Abstract:
Anisophyllea disticha does not show distichous phyllotaxis. Erect (orthotropic) shoots with 2/5 spiral phyllotaxis and radial symmetry give rise to tiers of sylleptic branches at regular intervals. The branches are horizontal (plagiotropic) and have marked dorsiventral symmetry. Their phyllotaxis is unique and consists of four ranks of alternately arranged leaves, two ranks of scale leaves on the dorsal side and two ranks of foliage leaves on the ventral side, dorsal and ventral leaves of the two ranks alternating regularly along the stem on opposite sides. Homology between the three kinds of leafy appendage is indicated by their constant unilacunar node, but dorsal (adaxial) scales on plagiotropic axes do not subtend axillary buds. The leaf arrangement is assumed to maximize photosynthesis and corresponds closely to ideal systems established by theoretical considerations.

Abstract:
Two genera of Sapindaceae, previously not recorded for the Malay Peninsula, have been confirmed to occur in local forests. They are Amesiodendron and Litchi, each represented by one species.
 

Abstract:
The affinities of four small and deceptively similar species of Diplazium (Filices: Athyriaceae) are discussed. Five names are newly reduced to synonymy and two new combinations are made.

Abstract:
No abstract

Abstract:
The genus Melicope, previously believed not to be represented in the flora of Peninsular Malaysia, has been found, in the form of a new species, occuring in montane rainforest on the upper slopes of Gunung Ulu Kali, Genting Highlands, Pahang, in Malaysia.  The only known locality, a densely wooded gully at 1550 m alt., is in the midst of a zone rapidly being cleared by bulldozing and two of the only five trees found have been felled. The new species, M. suberosa Stone, is apparently related to Bornean species of Melicope, particularly an as yet undescribed unifoliate species known from Mt. Kinabalu in Sabah.  The addition of Melicope to the Malayan flora brings the number of Rutaceae genera known to occur in Peninsular Malaysia up to seventeen.

Abstract:
Five species of Boerlagiodendron (Araliaceae), including four from the Solomon Islands and one from the New Hebrides, are transferred, according to nomenclatural necessity, to Osmoxylon.

Abstract:
No abstract

Abstract:
In Malesia and Taiwan there are three taxa of Trisetum Pers. (Gramineae): T. bifidum (Thunb.) Ohwi in Taiwan and New Guinea, T. spicatum (Linne) Richt. ssp. kinabaluense Chrtek in Sabah and the ssp. formosanum (Honda) Veldk., comb. nov., in Taiwan. Trisetum flavescens (Linne) Beauv. must be the conserved type of the generic name.  Some subspecific epithets proposed by Hulten (1959) under T. spicatum are validated.

Abstract:
Heteropholis C. E. Hubb. (Gramineae, Rottboelliinae) has 4 allopatric species in Central Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and from India to central Malesia. For Taiwan H. cochinchinensis (Lour.) Clayton var. chenii (Hsu) Sosef & Koning is here distinguished. The related genus Thaumastochloa C. E. Hubb. has 7 species mainly in Australia of which 3 are newly described here: T. monilifera Sosef & Coning, T. rubra Sosef & Koning, T. striata Sosef & Koning. T. major S. T. Blake also occurs in the Aru Islands off the south-west of New Guinea, and T. rariflora (F. M. Bailey) C. E. Hubb. in Papua New Guinea. A suspected hybrid between T. major and T. pubescens (Benth.) C. E. Hubb. is reported. A cladistic study indicates that the two genera may be paraphyletic.

Abstract:
The genus Selaginella is represented in the Malay Peninsula by 28 species, including 3 varieties. Three species are here reinstated, 2 from varietal rank (Selaginella scabrida Ridl., S. curtisii Ridl. ) and 1 from synonymy (S. polita Ridl.). Two varieties are validated, viz., S. intermedia var. dolichocentrus Wong and S. roxburghii var. strigosa (Ridl.) Wong. A key to the species and varieties is provided, and a description of each species is given. Habit, branching, leaf and sporophyll characteristics of the sporophyte plant are reviewed. Habitat preferences and various probable ecological adaptations towards efficient use of light and optimal reproduction are discussed.

Abstract:
No abstract

Abstract:
Botanical collecting trips in Singapore from 1976 to end 1982 resulted in 5 new records and 15 other taxa which are rare and have not been collected here in recent years. Brief notes on these species, including their collecting localities and overall distribution, are included.

Abstract:
The leaves and male flower of Pandanus pendulinus, an obscure species known so far only from one collection (the type), have been studied from both gross and micromorphological viewpoints using both light and scanning electron microscopy.  The species, which was originally placed in section Acrostigma, is reassigned on the basis of the characters observed, to subgenus Lophostigma, but it still remains uncertain in its closer relationships and cannot yet be assigned to a particular section within this subgenus.

Abstract:
Four genera of Tribe Oxysporeae, Fam. Melastomataceae, have been revised; Oxyspora DC. Anerincleisius Korth., Poikilogyne Baker f., and Allomorphia Bl.  The concept of Oxyspora DC. has been extended so as to include Allomorphia, which thus becomes a synonym.  This paper consists of three taxonomic sections: Oxyspora, as amended; Anerincleistus; and Poikilogyne.  An index to the previously described species of Allomorphia. with their revised names, is also provided. T'here are 5 newspecies described in Anerincleistus, and 7 in Poiklogyne; 1 new variety in Anerincleistus, 3 in Oxyspora and 1 in Poiklogyne; 2 new names in Oxyspora; 10 new combinations in Anerincleistus. 15 in Oxyspora; and three names raised to a new status in Anerincleistus, 5 in Oxyspora, and 1 in Poiklogyne.  Three species originally in Allomorphia are transferred to Phyllagathis.

Abstract:
From 1949 until 1957 Kiah continued to work in the herbarium and during his later years of service worked closely with Mr. James Sinclair and with Dr. Chew Wee Lek.  After his retirement, Encik Kiah remained mostly at home tending his garden and enjoying his pension.  Further details concerning Kiah's collecting trips can be found in Fl. Males. I, vol.1 (1950) 280 and I, vol. 8 (1974) LV.

Book Review

Book Review

Obituary

Abstract:
No abstract

Abstract:
The new rutaceous genus Maclurodendron consists of six species and ranges from Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula east to the Philippines and north to Vietnam and Hainan Island. The genus is described and its distinguishing features and apparent relationships are discussed. The six species keyed, described, and their apparent relationships are outlined.  New combinations are made for the names of three species,   Maclurodendron porteri, M. obovatum, and M. oligophlebium, all of which were previously described in the rutaceous genus Acronychia, and three species, M. pubescens, M. parviflorum, and M. magnificum, are described as new.

Abstract:
The genus Gardenia (Rubiaceae) is represented in Peninsular Malaysia by seven species of which two are shrubs and five are trees. Within the most variable species, G. tubifera Wall., two varieties are recognised, i.e. var. tubifera and var. subcarinata Corner; the former variety is shown to exist as two forms, forma tubifera and forma elata (Ridl.) Wong. Two species, G. coronaria Buch.-Ham. and G. pterocalyx Val., have not been previously recorded in accounts of the genus in Peninsular Malaysia. A key to all seven species is provided. Three taxa formerly included under Gardenia are transferred to Acranthera, providing the first record of the latter genus in Peninsular Malaysia; the new combinations are Acranthera pulchella (Ridl.) Wong and A. didymocarpa (Ridl.) Wong.

Abstract:
The deficiency symptoms of N, P, K, Mg and Fe were successfully induced in Axonopus compressus cultured in sand.  Visual deficiency symptons are presented and described in detail.  Dry matter of above- and below-ground parts was determined.  Data of elemental analysis of above-ground parts of normal and deficient plants are tabulated for comparison.

Abstract:
An annotated list of 43 species of Memecylon is presented. It is based on recent revisions from Malaya and Borneo by J. F. Maxwell and K. Bremer, respectively. All Memecylon taxa (except M. oligoneurum with its synonyms, which has been transferred to the genus Lijndenia) described or reported from the four areas are referable to the 43 species listed.

Abstract:
Autoserica rufocuprea, a species of Melolonthinae and a night flying beetle, has been found to attack many ornamental plants and shade trees in Singapore.  Thirty two species of its food plants were revealed by field observations at night.  A survey showed that in a park developed on clayey reclaimed, about 8% of the total plant population was damaged.  The level of infestation of the beetle in different parts of the park and the susceptibility of its host plants are discussed. The damage patterns made on plants, and preliminary observations on the life cycle and seasonal flights of the beetle are briefly described.

Abstract:
No abstract

Abstract:
As the generic name Hydrostemma antedates Barclaya, as discussed recently by Mabberley, the species of this genus must now be known as Hydrostemma longifolium (Wall.) Mabb. and H. motleyi (Hook, f.) Mabb.  A probable third species, recognized by Ridley, based on Barclaya motleyi var. kunstleri King, requires a name under Hydrostemma, here provided as Hydrostemma kunstleri (King) Stone, comb. nov.

Abstract:
Experimental propagation of Saintpaulia by means of leaf and petiole culture was conducted at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. All in, 17 varieties were used. Leaf culture of 15 varieties and petiole culture of 3 were successful.  Shots were found to initiate readily in a large variety of media but satisfactory rooting  occurred only in media with a low level of growth regulators such as lAA. After the plantlets were transferred into soil, it was found necessary to keep them in an enclosed environment for about two months in order to ensure a high survival rate.

Abstract:
No abstract

Obituary

Abstract:
Pterocarpus indicus, a species of Leguminosae and highly adaptable in a variety of habitats, is extensively planted as a shade and ornamental tree in Singapore.  Propagation is commonly by woody cuttings and trees of considerable size can be transplanted successfully. Growth rates under mesic habitat conditions are fast. Transplanted stumps of 3.7 m height and 60 cm girth breast height can achieve a height increment of 1.66 m and a girth increment of 14 cm per annum. General requirements, pest and disease association, phenology, horticultural use of the species, and transplanting technique for large rooted stumps are described.

Abstract:
This paper reports the success in clonal propagation of Curculigo latifolia at the Tissue Culture Laboratory, Singapore Botanic Gardens. Experiments using leaf blades, petioles, apical shoots, and rhizomes were carried out and the best results were obtained from rhizome cultures. The medium used contained the Murashige and Skoog inorganic salts (half strength), sucrose (30 g per litre), thiamine (0.4 mg per litre), coconut milk (150 ml per litre), kinetin (5 mg per litre), and lAA (2.5 mg per litre). Mass propagation of this species is in progress.

Abstract:
No abstract

Abstract:
The nomenclatural status of the name for the genus Joinvillea and for its two species is reviewed. It is concluded that the correct (first validly publlished) generic name is Joinvillea Gaudich. ex Brongn. & Gris, 1861; Gaudichaud's original publication of 1841 contravenes Articles 42 and 44 of the International Code of  Botanical Nomenclature. The two species are correctly J. plicata (Hk. f.) Newell. & Stone, and J. ascendens Br. & Gr.

In Memoriam

Abstract:
Morphological characters of 15 species belonging to seven genera of drynarioid ferns are presented and their significance relative to their origin, interrelationships, and trend of specialization discussed. Based on morphoanatomical evidence accumulated, two morphological groups of drynarioid ferns are proposed: Drynaria and Aglaomorpha. The attributes considered are: palea, rhizome; vegetative frond including epidermal cells, stomata, hypodermis, mesophyll, venation; fertile frond including sorus, sporangium, and spores; and gametophyte. Existing knowledge of the formal taxonomy and phylogenetic trends among the drynarioid ferns are compared vvith this study and the different lines of descent are traced. It is suggested that the drynarioid ferns are probably diphyletic in origin and the trend of evolutionary progression has been towards reduction.

Abstract:
The germination of Cassia fistula L. pollen, ranging from fresh samples to those stored for various periods, is reported. At the time of writing, the oldest samples studied were stored for 4 weeks. It is intended to extend the observations for longer periods.

Abstract:
Pternandra (Melastomataceae) is revised; the genus Kibessia is reduced to synonymy, as it differs only in one structural detail (the calyptrate calyx). Fifteen species and two varieties are recognized in this revision, of which two species (P. angustifolia and P. crassicalyx) are new. Two taxa are retained at the rank of variety for the first time (P. azurea var. cordata (Korth.) Maxwell, and P. galeata var. elmeri (Merr.) Maxwell). Thirteen previously described taxa of Pternandra and Kibessia are here reduced to synonymy. Descriptions, morphological discussion, key to taxa, illustrations of some taxonomically important features, and photographs of some type specimens have been included.

Abstract:
The genus Tetradium, which has traditionally been placed in the synonymy of the rutaceous genus Euodia, consists of nine species and is distributed from the Himalayas east to Japan and south to Java and Sumbawa. The genus is described and its taxonomic history and relationships to other genera are discussed. The nine species are keyed, described, and their interrelationships discussed. New combinations are made for the names of seven species, and one species, Tetradium sumatranum, is described as new.

Abstract:
A new key to the species of Tectaria in Malaya is presented, with information supplementary to that in Holttum, Ferns of Malaya (1955; second edition, with Appendix II, 1968). Earlier names for six species described in 1955 are cited, with a fuller synonymy, and six additional species are described, namely T. herpetocaulos Hottum, T. melanocaula (Bl.) Copel., T. decurrens (PresI) (Opel., T. tricuspics (Bedd.) Cupel., T. simonsii (Bedd.) Ching, T. fauriei Tagawa, and T. cherasica Holttum sp. nov. Six of these additional species are still only known in Malaya from single collections.

Abstract:
A Tissue Culture Laboratory was established at the Singapore Botanic Gardens in the early 1970's. By 1975 several orchid hybrids had been successfuUy mericloned and in 1978 the Laboratory started a tissue culture service to assist local orchid growers and breeders. To date, the Laboratory has successfully mericloned six species and more than one hundred orchid hybrids. Some effective media compositions have been established and used in research and routine commercial production at the Laboratory. Tissue culture techniques using leaves and lateral buds of flower stalks have also been employed.  Various tissue culture techniques and media used for local orchids is presented.

Abstract:
Another biological identification key, the synoptical dial key, has been devised. A description of this key, its operation, and improvements over other keys are discussed.

Abstract:
Changes in the fern flora of Gunong Ulu Kali, Malaysia, resulting from the development there of a hill resort, are discussed. Fourteen fern species new to the mountain are recorded from near the summit, 5,814 ft (1772 m), and a further thirteen from tall montane forest at about 5,000 ft (1500 m).

Abstract:
Pandanus burmanicus sp. nov. is described from the Upper Chindwin District, Burma. It belongs in the Subgenus Rykia (DeVr.) Stone, the Section Rykia, Subsection Bidens (St. John) B. C. Stone. To date it is known only from the type locality.

Abstract:
Orthorrhynchium elegans is reported for the first time from the Philippine archipelago. Some noteworthy morphological features are also reported.

Abstract:
No abstract

Book Review