Abstract:
Two new species of Alocasia, A. chaii P.C.Boyce and A. infernalis PC.Boyce from Kapit Division. Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, are described and included into an updated key to Bornean Alocasia. Both species are illustrated. 

Abstract:
Nine taxa of the genus Macromitrium (Bryopsida, Orthotrichaceae) with gymnostomuous capsules in East Asia, including Macromitrium benguetense R.S. Willams., M. brevituberculatum Dix., M. formosae Card., M. gymnostomum Sull. & Lesq., M. heterodictyon Dix., M. holomitrioides Nog., M. robinsonii R.S. Williams, M. schmidii C. Muell., and M. taiheizanense Nog., are taxonomically revised. Macromitrium robinsonii and M. brevituberculatum are treated as new synonyms of M. gymnostomum, and M. benguetense as a new synonym of M. schmidii. Neotype was designated for M. schmidii, and types were selected for M. heterodictyon, M. Macromitrium schmidii var. macroperichaetialium S.L. Guo & T. Cao was described as a new variety. A key to the seven accepted gymnostomous species of Macromitrium in East Asia is also given. 

Abstract:
Hoya verticillata (Vahl) G.Don s.l. is a climbing epiphyte belonging to the family Apocynaceae. At present, the taxonomic status of this species in Thailand is still uncertain due to the great variability of size, shape and colour of leaf and flower. Morphological variations were explored in 500 fresh plants collected from 50 sites throughout the country. The collected specimens represent the H. verticillata complex, including two polymorphic species, namely H. verticillata s.l. and closely related species, H. rigida Kerr. Based on qualitative macro- and micro-morphological characters, the H. verticillata complex can be divided into nine groups. They can be distinguished by leaf shape, leaf base, venation pattern, leaf indumentum, and shapes of sepal, corona and corpusculum. Group I matched with the characteristics of H. rigida Kerr, which has ovate leaves with cordate base, 3-5 prominent nerves running from base to apex; indumentum absent on the abaxial surface; and lanceolate sepals. In contrast. Group II is an unidentified taxon that is close to H. verticillata (Vahl) G. Don var. citrina (Ridl.) Veldkamp. It is charaterized by broad ovate leaves with cordate base, 3-5 prominent nerves running from base to apex; and narrowly oblanceolate-oblong corpusculum. Groups III and IV have distinctly different vegetative characters and do not correspond to the previously described varieties of H. verticillata.  Their leaf venation is acrodromous, with 3 prominent nerves running from leaf base parallel to the midrib and reaching the apex, but they are different in their shape of leaf and coronal scale.  Group III has ovate leaves with subcordate base and elliptic coronal scale, while Group IV has elliptic-oblong leaves with cuneate base and ovate-lanceolate corona. Groups V-IX are still weak validity, having slightly discontinuity in leaf shape, base and venation; and shape of coronal scale.  They are treated in this paper as variable groups within H. verticillata var. verticillata.    

Abstract:
Fifteen Begonia species are described from limestone hills in the Kuching Division, Sarawak, Borneo, of which nine are new: B. andersonii Kiew & S.Julia, B. burttii Kiew & S.Julia, B. chaiana Kiew & S.Julia, B. corrugata Kiew & S.Juha, B. kiamfeeii Kiew & S.Julia, B. paoana Kiew & S.Julia, B. penrissenensis Kiew & S.Julia, B. punchak Kiew & S.Julia and B. serapatensis Kiew & S.Julia. The distribution of these begonias confirms that the Bau limestone flora is phytogeographically distinct and shows that the Padawan Serian and Penrissen limestone areas also form two distinct phytogeographic areas and that there are few species shared between the three areas. 

Abstract:
Five new genera of Grammitidaceae (Filicales) are described: Ctenopterella Parris (12 species), Dasygrammitis Parris (six species). Radiogrammitis Parris (28 species). Tomophyllum (F..Fourn.) Parris (22 species) and Xiphopterella Parris (six species).  Oreogrammitis Copel. (Grammitidaceae) is re-established (110 species). New combinations are made in all six genera. Synonymy is provided, types are indicated, including those of synonyms, and lectotypes are chosen for some names.  Three new species are described from Peninsular Malaysia, Oreogrammitis malayensis Parris, O. kunstleri Parris and Xiphopterella gracilis Parris. 

Abstract:
Two later homonyms in Polyalthia are provided with new names: Polyalthia sinclairiana I-M.Turner replaces P. macropoda Kinig and Polyalthia dolichopoda I.M.Turner replaces P. tenuipes Merr. (1922, non Merr. 19'I2). The combination Dasymaschalon dasymaschalum (Blume) I.M.Turner. which is not a tautonym under the current code, is made. It replaces the superfluous Dasymaschalon blumei Finet & Gagnep. A new combination for Dasymaschalon dasymaschalim var. wallichii is also made.  Lectotypes are proposed for Polyalthia macropoda King, Polyalthia tenuipes Merr. (1922), and Unona dasymaschala Blume var. wallichii Hook. f.& Thomson. 

Abstract:
Aridarum crassum S.Y. Wong & PC. Boyce is described as a new species from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The existing key to the genus Aridarum Ridl. is amended to include the new species. 

Book Review 

Book Review 

No abstract

Abstract:
As part of the research efforts to identify plant species which may have potential against tuberculosis, a study was earlier conducted in collaboration with the Institute for TB Research, University of Illinois, Chicago, to randomly screen the crude alcoholic extracts of different plant species using the MABA assay, to determine any inhibitory activity against the causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Of the five species belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, four were found to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis H37Rv. These species included Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum., Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt. & R.M. Sm., Etlingeria elatior (Jack) R.M. Sm. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Each species was collected in bulk and subjected to extraction and several bioassay-directed chromatographic fractionations. The pure constituents obtained were analyzed for their structure using spectroscopic techniques. The bioactivity of the pure isolates, as minimum inhibitory concentration values, was likewise determined. The results showed the antitubercular activity to be present in the nonpolar extracts. Structure elucidation of the pure isolates revealed the presence of sterols (-sitosterol, stigmasterol), sterol derivatives (-sitosteryl--D-galactoside,-sitosteryl-3-O-6’-palmityl--D-glucoside), phenyldecanoids (6-shogaol and 6-gingerol) and a flavonoid (kumatakenin). Determination of the MIC showed higher activity of the phenyldecanoids than the steroids, the steroidal derivatives and the flavonoid. 

Abstract:
Only few studies on useful gingers in Papua New Guinea have been published and we were only able to find information on two commonly used species. We conducted a 2-weeks preliminary study in the Huon Peninsula to document the species of gingers and their local names in the Kote language and their uses by the indigenous people. All species encountered were useful: four species of Etlingera, three species of Amomum and one species of Zingiber. It is recommended that further surveys should be conducted on gingers of Papua New Guinea to understand their taxonomy and ethnobotany in order to devise an appropriate ginger conservation program for the local communities.

Abstract:
Seeds of Hornstedtia reticulata (K. Schum) K. Schum. collected from the wild were double surface sterilised with 30% Clorox, followed by 15% Clorox, each for 20 minutes. The sterilised seeds were sown on Gamborg B5 medium. The meristems of 12 weeks old seedlings, including the basal parts of leaf sheath, were used to induce multiple shoots in Gamborg B5 media incorporated with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) alone (2mg/L and 3mg/L) and in combination with α-naphthalena acetic acid (NAA) at different concentrations (0.5mg/L and 0.1mg/L). Observation showed that all the treatments were able to produce multiple shoots while the highest number of shoots was obtained from explants that were treated with 3mg/L BAP after three subcultures. 

Abstract:
The studies on the variations in tissue development and secondary product elaboration of Hedychium coronarium J. König, locally known as camia, in culture on different growth media, using the floral tube part, are reported. 

Abstract:
The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA) of leaves and rhizomes of five wild and six cultivated ginger species belonging to seven genera were compared. Altitudinal variation in leaf TPC and AOA of four species of Etlingera Giseke was also studied. TPC was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. AOA was measured using the1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and expressed as ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity (AEAC). Of the 11 wild and cultivated species screened, leaves of Etlingera had the highest TPC and AEAC, which were seven to eight times higher than those of rhizomes. Eight species had significantly higher leaf TPC and/or AEAC than rhizomes. Leaves of highland populations of Etlingera species had higher values than those of lowland counterparts. 

Abstract:
The genus Hedychium J. König (Zingiberaceae) with about 80 species has only four members in south India, viz., H. coronarium J. König, H. flavescens Carey ex Roscoe, H. spicatum var. acuminatum (Roscoe) Wall., and the endemic, H. venustum Wight. The chemical compositions of essential oils from the rhizomes of these four Hedychium species and their morphologies have been compared. The rhizome oils were characterized by analytical gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The number of identified constituents in the rhizome oils of H. coronarium, H. flavescens, H. spicatum var. acuminatum and H. venustum were 24 (99.7%), 27 (98.8%), 41 (98.9%), and 57 (99.1%) respectively. 1,8-Cineole, and -pinene and linalool constituted 70-75% of these rhizome oils. 1,8-Cineole was the single major constituent in the rhizome oils of H. coronarium (48.7%), H. venustum (45.4%), and H. spicatum var. acuminatum (44.3%). -Pinene (43.6%) was the major component in the rhizome oil of H. flavescens. The percentages of sesquiterpenes in these oils were H. venustum (24.0%), H. spicatum var. acuminatum (22.1%), H. coronarium (3.1%) and H. flavescens (1.3%). Oil yields from the rhizomes of H. venustum, H. spicatum var. acuminatum and H. coronarium were comparable (0.13-0.16%), but that from the rhizomes of H. flavescens was substantially low (0.05%). H. venustum and H. spicatum var. acuminatum are morphologically similar and significantly different from H. flavescens. The chemical data on essential oils are in good agreement with the relative morphological features of these four Hedychium species and thus chemotaxonomically significant.

Abstract:
Shoot tips of Boesenbergia pulchella (Ridl.) Merr. were cultured on Gamborg B5 medium containing 30% (w/v) sucrose and 2.8%  (w/v) Gelrite. Various concentration of plant growth regulators (PGR) were supplemented to B5 media, i.e., 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 1-4 mg/l alone or in combination with α-naphtalene acetic acid (NAA) at 0.1 mg/l or thidiazuron (TDZ) at 0.1-0.7 mg/l. Multiple shoot formation were found on both media supplemented with TDZ and BAP. A maximum of 11 shoots were produced after treatment with TDZ at 0.3 mg/l, which were the highest among other treatments. Acclimatization were conducted on (1:1 v:v) soil and vermiculite.

Abstract:
There are approximately 160 species of Zingiberaceae belonging to 18 genera in Peninsular Malaysia. Roughly 16-20% are traditionally utilized by the indigenous folks as spices, condiments, vegetables, food flavours and medicines. The resurgence of interest in herbs and the potential lucrative anticipated revenues from the herbal industry have spurred renewed interest in exploiting traditional knowledge and practices into scientific realities. Current research priorities offer promising development of natural resources into neutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. Hence the need to profile or fingerprint species for quality control and consistency of the species utilized. It is also important to establish protocols for micropropagation as a means of providing consistent supply of stable and elite materials for mass propagation and commercialization. Selected examples of indigenous uses, species profiles and successful micropropagation of cultivated gingers are discussed.

Abstract:
The entries for the family Zingiberaceae in the New Guinea database includes records of over 1700 collections. Based on this information an overview of the family is presented. The extensive records in the database highlight several problems. A considerable number of collections in the family have not been identified at generic level (190 collections) and many collections in each genus are not identified at the species level. This particularly applies to the larger New Guinea genera: Alpinia Roxb. and Riedelia Oliv., respectively with 256 and 236 collections. In this paper particular attention is paid to the neo-endemic genus Riedelia, which is represented by 85 described taxa in New Guinea. The genus has not been revised since 1916. 

Abstract:
Morphological characteristics and pollen morphology of Thai Amomum Roxb. were studied in order to aid identification and classification. Thirty-one species collected during our field expedition, only 13 species could be identified to species, and 18 species will be proposed as new to science. Investigation of both vegetative and reproductive organs reveals that leaf, flower and fruit are useful for identification/separating the species of Amomum. Pollen grains of 14 representatives were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to reveal their morphology and usefulness for infrageneric classification. Two types of exine sculpture, psilate and echinate, were found. Classification by using pollen morphology does not support grouping by the previous authors that emphasized fruit shapes.

Abstract:
Recent investigations based on molecular phylogenies have resulted in new insights into the evolutionary relationships and classification of the Zingiberaceae and various genera within the family, e.g., Globba, Hedychium, Roscoea, Etlingera, Alpinia, and Amomum.  At the same time taxonomic boundaries of many traditionally recognized genera have been challenged, e.g., Curcuma, Boesenbergia, Caulokaempferia, Alpinia, and Amomum. Within the subfamily Alpinioideae the results of our analyses will require the recircumscription of many of the genera included in the tribe Alpinieae. These phylogenetic results are based on a supermatrix analysis of ITS and matK sequence data and are discussed in the context of complementary morphological features and geographic distributions. Seventeen clades are recognized at the generic level although some remain tentative and in need of additional analysis before final taxonomic circumscriptions can be made. A revised classification will require that many species be placed in new or different genera, which will greatly facilitate identification and our understanding of morphological evolution in the family as well as species and genera therein.

Abstract:
Materials for a taxonomic revision of the Geostachys (Baker) Ridl. in Peninsular Malaysia, resulting from recent fieldwork are presented, with notes on the threat assessment of extant species. Twelve of the 13 previously known species were studied in situ, and two newly described species have also been found (Geostachys belumensis C.K. Lim & K.H. Lau and G. erectifrons K.H. Lau, C.K. Lim & K. Mat-Salleh), bringing the current total to 15 taxa, all highland species, found in hill, sub-montane and upper montane forests ranging from 600 m to 2000 m a.s.l. Thirteen out of 15 of the known species are believed to be hyper-endemic, found so far only in their respective type localities.

Abstract:
Aulotandra Gagnep. has recently been transferred from the subfamily Alpinioideae, tribe Alpinieae, to the subfamily Siphonochiloideae. Materials towards a revision of Aulotandra and Siphonochilus J.M.Wood & Franks are presented.

Abstract:
Nine species of Etlingera Giseke are known in Java, though two of them have not been collected recently. An identification key is given, along with descriptions, illustrations, and notes on local names, uses, and ecology. The conservation status of each species is assessed. Two species remain enigmatic and the remaining seven, including E. parva, which is synonomized with E. brachychila, are all found in Borneo, Sumatra and/or the Malay Peninsula.

Abstract:
Off-season flowering of Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. was studied in Chiang Mai province of Thailand where the weather in winter is cool with temperatures between 16 to 30 °C, RH from 65 to 70 %, and 10 hrs of daylight. Rhizomes were stored at 15 °C for the 6 months from February to July, 2004. After root emergence, plants were grown under different night break treatments. Night break treatments were conducted by supplying 2 hrs of light daily from 20.00 to 22.00 hrs. The light source was 100 watt incandescent light bulbs. There were three treatments: T1, night breaks supplied from sprouting of the first shoot until the floral spike reached one inch long; T2 as T1, but continued until the first floret opened; T3, was a control treatment with no night break. Each treatment was carried out at different planting dates, i.e., August 9, September 9, October 9 and November 9. Plant height, number of plants per cluster, flowering percentage and flower qualities (number of coma bracts, number of green bracts, spike length and length of flower stalk) were recorded. The results showed that plant growth and flower qualities were similar with and without the night break treatment at the 9 August planting date. However, the September to October planting dates required night break treatments to promote flowering and maintain flower qualities.

Abstract:
Callus was induced from young leaves of Cornukaempferia larsenii nom. sched. Saensouk on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and various concentrations of  2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in light and dark conditions. The highest number of callus formation, percentage of callus formation and average weight of callus were obtained from young leaves cultured on the medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D in the light condition. The callus could not be regenerated to plantlets in media added with various concentrations of NAA and BA.

Abstract:
Many members belonging to the family Zingiberaceae are well known for their uses in traditional medicine for curing various ailments since times immemorial. The rhizomes of some medicinal Zingiberaceae are widely used in the dietary intakes. Curcumin present in turmeric and gingerol in ginger have been known to possess anti-oxidant properties. The northeast India, which lies within the Indo-Burmese mega-biodiversity ‘hotspot’ region, is a genetic treasure house of biological resources with good representation of Zingiberaceous species. The present studies were conducted to assess the free radical scavenging antioxidant properties of rhizome extract of Zingiber montanum (J. König) A. Dietr [=Z. cassumunar Roxb.] using various chemical assay systems like diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide (O2-) and hydroxyl (OH.) radical scavenging methods. Increased percent of DPPH decoloration from 50-500 g/ml indicated concentration dependent scavenging activity of DPPH radicals by the crude extract of this species. Even at a low concentration of 1 g/ml, the rhizome extract showed strong (75%) OH- scavenging activity. Similarly, the crude extract showed a concentration dependent inhibition of O2 - radical production where a concentration of 50 g/ml almost showed 100% inhibition. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay using NIH 3T3 fibroblast cell line. Only 28% cytotoxicity was observed up to a concentration of 100 g/ml. The results strongly support the therapeutic use of crude rhizome extract of Z. montanum for its dietary intake and use as traditional medicine, thereby suggesting its potential as promising radioprotective agent.

Abstract:
The genus Curcuma L. is one of the largest genera in the Zingiberaceae, with about 80 species, and distributed throughout tropical Asia from India to South China, Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea and Northern Australia. In Thailand, thirty-eight species have been found. Taxonomic knowledge of this genus is necessary for citing correctly the species used commercially as spices, ornamentals and medicines. Formerly, Curcuma was a member of the tribe Hedychieae.  According to the new classification of the Zingiberaceae proposed by Kress et al. (2000), this genus belongs to the tribe Zingibereae. This paper presents an overview of the genus Curcuma and its species diversity in Thailand. The infrageneric classification of the genus based on morphology and molecular evidences with reference to species diversity in Thailand is discussed. The representative taxa, their distribution and uses are provided.

Abstract:
Floral organ development of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. begins with the initiation of sepal primordia, and then the three common primordia comprising petal and inner whorl androecial members. Each common primordium separates into a dorsal petal and a ventral androecial member. The adaxial common primordium begins to separate first to produce the functional stamen and the adaxial petal. Subsequently the two abaxial common primordia separate to form two abaxial inner androecial members and two abaxial petals. After the three common primordia completed their differentiation, three outer androecial members are formed, of which the two adaxial primordia have a slow growth and finally become two lateral staminodes, while the abaxial primordium ceases growth and disappears gradually. The gynoecium is the last floral structure to initiate. Soon after the initiation of gynoecial primordium, the two abaxial inner androecial members form two secondary primordia. Compared to the development of the anther on the fertile stamen, the secondary primordia may be homologous with the primordia of the pollen sacs. This provides new evidence supporting the view that the labellum was derived from the two inner whorled androecial members. 

Abstract:
Rhaphidophora tenuis Engl, a species considered synonymous with the widespread and variable R. korihahii Hassk. In the most recent revision ot Bornean species is resurrected as an endemic to Sarawak and Brunei. A full description of R. tenuis is presented together with a modification to the most recent published key to Rhaphidophora in Borneo and photographs. This reinstatement takes to the number of Rhaphidophora species recognised for Borneo. 

Abstract:
Three new species of Schismatoglottis - Schismatoglottis jelandii P.C.Boyce & S.Y. Wong, Schismatoglottis jepomii P.C.Boyce & S.Y. Wong and Schismatoglottis maelii P.C.Boyce S.Y.Wong - from Sarawak are described and included in the amendments to the key to Bornean Schismatoglottis published by Hay & Yuzammi (2000). All are illustrated. 

Abstract:
Rhaphidophora crassifolia Hook.f., a species hitherto known only from Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand is recorded as new for Sarawak and takes to 16 the number of species of Rhaphidophora for Borneo, of which five are endemic. A species description and photographs with a new key to the Rhaphidophora species in Borneo is given. 

Abstract:
A review of entire-leaved Tacca in Sarawak is presented; four species are recognized. Tacca borneensis Ridl. is resurrected and problems concerning the interpretation of T. integrifolia sensu Drenth are reviewed.  The first complete description of T. bibracteata Drenth is published. One new species, T. reducta P.C.Boyce & S.Julia, is proposed. Significant floral and fruiting morphologies are highlighted and a key to all Tacca species (entire and palmate/dracontioid-leaved) in Sarawak is provided. All entire-leaved species in Sarawak are illustrated. 

Abstract:
Curcuma larsenii C. Maknoi & T. Jeniittikul, sp. nov. from Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos and Vietnam) is described and illustrated. 

Abstract:
The consistent presence of a pulvinus above the insertion at the base of the petiole of Scaphochlamys species has been observed in Sarawak and is here proposed as a useful field character for recognizing and separating Scaphochlamys Baker from its nearest allied taxa Boesenbergia Kuntze and Haplochorema K.Schum. 

Abstract:
The phylogeny of the orchid genus Pomatocalpa has been analyzed using morphological and molecular (matK and ITS) data. First, 9 representative species of Pomatocalpa, viz. P. armigerum (King & Pantl.) T.Tang & F.Wang, P. bambusarum (King & Pantl.) Garay, P. bhutanicum N.P.Balakr., P. color (Lindl.) J.J.Sm., P. spicatum Breda, P. kunstleri (Hook.f.) J.J.Sm., P. diffusum Breda, P. macphersonii (F.Muell.) T.E. Hunt and P. tonkinense (Gagnep.) Seidenf. and 11 neighboring genera (according to morphological features), viz. Acampe, Cleisostoma, Micropera, Haraella, Pelathanteria, Robiquetia, Sarcoglyphis, Smitinandia, Staurochilus, Trichoglottis and Ventricularia, were included to test the monophyly and phylogenetic position of the genus Pomatocalpa. This analysis was based on morphological data only, and the genera Seidenfadenia, Vanda and Ascocentrum were chosen as outgroups. Second, the interspecific phylogenetic relationships within Pomatocalpa were analyzed on the basis of matK and ITS sequences and morphological characters. The molecular analyses included seven species of Pomatocalpa, viz. P. undulatum (Lindl.) J.J.Sm., P. bicolor, P. diffusum, P. kunstleri, P macphersonii, P. maculosum (Lindl.) J.J.Sm. and P. spicatum, and used Acampe ochracea (Lindl.) Hochr., Ventricularia tenuicaulis (Hook.f.) Garay and Acampe ochracea (Lindl.) Hochr., Ventricularia tenuicaulis (Hook.f.) Garay and Smitinandia micrantha (Lindl.) Holtt. as outgroups. The morphological analysis included all 13 accepted species of Pomatocalpa by us and used Acampe, Ventricularia, and Smitinandia as outgroups. Based on the results of an unpublished precursory study, the monotypic genus Haraella was included in the ingroup in both the morphological and molecular analyses. In addition to the separate analysis evidence analysis was made, combining information from matK, ITS, and morphological data Pomatocalpa turned out to be monophyletic, but only after exclusion of P. armigerum (= Cleisostoma armigerum King & Pantl.), P. bambusarum {= Cleisostoma bambusarum (King & Pantl.) King & Pantl.) and P. bhutanica (= Cleisostoma bhutanicum (N.P.Balakr.) S. Watthana, comb. nov.). Accoding to matK, morphology, and total evidence, Pomatocalpa is monophyletic without Haraella. According to ITS data, on the other hand, Haraella is nested in Pomatocalpa. The incongruence of matK and ITS sequences may be because Haraella retrocalla is of an ancient hybrid origin. When delimited according to this paper, the genus Pomatocalpa is probably monophyletic and is characterized by a single unique synapomorphy, i.e., the presence of a narrow longitudinal groove at the end of the front wall of the spur. The interspecific relationships in Pomatocalpa were poorly resolved.  

Abstract:
The species composition, The species composition, physiognomy and biogeography of tropical montane rain forest in southern Yunnan, SW China, have been studied based on data from 10 sampling plots and a complete floristic inventory. Two separate communities are recognized: a Mastixia euonymoides-Phoebe megacalyx forest and a Parakmeria yunnanensis-Gymnanthes remota forest based mainly on species composition and forest structures. The tropical montane rain forest is characterized by evergreen meso-phanerophytes and micro-phanerophytes with simple, leathery and entire mesophyllous leaves. more or less frequent woody lianas and epiphytes, abundant herbaceous phanerophytes. However, it has few buttresses or cauliflory in physiognomy. The montane rain forest has similar species diversity to the lowland seasonal rain forest in the region. This indicates that species richness is not necessarily reduced with increasing altitude. We suggest this rain forest is a type of lower montane rain forest based mainly on its physiognomy, structure and floristics, but one that occurs at a higher altitude than those in equatorial SE Asia.The montane rain forest is dominated, in terms of species richness, by Lauraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fagaceae, Theaceae, Rubiaceae and Papilionaceae, but by Lauraceae, Magnoliaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fagaceae, Mastixiaceae and Nyssaceae in terms of phytosociological importance. In floristic composition, a total of 623 native species in 327 genera and 115 families of seed plants were recorded from the montane rain forest, of which recognisably 'tropical' elements contributed about 78.9% at the generic level and more than 80% at the specific level. Plants of tropical Asian distribution contribute 63.7% of the total sum of species. We conclude that the montane rain forest has strong tropical Asian affinities floristically even though it occurs at the northern margin of mainland SE Asia and at a higher altitude.

Abstract:
Obituary 

Abstract:
Paraboea culminicola K.G. Pearce, endemic to the Subis limestone at Niah, was first collected in 1932 and subsequently in 1961, 1962, and 2002.  The species is described and illustrated. In addition, a list is provided of 357 taxa (356 species) from Niah represented by specimens in the herbarium of the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SAR), bringing the total number ot taxa recorded for Niah National Park to c. 550 and the total number for the Park and its vicinity to c. 700; the total number of taxa associated with limestone at Niah to 281; and the total of Borneo endemics found in the Park to 19 taxa.

Abstract:
More species of Aglaia Lour, occur in Borneo than anywhere else in the range of the genus. Sixty species are known from the island, of which 12 are endemic. The species described here is a rare plant recorded from Lundu District in West Sarawak and from Sumatra. It belongs to section Aglaia. 

Abstract:
Collections from the Andaman Islands, formerly determined to Curcuma kurzii King ex Baker or C. petiolata Roxb., match C. roscoeana Wall. A detailed description from living material, a colour plate, as well as historical and nomenclatural details are provided and lectotypes are designated for C. roscoeana and C. kurzii.

Abstract:
Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb., a widely distributed and utilised Asian species, has been misidentilied in India for over 100 years. A description and colour plate of Curcuma zanthorrhiza are provided, with additional notes on C. zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe and C. aromatica Salisb., which are two common misidentifications of C. zanthorrhiza in India. It is postulated that it is South Indian origin and has been widely distributed by the Srivijaya civilisation that spread through SE Asia long before Western domination. 

Abstract:
Rhaphidophora typha P.C.Boyce, a new species from Borneo distinguished by its remarkably long peduncle and leaves abaxially grey-glaucous, is described and illustrated. 

Abstract:
Litsea Lam., Lindera Thunb., Neolitsea Merr. and Iteadaphne Blume share a combination of many features that distinguish them collectively as a well-defined natural group from the rest of the Lauraceae. However, within the group, the genera are defined on features that are unsatisfactory whether considered individually or in combination. 

Abstract:
An unusual new Begonia species, Begonia cucphuongensis H. Q. Nguyen & Tebbitt, is described from limestone ridges in northern Vietnam. 

Abstract:
Three new species of Scaphochlamys are described from Peninsular Malaysia: S. abdullahii Y.Y.Sam & Saw, S. cordata Y.Y.Sam & Saw and S. laxa Y.Y.Sam & Saw. All three are endemic to the eastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, with S. abdullahii and S. cordata confined to one and only locality each in Terengganu.
 

Abstract:
Two new records, Malaxis inexpectata (J.J.Sm.) J.B.Comber and Habenaria paradiseoides J.J.Sm., are reported for the Orchidaceae of Peninsular Malaysia. Until now, both were known only from Sumatra, M. inexpectata with two, and H. paradiseoides with one collection. 

Abstract:
Three new species, Tristaniopsis kinabaluensis P.S.Ashton, T. microcarpa P.S.Ashton and T. rubiginosa S. Teo ex P.S.Ashton, and three new subspecies, Tristaniopsis kinabaluensis ssp. silamensis P.S.Ashton, T. merguensis ssp. tawaiensis P.S.Ashton and T. whitiana ssp. monostemon PS.Aston, are described from northern Borneo, in preparation for a treatment of the Myrtaceae for the Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. 

Abstract:
Musa lokok Geri & Ng, sp. nov. is described and illustrated. Locally, the young unfurled leaves have been used as cigarette wrappers. 

No Abstract

Book Review

Obituary

Abstract:
Cryptocoryne zaidiana Ipor & Tawan, a noteworthy new species from Long Tran. Tinjar, Miri Division, Sarawak is described and illustrated. This amphibious species grows on mudflats in sandy clay soil of intertidal freshwaler zone of Sungai Mering.  Its leaf shape and texture are similar to those of Cryptocoryne lingua Engler but differ especially in its spathe characteristics. It has a strongly recurved ovale limb, the upper surtace is distinctly covered with purplish and creamy protuberances and it has a distinct creamy collar. 

Abstract:
Homalomena pineodora Sulaiman & P.C.Boyce is described as a new species from Peninsular Malaysia. Its similarities to H. bellula Schott (Java), H.elegantula A Hay & Herscovitch and H. hastata M.Hotta (both Sumatera) and as yet undescribed Homalomena from North Vietnam are discussed. 

Abstract:
Hapaline appendiculata Ridl., a species endemic to Sarawak, Borneo, and hitherto known from only three collections, has recently been recollected. An expanded description for the species, first ever published field photographs and a key to Hapaline in Borneo is presented. 

Abstract:
Begonia bataiensis Kiew with long, cylindric, fleshy fruits is the fourth species to be described in the largely Chinese section Leprosae. 

Abstract:
Cleistocalyx nervosus (DC.) Kosterm. is an illegitimate later homonym of Cleistocalyx nervosus (Lour.) Blume. Therefore, the new combinations Cleistoicalyx cerasoides (Roxb.) I.M. Turner and C. cerasoides var. paniala (Roxb.) I.M. Turner are proposed. Eugenia cerasoides Roxb. is lectotypified. 

Abstract:
Scaphochlamys calcicola A.D.Poulsen & R.J.Searle is described from the Bau limestone area in Sarawak, Borneo. Its placement within Scaphochlamys and relationship with Boesenbergia and Distichochlamys are discussed. 

Abstract:
Based on recent living material from the type locality, the monotypic genus Paracautleya is reduced to synonymy with Curcuma and a new combination is made for C. bhatii (R.M.Sm.) Skornick. and M.Sabu. A detailed description of the species, including a colour plate, is given. 

Abstract:
Thirteen new taxa or taxa with a new status in Xanthophyllum (Polygalaceae) from Borneo are described. The ten new species described in this paper are: X. bicolor W.J. De Wilde & Duyfjes. X. brachystachyum  W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes, X. crassum W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes, X. inflatum W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes, X. ionanthum W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes, X. longum W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes, X. nitidum W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes, X. pachycarpon W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes, X. rectum W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes and X. rheophilum W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes, and the new variety is X. griffithii A.W. Benn var. papillosum W.J. Wilde & Duyfjes.  New taxonomic status has been accorded to X. adenotus Miq. var. arsatii ((C.E..C. Fisch.) W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes and X. lineare (Meijden) W.J. de Wilde & Duyfjes. 

Abstract:
Cryptocarya is sharply defined from other genera in the Lauraceae by floral morphology and fruit development. The ovary is superior and seated within a deep and distinct hypanthium. The developing fruit remains free from the hypanthium but is completely enclosed by it. The resulting inferior fruit has two walls - an outer wall developed from the hypanthium. and an inner wall derived from the ovary wall. The only other tree genera of Lauraceae in SE Asia with inferior fruits are Eusideroxylon and Potoxylon, but in these two genera the ovaries are semi-inferior and the pericarp develops from the 'fusion' of the receptacle and the ovary wall resulting in a single fruit wall.                                                                                                In Borneo, 15 species of Cryptocarya are recognized. Seven species are reduced to synonymy. 

Abstract:
In Sabah and Sarawak, a total of 20 species of Actinodaphne are recognized including one imperfectly known species. Of these, eight (Actinodaphne kosterrmansii S. Julia, Actinodaphne percoriacea S. Julia. Actinodaphne robusta S. Julia, Actinodaphne semengohensis S. Julia, Actinodaphne soepadmoi S. Julia, Actinodaphne spathulifolia S. Julia, Actinodaphne sulcata S. Julia and Actinodaphne venosa S. Julia) are new to science. In addition, two varieties, Actinodaphne kostermansii var. glabrescens S. Julia and Actinodaphne sulcata var. longipetiolata S. Julia are also described as new. Relevant references, basionyms. type specimens (if known), synonyms, distribution, ecology and notes for each is species occurring in Sabah and Sarawak are provided. An identification list for all specimens examined is given. 

Abstract:
In preparing the treatment of the family Tiliaceae for the Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak Project, a revision of the genus Microcos in Borneo was conducted resulting in 27 species being recognised for Borneo, of which 25 species occur in Sabah and Sarawak; two {M. laurlfolia and M. tomentosa) are newly recorded, three M. creaghii, M. elmeri and M. ovato-lanceolata) are reduced to synonymy and one {M. longipetiolata) is excluded from the genus. Fifteen species are endemic to Borneo. A complete list of exsiccatae. nomenclatural (typification and synonymy) and taxonomic notes and distribution of the recognised species are provided. 

No Abstract

Abstract:
Two new species of Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae) are described, both similar to B. plumatum Ames and B. mirum J.J. Sm, Bulbophyllum scotinochiton J.J.Verm. &  P. O'Byrne is from Sumatra, Indonesia: B. thiurum J.J.Verm. & P. O'Byrne is from Johore, Peninsular Malaysia.  Pictures of all four species are given. 

Book Review

Book Review