F. chewii, F. corneri, F.dulitensis, F. gamostyla, F. ilias-paiei, F. kerangasensis, F. longistipulata, F. ngii, F. pseudotarennifolia, F. sabahana, F. soepadmoi, F. cereicarpa var. ashtonii,  F.  deltoidea var. ashtonii, F. deltoidea var. recurvata var. subhirsuta, F. obscura var. lanata, F. oleifolia var. calcicola, and var. impressicostata and F. sundaica var. impressicostata.  Descriptions of the new taxa are provided.

Abstract:
Alocasia (Schott) G. Don is revised for West Malesia and Sulawesi. Thirty one species are recognised, including one extremely variable species, A Iongiloba Miq. s.l., in which seven incompletely delineable informal entities are further recognised. Ten species are new to science. The history, geography, ecology and morphology of the genus and conservation status of its species are discussed and foci for further study are briefly delineated. A key to species is provided. Approximately 25% of names are epi- or neotypified owing to lack of adequate original material - a situation deriving mainly from the horticultural history of the genus. New synonyms include A. margaritae L. Linden & Rodigas, A. ovalifolia Ridl., A. crassinervia Engl., A. puber (Hassk.) Schott; A. imperialis L. Linden, A. guttata N.E. Br., A. villeneuvei L. Linden; A. scabruiscula N.E. Brown; A. porphyroneura Hallier f. = A. princeps W. Bull; A. grandis N.E. Br. = A. macrorrhozos (L.) G. Don; A. nobilis Hallier f. = A. inornata Hallier f.; A. bantamensis Koord., A. crassifolia Engl. = A. alba Schott; A. lowii Hook., A. korthalsii Schott, A. denudata Engl., A. putseyzii N.E. Br., A. eminens N.E. Br., A. watsoniana Mast., A curtisii N.E Bk., A. cuspidata Engl = A. longiloba Miq. s. I.. Alocasia perakensis Hemsl. is reinstated. Indian Alocasia montana (Roxh.) Schott is considered a synonym of A. macrorrhizos.

Book Review

Abstract:
Aglaonema flemingianum is described as new from Terengganu State in Peninsular Malaysia. The new species is illustrated and fitted into a previously published key to the species of Aglaonema.

Abstract:
The limestone vegetation in Xishuangbanna, tropical southwest China, includes three main vegetation tvpes, six formations, and nine communities, which are described in detail with enumerations of forest profiles and species composition.  Species diversity is discussed based on Shannon-Wiener's indexes for each forest formation. Comparison between the limestone seasonal rain forests and the ones on non-limestone reveals that the limestone community diversity than the rain forest on non-limestone.

Abstract:
Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume var. cavernicola, a cave dwelling shrub, is described from two limestone hills (Dulong Lambu and Madai) in Sabah, Malaysia.

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Abstract:
A new name is provided to substitute for a later homonym in Marantaceae. Phrynium venustum I.M. Turner, nom. nov., replaces Phrynium gracile Holttum. Solanum maingayi Kuntze (Solanaceae) is shown to be the correct name for what has generally been referred to as Solanum sarmentosum Nees. Stachyphrynium cylindricum K. Schum. (Marantaceae) and Boesenbergia flaxa Holtlum (Zingiberaceae) have to be considered new names because they were published as new combinations based on later homonyms. These illegitimate names, Phrynium cylindricum Ridl. and Gastrochilus flavus Ridl., are lectotypified.

Abstract:
A striking new large-fruited begonia is described from the floodplain forest in the lower reaches of the Kinabatangan River, Sabah. Although rare, this begonia is known by some older local residents as a culinary delicacy when eaten with prawns and chilli.

Abstract:
A total of 51 types and original specimens of published names of mosses, mostly collected from West Malesia, are preserved at the herbarium of Singapore Botanic Gardens (SING). Information about the locality, collector and collector's number, date of collection, nomenclatural status, and the currently accepted name, for each of the types and original specimens are presented.

Abstract:
All the records for vascular plants found growing on Pulau Aur, its small neighbour Pulau Dayang, and Pulau Pemanggil, islands in the Mersing District of Johore, Peninsular Malaysia are collated and listed. Notes on the botany of some of the smaller islands in vicinity are also presented. A tolal of more than 180 species are listed for Pulau Aur.  It is notable as the only Malaysian locality for the rubiaceous tree Zuccarinia macrophvlla. Other rare species recorded from the island include Selaginella plana (Selaginellaceae). Operculina riedeliana (Convolvulaceae), Thrixspermum carinatifolium (Orchidaceae). Rauvolfia sumatrana (Apocynaceae). Canarium hirsutum (Burseraceae) and Hymenodictyon orixense (Rubiaceae). A list of the 172 vascular plant species recorded as growing on Pulau Pemanggil is presented. Notable collections include Lasianthus barhellatus (Rubiaceae). Didymocarpus tiumanicus (Gesneriaceae). Mallotus moritzianus (Euphorbiaceae) and Margaritaria indica (Euphorbiaceae). Pulau Sibu is relatively well-known botanically. Details of some recent collections from Pulau Besar are given.  Pulau Tengah is notable for records of Argusia argentea (Boraginaceae) and Schizachyrium sanguineum (Gramineae).

Abstract:
Preparatory to a revision of the genus Pinanga Blume as found in Peninsular Malaysia, three taxa hitherto related to P. patula Blume by Scheffer, Beccari, and Ridley are discussed in the light of uncertainties pertaining to Blume's species. The paper presents fresh nomenclatural notes on P. riparia Ridley, and describes P. auriculata Becc. var. merguensis Becc. as a new combination, and a new variety, P. auriculata Becc. var leucocarpa.

Abstract:
Four Pinanga species, all from Johor, are described.- P. jamariensis, P. johorensis, P. palustris and P. pantiensis.

Abstract:
Attention is drawn to four Malesian species of ginger (Alpinia pectinata, Alpinia celebica, Amomum terminale and Tapeinochilos koordersianus) validly published by H.N. Ridley in 1900 that do not appear in Index Kewensis. We lectotypify Alpinia pectinata Ridl., a new synonym of Alpinia eremochlamys K. Schum. Alpinia celebica Ridl. pre-dates Schumann's use of the same combination.

Book Review

Book Review

Abstract:
Eleven species are added to the flora of Singapore as presented by Turner (1993).  Lecanopteris sinuosa (Polypodiaceae) was mistakenly omitted from that list.  Records of Dischidia complex (Asclepdiaceae), Grenacheria fulva (Myrsinaceae) and Microcos globulifera (Tiliaceae) were also overlooked.  Mangifera paludosa (Anacardiaceae) has recently been described from a pre-War Singapore collection.  Combretum tetralophum (Combretaceae), Korthalsia flagellaris (Palmae), Pouteria linggensis (Sapotaceae) and Sindora coriacea (Legiminosae) are native species that have newly been collected for the first time in Singapore.  The successful naturalization of Justicia procumbens (Acanthaceae) and Macroptilium atropurpureum (Leguminosae) is reported.

Abstract:
Six species of Olacaceae found in the Malay Peninsula were investigated for parasitism.  Root parasitism was observed only in Olax psittacorum and Ximenia americana var. americana but not in Strombosia javanica, Scorodocarpus borneensis, Ochanostachys amentacea and Erythropalum scandens.  Haustoria of the two parasitic species were found attached to a number of hosts indicating that they are non-host specific.  Anatomy of the haustoria revealed that the suckers of the haustoria form a cup-like structure around the stelar region of the host roots.

Abstract:
A total of 249 wild vascular plant species (15 ferns, 1 gymnosperm, 233 angiosperms) were collected on a succession of trips between 1991 and 1993 to the Sungei Buloh Nature Park.  The current flora includes mangrove and beach or coastal forest species but the majority are early successionals, native and exotic weeds and species associated with cultivation. Earlier collections from the Herbarium, Singapore Botanic Gardens, dating from the late 1880s to early 1900s were also included and these totalled 76 (1 club moss, 7 ferns and 68 angiosperms).  The original flora was very different and consisted mainly of lowland, or beach or coastal forest, and mangrove species.  The great change in species composition and the high number of weedy species in the current flora reflect major man-made changes to the environment.  Combining both historical and recent collections, the wild vascular plant flora of Sungei Buloh Nature Park totals 318 species (1 club moss, 21 ferns, 1 gymnosperm and 295 angiopserms).

Abstract:
Baccaurea scortechinii Hook.f. is a species distinct from B. parviflora (Mull. Arg.) Mull. Arg. recognised by a combination of the following characters: greater number of pairs of veins, proportionately wider leaf, shorter male and female inflorescences, position of the female inflorescence on the upper part of the trunk or on the branches, short pedicel of male flowers, longer sepals of the female flower, which are hoary outside, the rosy pink, obovoid ridged fruit (often with a wrinkled surface), which has a thick pericarp and up to six seeds.

Abstract:
Most notable among the 28 new records of flowering plant species from Singapore are the first record of Mukia maderaspatana (Cucurbitaceae) for both Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, the first record for several genera - Chonemorpha, Ichnocarpus and Kibatalia (Apocynaceae), Gymnanthera (Asclepiadaceae) and Scaphochlamys (Zingiberaceae) and  the two dipterocarps, Dipterocarpus elongatus and Shorea ochrophloia.

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Abstract:
A map of the 59 limestone localities in the Malaysian state of Sabah, Borneo, is presented together with a table with their co-ordinates, accepted name and the forest area in which they occur.

Abstract:
A list of the vascular plant species found on Pulau Tinggi in the district of Mersing, Johore, Peninsular Malaysia is presented. This has been prepared from herbarium collections in Malaysia and Singapore and covers more than 500 species. A brief outline of the vegetation type are given. Pulau Tinggi is mostly covered with lowland dipterocarp forest. The island has good examples of several coastal vegetation types which include the presence of a number of rare seashore species including Argusia argentea, Manilkara kauki, Pouteris linggensis and Serianthes grandiflora.

Book Review