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

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.