Abstract:
Rhaphidophora latevaginata M.Hotta, a neotenic, shingling, climbing aroid, hitherto considered a Bornean endemic, has recently been found and collected from the southern part of the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Johor: Kota Tinggi and Mersing), where so far it appears to be restricted to kerapah and the drier (raised podzol) facies of seasonally inundated peatswamp forest. This discovery of R. latevaginata takes to 18 the number of Rhaphidophora known to occur in Peninsular Malaysia, of which three are endemic. An updated description of R. latevaginata, a key to the Rhaphidophora species of Peninsular Malaysia, and a plate illustrating the diagnostic characters of those with shingle-stage juveniles is presented. A brief note on the significance of the new record with regard the Riau Pocket is made.   

Abstract:
Scindapsus lucens Bogner & P.C.Boyce is a species of considerable horticultural potential, arguably rivalling the commercially important S. pictus, originally described from cultivated material of unknown provenance and only later found wild in Sumatera. It has recently been discovered and collected from several localities in southern Peninsular Malaysia, representing both a new record for Malaysia, and through clonal propagation via various tissue culture techniques would supply a sustainable potential source of a local commercial ornamental horticultural product. An enlarged description of S. lucens, and a key to the Peninsular Malaysian Scindapsus are offered. A plate illustrating the diagnostic characters of S. lucens is given.

Abstract:
A new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae), B. droopiae Ardi, is described from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It belongs to Begonia sect. Reichenheimia and is a limestone endemic in the Sawah Lunto District. Its IUCN threatened category is considered to be ‘Vulnerable’.

Abstract:
Endiandra trees are not frequently encountered in the forest in Indonesia. Recent exploration in Waigeo Island resulted in the collection of three species of Endiandra. All three species were collected for the first time from Waigeo Island. The three species are restricted in distribution to eastern part of Indonesia (Papua Province) and Papua New Guinea. Key to the species and species description are provided.

Abstract:
Five species of Marasmius were encountered from forest surrounding Pa’raye village at Kayan Mentarang National Park, East Kalimantan; three of them are described as new taxa (1 new species and 2 new varieties).The five species of Marasmius are M. cf. purpureostriatus, M. guyanensis,
M. coklatus var. mentarangensis, var. nov., M. caryote var. parayeensis, var. nov., and M. gypseus, sp. nov. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, and comparison with similar taxa are presented.

Abstract:
Descriptions of Elatostema sessile J.R.Forst. & G.Forst and E. subscabrum H.Schroet. (Urticaceae) are provided to clarify the morphological differences between these two species. The lectotype of E. subscabrum H.Schroet. (Urticaceae) is here selected.

Abstract:
The subfamily Ptychanthoideae of the family Lejeuneaceae (Hepaticae) in West Java is still poorly known. A study of Ptychanthoideae in this area reveals the occurrence of 26 species, in 8 genera: Acrolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (3 species), Archilejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (1 species),
Lopholejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (10 species), Mastigolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (3 species), Ptychanthus Nees (1 species), Schiffneriolejeunea Verd. (2 species), Spruceanthus Verd. (2 species) and Thysananthus Lindenb. (4 species). Mastigolejeunea indica and Thysananthus minor are newly
reported for Java. The altitudinal and geographical ranges of the species of Ptychanthoideae from West Java are presented as well as a key to the species and an assessment of their phytogeography. It appears that the species are rather widespread; none of the species are endemic to Java or
western Malesia. The widespread distribution of the species is probably due to their dispersal by spores, which may be easily carried by the wind over long distances, and by the rather old geological age of the group.

Abstract:
The occurrence of Phaius takeoi (Hayata) H.J. Su (Orchidaceae), previously only known in mainland China, Vietnam and Taiwan, is here reported for Thailand and Myanmar.

Abstract:
Curcuma vitellina, a new species of Zingiberaceae from Tây Nguyên, Vietnam, is described, illustrated and compared to its closest ally, C. pierreana.

Abstract:
Two new combinations are made here: Haplopteris hirta (Fée) S.Linds. And Haplopteris angustissima (Holttum) S.Linds.

Abstract:
Alocasia jiewhoei V.D.Nguyen, a new species from Cambodia, is described and illustrated.

Abstract:
New combinations are made for the seven species of Dalrympelea (Staphyleaceae) from Malaysia that were previously included in Turpinia. Dalrympelea pomifera Roxb. is distinct from D. sphaerocarpa (Hassk.) A.T.Nor-Ezzawanis and does not occur in Malaysia and Turpinia ovalifolia Elmer from the Philippines is distinct from D. trifoliata (Ridl.) A.T.Nor-Ezzawanis.

Abstract:
A new species, Cheilocostus borneensis, is described. Specimens were collected in Sarawak in 1987 and Kalimantan in 2000, but only intensified surveys of gingers in Sarawak in 2002-2004 provided sufficient collections to recognize the new species, which is here described and illustrated. It is closely related to the widespread C. globosus from which it differs by the chocolate-brown sheaths, absence of axillary shoots on vegetative stems, larger leathery leaves, and by its calyx that is not prickly.

Abstract:
Three new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) are described from Nepal. All three species (Begonia nuwakotensis S. Rajbhandary, Begonia panchtharensis S. Rajbhandary and Begonia taligera S. Rajbhandary) belong to Begonia section Platycentrum, and they increase the number of Begonia species known from Nepal to 22. All are considered to belong to the IUCN threat category VUD2.

Abstract:
Genetic variation within and between populations of Scutellaria slametensis Sudarmono & B.J.Conn and S. discolor Colebr. on Gunung Slamet (Jawa Tengah, Indonesia) are evaluated by allozyme electrophoresis. Gels stained by 4 enzyme systems, namely, Aspartate aminotransferase (Aat), Esterase (Est), Malate dehydrogenase (Mdh) and Peroxidase (Per), were used to evaluate the number of polymorphic loci. The mean of total number of observed alleles per locus (A), mean of total number of effective alleles per locus (Ae), percentage of polymorphic loci (Pp%), and expected genetic heterozygosity (He) have been generated as parameters of genetic variation. The interpopulation genetic differentiation (FST) and estimated geographic distance between populations were used to evaluate the correlation between genetic differentiation and geographic effect. It was found that S. slametensis is genetically distinct from S. discolor (D = 1.4572). The mean genetic variation of S. slametensis (Pp = 75 %, A = 2.00, HE = 0.450) is greater than that of S. discolor (Pp = 25 %, A = 1.25, HE = 0.125). Almost all loci of the latter species are monomorphic and homozygotic, especially population 9 near Baturaden (Pp = 0%; HE = 0; Allele frequencies all = 1). There is a moderately high degree of variation between populations of these two species (FST = 0.585, SE ± 0.092), whereas within-population variation is low (1–FST = 0.415). Both species are out-breeding (at subpopulation level: FIS
= -0.973, SE ± 0.015; and population level: FIT = 0.180, SE ± 0.183), with low levels of gene flow within and between populations (Nm = 0.249, SE ± 0.065). The chromosome number of S. slametensis and S. discolor is 2n = 24.

Abstract:
Polyalthia lasioclada I.M. Turner, sp. nov. is described. It is a small tree known from the Mount Kinabalu area of Sabah.

Abstract:
A revision of the Schismatoglottis nervosa Ridl. species complex is presented. Ten species are recognized, of which three species are pre-existing (S. nervosa, S. elegans A.Hay, and S. brevicuspis Hook.f.) and seven are novel and described here (Schismatoglottis adoceta S.Y. Wong, S. linae S.Y. Wong, S. matangensis S.Y.Wong, S. simonii S.Y.Wong, S. tessellata S.Y. Wong, S. turbata S.Y. Wong, and S. ulusarikeiensis S.Y. Wong.) The S. nervosa species complex is readily delimitated by the pungent terpenoid smell when the vegetative tissues are crushed, and by the presence of longitudinally ridged petioles. A key to the S. nervosa species complex is presented and all species are illustrated.

Book Review

Abstract: 
No Abstract

 

Abstract:
Musa arfakiana is described and illustrated as a new species from Papua, Indonesia.

 

Abstract:
A review of the white-flowered Amorphophallus species in Sarawak is presented. A total of five species are recognized, four of which belong to the Eburneus Group and are restricted to limestone, and moreover, locally endemic: A. eburneus Bogner (Padawan and Tebedu areas), A. brachyphyllus Hett. (Bau), A. juliae sp. nov. (Merirai) and A. niahensis sp. nov. (Niah). A fifth species, Amorphophallus infundibuliformis Hett., A.Dearden & A.Vogel, of doubtful affinity, is widespread and locally abundant on a variety of substrates excluding limestone. A key to the white-flowered species in Sarawak is presented and all species are illustrated.

 

Abstract:
Fieldwork targeting indigenous Homalomena at Nanga Sumpa, part of the Batang Ai drainage system (Sri Aman Divison, Sarawak) revealed 14 species of which six are novel and herewith described: Homalomena atrox P.C.Boyce, S.Y.Wong & Fasihuddin, H. clandestina P.C.Boyce, S.Y.Wong & Fasihuddin, H. hanneae P.C.Boyce, S.Y.Wong & Fasihuddin, H. sengkenyang P.C.Boyce, S.Y.Wong & Fasihuddin, H. symplocarpiifolia P.C.Boyce, S.Y.Wong & Fasihuddin, and H. vivens P.C.Boyce, S.Y.Wong & Fasihuddin. Of the six Homalomena species present at Batang Ai for which there are pre-existing names, two, H. borneensis Ridl. & H. humilis (Jack) Hook.f., are species complexes still awaiting a full taxonomic and systematic investigation, and are treated here as morpho-taxa to which we apply the earliest applicable epithet. The remaining four species with available names have only recently been described: H. geniculata M.Hotta (1967); H. vagans P.C.Boyce (1994), and H. josefii P.C.Boyce & S.Y.Wong, and H. pseudogeniculata P.C.Boyce & S.Y.Wong (2008). Additionally, two further species located during fieldwork, that while unarguably novel based on their vegetative morphology, were not located as fertile plants and have yet to flower in cultivation; they are here treated as sp. nov. A & B. Of the 14 species present at Batang Ai, five have significance in the ethnobotany of the indigenous Iban people of the Ai drainage, and of these five, four are novel. A key to the Homalomena in the Batang Ai drainage area is given, and all species are illustrated.

 

Abstract:
In a botanical expedition to Christmas Island in 1904, Sir Henry Ridley*, the first director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, discovered and thereafter described an endemic ground orchid, Zeuxine exilis Ridl. Botanical expeditions and surveys over the century since the original discovery failed to relocate Z. exilis. We report here the rediscovery of Z. exilis in rainforest in the western section of the island, and in Ridley’s honour, propose “Ridley’s jewel orchid” as its common name. The distribution and conservation status of Z. exilis remains to be determined. Despite a century of ecological insults to this unique oceanic island, primarily through phosphate mining and the introduction of invasive species, the rediscovery of this endemic orchid renews hope that the imperiled biodiversity on this island is resilient and can be conserved.

 

Abstract:
Two new species of Hoya collected from Brunei and the Philippines are described and illustrated with coloured photographs of the flower details.

 

Abstract:
Pecteilis rawatii, sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) is described and compared to its nearest ally, P. triflora.

 

Abstract:
Based on Landsat TM/ETM images from 1988, 2003 and field data of 2006, land uses and land cover changes were researched over 18 years in the dipterocarp rain forest area in Southern Yunnan of China. The expansion of rubber plantations has resulted in a dramatic decrease in natural forest cover, especially the tropical seasonal rain forest at lower elevation. In 1988, rubber plantations covered 765.06 ha which increased to 2,294.07 ha in 2003, with an annual rate of change at 13.32%. The pace of change increased after 2003, with a change of 213.69 ha per annum. The tropical seasonal rain forest has decreased by 111.35 ha per annum since 1988 in the study area. Arable lands increased during 1988 and 2003 but declined rapidly from 2003 to 2006 due to expansion of rubber plantations and the construction of reservoirs. There was an increase in water bodies from 2003 to 2006 as well as construction areas. Market prices, policies, increasing population, and the unregulated pursuit of commerce and trade, at times at the cost of the environment were the main driving forces of change. We suggest that local government takes strong action to regulate further expansion of rubber plantations and creates conditions for sustainable and harmonious development of economy, society and natural resources in biodiversity rich region of Southern Yunnan.

 

Abstract:
The second species of Siliquamomum (Zingiberaceae), S. oreodoxa N.S.Ly & Škorničk., is described as new and illustrated. The two species in the genus are compared and a key is provided for their identification.

 

Abstract:
Three new species of Wrightia from Thailand are described: Wrightia karaketii D.J.Middleton, Wrightia tokiae D.J.Middleton and Wrightia poomae D.J.Middleton.

 

Abstract:
Rimbachia leucobryi, a small pleurotoid agaric, is described as new to science. The species grew on living stems of Leucobryum sanctum in lowland rainforest. It is characterised by lamellate hymenophore, hymenial cystidia and small, ellipsoid spores. Pterygellus armeniacus, a bright-coloured stipitate stereoid species, is reported as new to Indonesia. The two species are illustrated.

 

Abstract:
Ten species of mosses collected from Doi Inthanon National Park are reported newly for the flora of Thailand. Of these, Rhizomnium and Oligotrichum are two new moss generic records for the country. The report includes notes on ecology, morphology, taxonomy, and distribution of the new species records.

 

Abstract:
This article is a discussion of the known epifoliar fungi from Singapore found in several worldwide Herbaria, and those collected by the author. Fifty species in 15 genera are reviewed and annotated. An additional twenty new combinations in Setameliola are proposed to contain Meliola species with an ascocarp bearing straight setae. Critical attention is given to the species concepts in Meliola and Polychaeton.

 

Abstract:
A total of 296 species of lichenized fungi are reported from Singapore and presented in an annotated list with local distributional information. It is based on herbarium and literature study and the fieldwork done in the year 2000. Unidentified samples suggest the figure to be an underestimation, while some of the listed species may have become extinct. Lists of synonyms and collectors are added.

 

Abstract:
A checklist of Merremia species is presented for Australasia and the Pacific. In total, 49 species are enumerated here. Total numbers of species are estimated by region and for the genus as a whole. Comments on the systematics and taxonomy of the genus are reported and several problematic species complexes are identified. An index of numbered specimens examined is included to facilitate curation and identification of herbarium specimens.

 

Abstract:
A new species of Syzygium Gaertn. from Sumatra is described and illustrated: Syzygium subscandens Widodo. Morphologically the new species is similar to S. garciniifolium, but differs in being a small tree and in having longer terminal and axillary panicles.

 

Abstract:
Fieldwork since 2002 has revealed three novel taxa of Schismatoglottis in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Based on the presence of a free ligular portion to the petiolar sheath, these new taxa belong to the Multiflora Group sensu Hay and Yuxammi (2000). Here, these species, Schismatoglottis clausula S.Y.Wong, S. dulosa S.Y.Wong, and S. jitinae S.Y.Wong are described, and illustrated, and a key to the Multiflora Group in Sarawak is presented.

 

Abstract:
Pichinia S.Y. Wong & P.C. Boyce is described as a new genus from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo with one species, Pichinia disticha S.Y. Wong & P.C. Boyce. This genus is, so far, known only from the type locality, Pichin, Serian, Bahagian Kuching, Sarawak. The genus is illustated and a key to the Schismatoglottideae is presented.

 

Book Review

 

Book Review 

 

Book Review