Abstract:
Field Guide to the Grasses of Singapore (Excluding the Bamboos) 

Abstract:
The history of the spice plantation and Botanic Garden conceived by Sir Stamford Raffles (1781-1826) for Government Hill (now Fort Canning Hill) in Singapore is documented from its inception in 1819 using archival sources, contemporary accounts, as well as previously published and unpublished maps. After Raffles's departure from Singapore in 1823 and under pressure for retrenchment, the patronage of economic botany shifted from the government to entrepeneurs who revived Raffles's original nutmeg {Myristica fragrans Houtt.) plantation in the 1830's, subsequently leading to frenzied nutmeg cultivation around the settlement. A combination of competitive pressure, inadequate husbandry and an insect pest brought nutmeg cultivation on Government Hill and elsewhere to an end in 1859. .Not only was the spice plantation envisioned by Raffles in existence longer and at times more extensive than previously thought, it also exerted a significant impact on land development in and around the settlement. A map of Government Hill and the surrounding area is shown to illustrate the gradual encroachment of other buildings and facilities over time. 

Abstract:
Working on a field guide to the grasses of Singapore, 15 records not included in The Concise first time for Singapore were discovered. Eight species and a variety are either recorded for the first time , or their presence, which was doubted before, is confirmed. They are: Cyrtococcum patens (L.) A.Camus, Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf, Eragrostis cilianensis (Bellardi) Vignolo ex Janch., Panicum paludosum Roxb., Panacum laxum Sw., Paspalum plicatulum Michx., Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour) W.D. Clayton, and Sporobolus indicus (L.) R.Br var. pyramidalis (Beauv.) Veldt.and S. tenuissimus (Schrank) Kuntze, Panicum laxum is a new record for Asia. The occurrence of six more species already known from Singapore but not reported in local floras is noted: Cenchrus echinatus L., Digitaria bicomis (Lam.) Roem. & Schult., D. mollicoma (Kunth) Henrard, Eragrostis brownii (Kunth.) Nees (including E. cumingii Steud. var. cumingii), Panicum trichocladum Hack, ex K. Schum., and Urochloa piligera (F Muell. ex Benth.) R.D. Webster. For the sake of completeness, they are included with a short discussion.

Abstract:
Curcuma mutabilis Skomickova, M.Sabu & M.G.Prasanthkumar, sp. nov. is described from Northern Kerala, South India, including illustrations and notes. 

Abstract:
The tropical seasonal rain forest (semi-evergreen rain forest) in Caiyanghe Nature Reserve, Simao, Yunnan, China, is at the northern and altitudinal limits of tropical rain forest in Asia. It shares the main physiognomic characteristics of tropical rain forest. Compared with lowland rain forests in China and equatorial regions in Asia , it has lower species diversity with more micro- and nano-phanerophytes and herbaceous phanerophytes in the life form spectra, more microphyllous plants and more plants with non-entire leaves. In floristic composition, it is dominated by tropical Asian elements and characterized by the Indo-Malayan tropical flora. It is suggested that the occurrence of tropical rain forest in southern Yunnan is more influenced by topography and local habitats than the regional climate.

Abstract:
Begonia sabahensis Kiew & J.H. Tan, (Begoniaceae) is described from Sabah, Malaysia. It belongs to sect. Diploiclinium and is most remarkable for its pure yellow flowers. 

Abstract:
Three new species of Rhododendron section Vireya are described: R. mendumiae; R reynosoi and R. wilkiei, together with a new subspecies of R. javanicum ssp. palawanense and new records of R. edanoi, which is shown to be the same species as R. pneumonanthum of Borneo although differing at the sub-specific level. Keys are given to all the Rhododendron species currently known from the island of Palawan.

Abstract:
Begonia sizemoreae Kiew (sect. Platycentrum) is described from the Ba Vi National Park in North Vietnam. Closely related to B. rex Putzeys and with similarly fine variegated leaves, it is striking for the crimson reticulation of veins in the central and marginal parts of the leaves. 

Abstract:
Based on survey work and specimen collection carried out during 2001 to 2003, vegetation types that occur in Niah National Park (the various facies of limestone vegetation-the Subis limestone is the most prominent feature of the Park-mixed dipterocarp forest, seasonal swamp forest on clayey marls and on peat soils, riparian forest, and regenerating forest developing after shifting cultivation) are described. A provisional checklist of species includes more than 300 species. Ferns, Acanthaceae, Annonaceae, Araceae, Begoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Gesneriaceae, Moraceae, Rubiaceae and Urticaceae are well represented, while orchids and palms appear to be under-collected. A number of fruit tree species and other useful plants occur in the Park. The Park is home to at least 12 endemics found nowhere else, and 5 possible new species. 

Abstract:
The taxonomy of Octamyrtus Diels is reviewed and six species are recognised. Octamyrtus halmaherensis Craven & Sunarti is newly described and O. arfakensis Kaneh. & Hatus. ex C.T. White and O. glomerata Kaneh. & Hatus, ex C.T. White are reinstated. Neotypes are designated for O. behrmannii Diels and O. insignis Diels. A key to the species is provided. 

Abstract:
Amorphophallus julaihii Ipor, Tawan & P.C. Boyce a new species from forested limestone in Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Borneo is described and illustrated. 

Abstract:
Stachyphrynium calcicola, a new species of Marantaceae, was recently discovered in the Bau limestone area, Sarawak. It also occurs in Kalimantan. The new species is described and illustrated and the uses of Bornean Marantaceae are given. 

Abstract:
Many taxa are reported in the literature as endemic to Singapore. Of the 19 investigated, seven are shown to be endemic. Of these six, Bolbitis x singaporensis (Lomariopsidaceae), Flickingeria laciniosa (Orchidaceae), Spatholobus ridleyi (Leguminosae), Strychnos ridleyi (Loganiaceae), Tectaria griffithii var, singaporeana (Dryopteridaceae) and Thunbergia dasychlarnys (Acanthaceae) are extinct, while Cryptocoryne x timahensis (Araceae) is still alive in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. These seven taxa represent a mere 0.3% of Singapore's vascular flora of about 2300 species. A new combination is made for Hypobathrum coniferum (Ridl.) Kiew (Rubiaceae).

Abstract:
Cordia premnifolia Ridl. is confirmed as a synonym of C. dichotoma G. Forst., not of C. cochinchinensis Gagnep., which does not occur in Malesia. C premnifolia is lectotypified.

Abstract:
The status of Arisaema fimbriatum Mast, is discussed based on the examination of herbarium material as well as living plants in the wild and in cultivation. A. fimbriatum is recognised as having two subspecies: subsp.fimbriatum and subsp. bakerianum (Engl.) G.Gusman established here.

Abstract:
The genus Dyera is revised. Two species, Dyera costulata and Dyera polyphylla, are recognised. A key to the species is presented and descriptions given.

Abstract:
Curcuma codonantha Skornickova, M. Sabu & Prasanthkumar sp. nov. from the Andaman Islands, India, is described and illustrated.

Abstract:
Three new species of Porterandia (Rubiaceae), P. beamanii, P. chanii and P. puffii, which occur on Mount Kinabalu, Bomeo, are described.

Abstract:
The pollen morphology of 5 species of Grewia and 31 species of Microcos (including their type species) from Peninsular Malaysia and Bomeo were studied using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The pollen of Grewia species differs from that of Microcos in being larger with a mean polar axis of 53-75 pm and an average equatorial diameter of 39-55 um, having a coarsely reticulate tectum, a lumina diameter of more than 1.5 um and a mean exine thickness of 1.55-2.15 um. Microcos pollen is characterised by its smaller size with a mean polar axis of 25-35 um and an average equatorial diameter of 19-27 um, a finely reticulate tectum, a lumina diameter of less than 1.5 um and a mean exine thickness 0.84-0.90 um. The pollen of all species examined conforms to the previously recognised 'Grewia-type'.

Abstract:
Six new species of Bulbophyllum are described, all from Sulawesi: B. trichorhachis (sect. Hybochilus), B. valeryi (sect. Leptopus), B. auriculatum and B. tubilabium (both sect. Monilibulbus), B. stenurum (sect. Osyricera), and B. reductum (sect. Pelma).

Abstract:
A botanical survey in 2002/2003 collected 245 species in 171 genera and 80 families of vascular plants excluding alien species. Among the seven habitats on Chek Jawa, the intertidal zone with seven species of seagrasses, the rocky shore and the mangrove communities are relatively diverse and undisturbed. The coastal forest, although heavily disturbed, is not secondary forest. Based on the Singapore Red Data Book, 11 species were recorded as 'extinct', 11 as endangered and 16 as vulnerable. The re-finding of these extinct species makes Chek Jawa an important conservation site in the Singapore context. Elephantopus mollis (Compositae) is a new record for the Singapore flora.

Obituary

Abstract:
Dryobalanops beccarii Dyer, Dipterocarpaceae, first described and recorded from Borneo, has now been documented from Johore, Peninsular Malaysia, where it grows on ridges in several compartments in the Panti Forest Reserve, Kluang Forest Reserve, and the Labis Forest Reserve. It is a large tree frequently reaching 40 m height and more than 1 m diameter.

Abstract:
The conservation status of Vatica yeechongii L.G. Saw, recently discovered from Peninsular Malaysia, is described.

Abstract:
Thirteen species, mostly from New Guinea, are dealt with in this paper, of which 12 other species previously considered distinct are reduced to synonymy. No new taxon is proposed.

Abstract:
Schismatoglottis tahubangensis A. Hay & Herscovitch is described, illustrated and inserted into the latest key to Bornean Schismatoglottis species.

Abstract:
Homalomena impudica Herscovitch & A. Hay is described, illustrated and inserted into the latest key to Homalomena species of New Guinea.

Abstract:
Twelve Bornean species of Cyrtandra constitute a new section, Section Pleuroschisma, the name derived from an important diagnostic character, namely the unique fruit with a median septicidal split on each side (not reaching either apex or base of the fruit). Nine of the species and two varieties are newly described, C. angustielliptica Hilliard & B.L. Burtt, C. coacta Hilliard & B.L. Burtt, C. insolita Hilliard & B.L. Burtt, C. linauana B.L. Burtt, C. seganica Milliard & B.L. Burtt, C. tesselata Hilliard & B.L.Burtt, C. tunohica Hilliard & B.L. Burtt, C. pendulifera Kraenzl. var. grossipilosa Hilliard & B.L. Burtt and C. sarawakensis C.B. Clarke var. longipilosa Hilliard & B.L. Burtt. Two species recognized remain nameless because the material is inadequate to typify a name.

Abstract:
Begonia peninsulae Irmsch. subsp. peninsulae from Trengganu, Peninsular Malaysia, is synonymous with B. rajah Ridl. and B. peninsulae subsp. tambelanense Irmsch. is raised to specific rank as B. tambelanense (Irmsch.) Kiew.

Abstract:
A new species, Kopsia rajangensis D.J. Middleton, is described and a new combination, Kopsia pauciflora Hook.f. var. mitrephora (Sleesen) D.J. Middleton, is made.

Abstract:
A new species of Symplocos, S. buxifolioides K.G. Pearce and two varieties, S. iliaspaiensis Noot. var. pedunculata K.G. Pearce and S. laeteviridis Stapf var. alabensis K.G. Pearce are described from Bomeo.

Abstract:
Five new Begonia species, Begonia kachak K.G. Pearce, B. kasutensis K.G. Pearce, B. niahensis K.G. Pearce, B. stichochaete K.G. Pearce and B. subisensis K.G. Pearce, were collected from limestone habitats in the Niah National Park. A key, descriptions and illustrations are provided.

Abstract:
Curcuma rubrobracteata Skornickova, M. Sabu & Prasanthkumar sp. nov. is described from Mizoram, India.

Abstract:
Molecular analysis using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) confirms the status of Musa hanksii F. Muell. as a subspecies of M. acuminata Colla and shows M. johnsii Argent to be genetically more similar to the Australian M. jackeyi W. Hill than to M. lolodensis Cheesman from New Guinea.  In addition, AFLP analysis supports only two sections as genetically distinct, namely Sect. Musa (including Sect. Rhodochlamys) and Sect. Callimusa (including Sect. Australimusa). No material for Sect. Igentimusa was available for study. However, for practical purposes of grouping banana species, four informal groups are recognised - the 'acuminata' and 'ornata' groups within Sect. Musa. and the "coccinea" and 'textilis' groups within sect. Callimusa. A key to the sections and informal groups is provided.

Abstract:
Six Begonia species (Begoniaceae) are found on limestone hills in the Bau area, Kuching, Sarawak. One, a new species, Begonia lailana Kiew & Geri, is described. A key and habitat notes for all species are provided. The male and female flowers of S. calcarea Ridl. and the female flowers of B. congesta Ridl., not previously recorded, are here described for the first time.

Abstract:
Seventeen new species of Bulbophyllum are described: B. tectipes (sect. Aphanobulbon, from Sulawesi), B. pseudopelma and B. simplex (both sect. Desmosanthes, from Sulawesi), B. flavorubellum (sect. Desmosanthes, from Sabah), B. decurrentilobum and B. iterans (both sect. Hybochilus from Sulawesi), B. furcillatum (sect. Hybochilus, from Sumatra), B. anisopterum (sect. Monilibulbus, from Sabah), B. anakbaruppui and B. illecebrum (both sect. Osyricera and B sinapis (sect. Sestochilus, all from Papua New Guinea). B coweniorum (sect. Sestochilus from Laos), B. incisilabrum (sect. Sestochilus, from Sulawesi), and B. turpis (sect. Sestochilus, from Peninsular Malaysia). Bulbophyllum plumatum Ames, and B. spissum J.J. Verm, are newly recorded for Peninsular Malaysia.

Abstract:
No abstract

Abstract:
With the description of a new species, C. bougainvilleensis Gideon, from Bougainville, the genus Coprosma (Rubiaceae) is reported for the first time from the Solomons.  The species is described and illustrated.  Infrageneric relationships and biogeography are briefly discussed.

Abstract:
Two very distinctive new species of Homalomena Schott (Araceae-Homalomenaee are described from Sumatera (H. elegantula A. Hay & Herscovitch) and Borneo (H. expedita A. Hay & Herscovitch). Both are illustrated.

Abstract:
Morphological re-examination of Vaccinium dialypetalum sensu lato supports the view that it includes three distinct taxa: V. dialypetalum J.J.Sm., V micrantha (Ridl.) Vander Kloet and V. perakensis (Ridl.) Vander Kloet, all first described by Ridley under Agapetes but transferred by Sleumer to Vaccinium. Keys and descriptions are provided to distinguish the three taxa and new combinations are made for two taxa.

Abstract:
Limau purut {Citrus hystrix DC), cultivated throughout SE Asia, appears to be a selected form of the wild limau hantu (C. macroptera Montr., i.e. C. auraria Michel), though its earliest scientific name may be C fusca Lour. Complete synonymy with types is presented in a provisional arrangement of 'wild' plants and cultivars.  Suggestions for further work on C. hystrix and its relations with other cultivated citrus are made.  X Citroncirus is formally reduced to Citrus and a new name proposed for the citrange root-stock, Citrus x insitorum Mabb. A diagram of the relationships through hybridity of cultivated citrus is presented.

Abstract:
Two new species of Daemonorops (Palmae) from Sumatra are described and illustrated, D. dransfieldii Rustiami from Batang Palupuh, Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra and D. acehensis from Takengon, Aceh.

Abstract:
Mangifera x odorata Griff, (pro sp.) is confirmed as a hybrid between M. foetida Lour, x M. indica L.

Abstract:
As a precursor to The Field Guide to the Trees of Brunei Darussalam, the following taxonomic changes and novelties are presented: Gluta wallichii (Hook.f.) Ding Hou subsp. lafrankiei P.S.Ashton subsp. nov. and Pasishia coriacea P.S..Ashton. sp. nov. (Anacardiaceae); Canarium latistipulatmn Ridley subsp. mitiis P.S.Ashton subsp. nov.and Dacryodes patentinervia (Leenh.) P.S.Ashton. stat. nov. (Burseraceae): Hopea rugifolia P.S.Ashton, sp. nov. and Vatica patentinervia P.S.Ashton sp. nov. (Dipterocarpaceae).

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:
Nepenthes platychila Chi.C. Lee, a new species from the Hose Mountains in central Sarawak, Borneo, is described and illustrated.

Abstract:
Leaf epidermal morphology of 5 species of Grewia L. and 32 species of Microcos L. (including) their type species) were examined. Grewia and Microcos both have glandular and nonglandular trichomes. Trichome characters alone cannot be used for delimiting Grewia from Microcos or for distinguishing species within each genus.  Five epidermal characters were useful for distinguishing the two genera in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Grewia species differ from Microcos species in having radiating cuticular striation of epidermal / subsidiary cells, predominantly anomocytic stomata, stomata elliptic to broadly elliptic in outline with  mean length 18.6-22.9 um and average length-width (L/W) ratios of 1.2-1.4.  Microcos species were characterised by the absence of radiating cuticular striation of epidermal subsidiary cells (except in M. tomentosa), predominantly paracytic and anisocytic stomata, stomata broadly elliptic to oblate in outline with mean length 12-16.4 um and average L/W ratios of 0.9-1.1.

Abstract:
Some errors and omissions in the revision of Bulbophyllum, sections Macrouris and Uncifera (Vermeulen, 1993), are addressed.

Book Review

Book Review