er vse. 42h Meh oh bo hahe behaeehatabnhete "4 t ¥

jot ‘ ; CFL rtd Oe hed Retabetet "

‘ } rerereey ae wer ew Ee are wie wb ; oe OO eT e napebet eeeneteneee o™

, . 2 we ere. 2 ee

ole DOR Get aa wr Hv of Patani iv pes Dol ST ee he tet at peer er ete rn e

7 tte sort aeow

a eae be pi iohesbeheds pai i;

: ’ rege went — . sure

ee are 5 ore rte Y " 4 ow , 4 Agee het ri ae

’ ~~ ‘ ¢ ‘ rere are, ant erage

hae verre Loam t

; Me: t nee a ' r alae wean alte te dren 5 TET Wt Cnt whined shale hihe

Ho Hteln tare hm lcdpnte ~ rae raven enetiel Sire id sew . ) at eres ue errr rare we

/ ee RA LA. Ante fhe: fariahedtetatietulhs ; br eoaeagedie tc we ere eke ~ 1 * tate : rere PPR?

ror CHAI) Herter engage rr ered PIN eer ed PUR PETER ES ONEOT ont val) beeline aii

+ " M ne 7 J be ewuns trhorw wee Aaieipoot <=

seawrerw ed -. , ; tants yo tepenr |

vai ait a I Oo abd hide - .%

, eo whcreedaret Wr eryl err : 4

ait jaca te een Wl) (yt ed terre or ppceeser arin wee

tags ot ie Oe i ¥ eh er LD Pea eee Be pre aan 4 ter "ey

: ihe tinted ia we! “ Pere fet ne wr ope ed eee a did

41 td Lerer er ey ’ ¢ aw afte“) ve! eholbeth. tot a4 ote Ah eth

, etre eww ee Ey LALA, Aa habe edhe tate é Lats | ° - ae >i ' 7 eee i] :

a ery r ¥ } wanewaee™s . \ a NE CEN AEE re ietebhshgeedi boty ry yew

Od pote Aileen fie ei ee tate ei ibe Ue MT Seer abe tart +s " p find pateesnsin Anis” ws ‘ -

teh adieu ebay Meee j hb ea plats Hafies Hg Mt 4 . ry

: » 4 ‘ re nnn

prin ern a pee tte pearl how

oud

cere

; : ; nak, fo bpl al wht ba Ww , ‘ varie 7 c

pies > e: reripveplrkes a i re athaete teed Palla a We ene tir 4 a) ‘ tary}

reir ertrnregtrnn wee 5 af wba ae ing a a Np et Om \ , [ '

ny * ‘ ' ’ oh aan h y egg eee he aa > " ‘

bofolls pahatats p-f=penehorennge Tee to cchehet abehcis hate Ondet=4 mepyeseee UT Pel ale. Lone Ast ney te rere h ear alah roan bate / . : We we

Hehe Bole aiabes ener ree i iclabntel cheaehn tel gnbelehabetel: Berhad Ma hearth PED St PERS ORE : fet etedsdahede? uae srer ee’ ’ . art “AE Le Ch , ania) i

he heledeiv tebe! , abe hatolhahaeetal jelislien tea bel eregerst a, parisheinGaatehalloiets ' eAabehah ahaAbheta! airtel dat wt eee ieee -" ee

Weert } a fiebeta tal el ed ainla her epic Belts bike Biko k dod odele > rea’ At raw ot n

preeen je Retr bet hehe cba. rere Abe Meee wren pe Resemit : wt ‘ oan oe " Letts

Ne rae e rere ass ksatabetetclabcache) “ ahah tie blehatiebe ts: ** : , f : Cee + ‘9

wl ete hehebere 2 OE rege meter fig tomes prt 0a My pedataiy’ ote i=! A : Heh ob h

Nee or erence yt ir atetahatelste tudedol -" Lean at she et ne td

trey belvtee! gitar bt rth veer wer ter If Sohedol

' Te rere eR Ba helatel

bts! ef ati / , Be ie caver 4

at babies -

j0f ih ahapaseiabert ben afad. > a ire hstpotts Yeh!

7 | a perigee ay a»

7 wee eee

plieliat- Hata» Bit Ag ae dyin ps po ; ; oie

jatelat eieAus poate ALY pee

prices ' wu stat . \atoheh Pheanp-)

er Hees |

es ae rigs

ate ;

or ea Wek

he hit use 9 ant

v7 1 bdldekete

Feral wh ee LS w

ssalehaie 2 afb padoteds ws headgel ti fal ~ yf NF hart) *) ¢ i. M > . ;

r wll pain ' ¥ i by h J - ; of od ~ x 4 ,

’ w' ; ; praicecantgreesy Steir,

; , | the pens + *

} ee fete!

TS,

SF.

i ied

a A gf ctot ato) ot

“4 © o

. aaiel otet@

<ig uret hele

a ie

se hy HT

a ae gel Shag for ae

by oes J . ;

} i shot -Fefetatatnte Aqhatete

errs, sia.

4 la Potehele' ¢

. ol 4

set

« .

- rerhe te ° svobe ’

etebeber = 4 oe ‘ . 4 a Ne Pp he ote 3 °

fedobe 50 z Cal te letetes { 4 ate °@ »* 4 . J alee pet? e ie .

at jn 4 alae : : ; } 4 . z ; j we ‘ aay! : - wu , o ’

, ‘ M ' ae shag fete : | hee of shake - nn ’

gig 'h gi oha i bhp heey Dee: Sena tey ; baly ugh prietete ; oie ahe ;

seed ales eheted : f 6 . by ae hel ;

. ae ae * ‘ ‘ J : _ m4 . *

z , a OV Fy ‘* o ’ 4 >

Pulnhe * . oe te 2 .

« Hr 4 ] a | P ky oy) b4 . '

é e*s . : °F * all ed f : .

give :’ ° , , . , ; “t . :

® e te od *“*f « . * . > ?

* ' ¢ ore Saf J bd 4 . *

vaol pieliet etety ers eee qleln eign * « q M

¢~* re | m4 1h ot “ 7 4 *

. . +

4 abhet ele hots +). Py *

. °

77 , a

pa . . : .

t . e .

rva

OC iio

Library

Arnold Arboretum

Harvard University

VOU VV OU OU VOU PYVPBPUPUPUPU PU PUPBUUPYUPU PUPPY AYALA PUA A AAA

CAAA BAA A BUA AAA AAA AAU™A™™™M

THE

GARDENS’ BULLETIN

SINGAPORE

AAI

Vol. XIII 30th June 1950 fe, ares A

VV VV VV BYVAL AY AYA AAA 22 222

CONTENTS

PAGE

The Zingiberaceae of the Malay Peninsula by R. EF. Holttum 1

To be purchased at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore

Price $10

Published by Authority

PRINTED AT THE Catbadtiiemies 4 PrINTING OFFICE, SINGAPORE,

By V. C. G. GATRELL, GOVERNMENT PR] ert

; ‘

THE

GARDENS’ BULLETIN

SINGAPORE

—AAADAMPAAAADAAAAAAMAAAAAAAAAA

Vol. XIII 30th June 1950 Part 1

BD2AUAAUAAAAAAAAAAA AA AAAI AV

THE ZINGIBERACEAE OF THE MALAY PENINSULA

By R. E. HOLTTUM

The only recent critical morphological studies of plants

in this family are those by Valeton. Unfortunately they

- cover only a limited part of the whole field, but their

thoroughness and clarity of presentation showed the way for

further progress. The present work was begun by an

examination of living plants of those genera studied by

Valeton, and his work is therefore the basis of that now

presented. In addition to living plants of species of almost

all genera, alcohol material of many other species was avail-

able for study, mostly collected during the years 1930-1940

by Mr. E. J. H. Corner, with copious field notes, the sub-

stance of which is included in the present descriptions. In

addition, there are careful coloured drawings of several

Species described by Mr. Ridley, which have supplied some

‘information not otherwise available. Of some species,

however, only dried specimens have been examined, and

aor are accordingly gaps in necessary information about

em.

The species descriptions here presented are rather

_ lengthy, but I believe that this is necessary in the present

inadequate state of our knowledge of the family. It has

been my experience that earlier descriptions frequently

omitted data which appeared to me necessary for a proper

characterization of the species. For the purpose merely of

identifying the species now known to exist in Malaya, much

briefer descriptions would be adequate; but they would not

be helpful in the understanding of species still to be dis-

covered, either in this country or in neighbouring territo-

ries. I have attempted also a comparative account of the

morphology of the inflorescence, which appears to me of

basic importance.

The present work is confined to species in the Malay

Peninsula for two reasons. First, it was mainly prepared

in the year 1944, when I had adequate material only of such —

species for study; and second, I have now other work on

hand which prevents me attempting a study of the family

over a wider area. Though the work is therefore of neces-

sity a partial one, and though in consequence I cannot offer

a satisfactory solution of such problems as that of the.

typification of Alpinia, I hope that the present work will be

a useful basis for that wider study of this interesting family

in Malaysia as a whole which is so desirable. |

Summary of characters. Rhizome usually fleshy, sym-

podial, each element of the sympodium ending in an erect

leaf-bearing shoot, or sometimes in a flowering shoot only;

horizontal part of rhizome bearing distichous scale-leaves,.

Leaf-shoots short or tall (to about 5 m. or more), bearing

one to many distichous or spirally arranged leaves; if many,

the main part of the stem usually formed by the overlap-

ping leaf-sheaths, the true axis being often slender and

composed mainly of thin-walled cells. Leaves varying

much in size, usually elliptic to elliptic-oblong, asymmetric

or not, with or without a petiole between blade and sheath;

sheath tubular towards the base only or throughout; ligule

usually well-developed. Inflorescence terminal on the leafy

shoot or on a separate shoot from the base of the leafy

shoot or from the rhizome; flowers arranged in cincinni in

the axils of primary bracts, or solitary in the axils of

primary bracts, with or without secondary bracts; an

involucre of sterile bracts sometimes present. Flowers

usually lasting one day, or less. Calyx tubular, usually

5-toothed, often split rather deeply down one side only.

Corolla-tube usually slender, often longer than the calyx,

sometimes widened distally, bearing 3 lobes; lobes sub-equal

or more often the dorsal one larger than the lateral ones;

dorsal lobe always overlapping the others in bud, its apex

sometimes hollow, hooded or spurred (e.g. Alpinia, Globba).

Labellum adnate to the corolla-tube, usually, but not always

the largest floral organ, entire, more or less deeply bilobed,

or somewhat trilobed (never deeply trilobed except in Zin-

giber, in which the lateral lobes are formed by the adnate

staminodes). Two staminodes of the outer whorl, on either

side of the dorsal corolla lobe, nearly always present as peta-

loid structures adnate to the corolla-tube, or as rudimentary

teeth; in Zingiber joined to the labellum at the base; in

Geocharis joined to the filament except for their free apices;

in Costus apparently quite united to the labellum so as to

show no individual existence. One stamen of the inner

Gardens Bulletin, S.

whorl, on the same radius as the dorsal corolla-lobe, fertile;

filament joined to the flower tube at the base, sometimes

joined to the labellum or the staminodes above the insertion

of the corolla lobes, short or long, broad or narrow; anther

with dorsal connective which may be laterally extended into

a lamina or into appendages, and/or apically into a small

or large fleshy or petaloid crest; pollen-sacs usually dehisc-

ing longitudinally but sometimes by apical pores, sometimes

with adnate or free sterile basal extensions or spurs.

Style slender, passing upwards close to the filament and

between the pollen-sacs, by the growth of which it is held

in position, bearing the stigma just beyond the apex of the

polien-sacs. Stigma usually swollen with an elliptic aper-

ture fringed by hairs. Ovary inferior, unilocular with

parietal placentation, or trilocular with axile placentation

or with ovules joined to the septa, or unilocular with

placenta basal or erect from the base. Nectar-glands

(stylodes) either erect outgrowths within the base of the

flower-tube, on either side of the style, or in Costus inter-

septal glands connected to the base of the flower-tube by

two cavities. Fruit a dehiscent capsule or a fleshy berry,

or indehiscent with wall of varying thickness, breaking

irregularly when old. Seeds always with an aril; aril

sometimes covering the seed entirely or more or less

lacerate, or a basal cushion only; perisperm sometimes

(always?) present as well as endorsperm.

Rhizome. The rhizome is usually at or just below the

surface of the ground. In some genera (e.g. Achasma) it

is often more deeply buried; in others (especially in

Hornstedtia and Geostachys) it is supported above the

ground on stout unbranched stilt-roots which may in some

cases be very iong. In some species of Scaphochlamys it

ascends obliquely or even almost vertically, usually in places

where there is a litter of dead leaves of some thickness, and

is supported on more slender stilt-roots.

The rhizome is always sympodial, every branch of it

ending (potentially at least) in an erect shoot which bears

leaves or flowers, or both. The rhizome is renewed by a

bud from the axil of a scale-leaf near the base of the erect

shoot. The rhizome thus consists of a series of separate

parts, each beginning as a bud at the base of an erect

shoot and ending in a similar erect shoot; these parts we

will call rhizome-elements. They may be short or long, stout

or thin, according to the nature of the species concerned.

In many plants of other families such a rhizome func-

tions as a resting organ, persisting below ground during

seasons unfavourable for growth, while the leafy shoots

wither. In the climate of Malaya however (except to some

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

extent in the extreme north) there is no such unfavourable

season; growth is possible at almost all times of the year,

though it may occur mainly at the wetter periods, and there

is no time when the plant cannot maintain its leaf-shoots.

Thus the rhizome does not serve as a resting organ in the

great majority of Malayan Zingiberaceae; and Zingibera-

ceae as a family are largely confined to regions of the world

with a warm and relatively uniform climate. There are

however some exceptions, chiefly in the genera Kaempferia,

Curcuma and Zingiber; in such cases the rhizome is fleshy

and adapted as a resting organ. In Curcuma especially,

it produces a repeatedly branched mass, such as never

occurs in our native Malayan forest plants. Species with

such resting rhizomes are usually adapted to a seasonal

climate, and their flowering comes at a definite stage in the

life-cycle. Some of them (such as the common Turmeric,

Curcuma domestica) can tolerate the uniform climate of

Singapore and respond to it by growing continuously;

flowering of such species is here erratic and in some cases

rare. But by this adaptation to a regular seasonal resting

period, such species have been_enabled to invade countries

beyond the uniformly moist and warm climatic regions, and

have also in many cases left the shelter of the forest (in

which alone most Malayan species can live) and entered

more open country. There are however no true xerophytes

in the family.

Leaf-shoots. The characteristic leaf-shoot of the

family is erect with the apex curving over slightly, about

1-5 m. tall, and unbranched; branched leaf-shoots occur

only in Costus. In the Hedychium tribe there are several

genera (Kaempferia, Scaphochlamys etc.) which have quite

short leaf-shoots; these are discussed further below.

In Alpinia and allied genera with tall leaf-shoots, each

shoot bears a number of two-ranked leaf blades which

spread more or less horizontally. The lowest blades are

usually at about one-third of the total height of the shoot;

they are shorter and proportionately broader than those

higher up. The largest leaves are those rather above the

middle of the leaf-bearing part. The apical leaves in genera

like Phaeomeria, which have no terminal inflorescence, are

again smaller and also proportionately narrow; in Alpinia

and allied genera, in which the inflorescence is terminal,

there are fewer small apical leaves. In all leaf-shoots of

this habit there is a short petiole at the base of each leaf:

only in Cenolophon is the petiole sometimes rather long.

The petiole, or base of the leaf-blade, is joined to a

sheath. At the junction of petiole and sheath is the ligule,

which is almost always conspicuous; it forms .a narrow or

Gardens Bulletin, S-

broad lamina passing across the base of the petiole, and

sometimes has raised auricles on either side. In some cases

(e.g. Hedychium longicornutum) the ligule is very long;

in others it is short. In plants of the Alpinia habit, it lies

close against the sheath of the leaf next above.

The sheaths of the Alpinia type of shoot are long and

fit closely one inside the other. They are tubular near the

base only, the edges being separated by a narrow gap for

part of their length. In Phaeomeria, with leaf shoots about

4 m. tall, the sheaths of the largest leaves are more than

2m.long. The basal part of the shoot, which bears no leaf-

blades, is covered with a succession of bladeless sheaths,

which often bear subapical rudimentary blades, their round-

ed apices representing their ligules.

Such leaf-shoots which do not bear terminal inflores-

cences are often termed jfalse-stems, the idea being that they

consist only of a series of concentric leaf-sheaths, the inner -

sheaths being longer and larger, no true stem being present.

This condition is found in a young banana shoot which is

not yet flowering; but in all Zingiberaceae of the Alpinia

or Phaeomeria habit a true central stem is present. In the

_case of flowering shoots of Alpinia, the stem obviously

reaches the apex of the shoot; in fully grown shoots of

Phaeomeria it reaches at least three-quarters of the total

height of the shoot. The stem is however formed entirely

of soft tissue and has no part in the mechanical support of

the shoot, which is provided by the leaf-sheaths. The basal

internodes of the stem are rather short, becoming progres-

sively longer upwards. In Phaeomeria the few small apical

leaves, which add only a short additional height to the shoot,

are attached at rather long intervals on the stem. If a

shoot is examined in which these last leaves are not yet

developed, the stem may be found to be only half the tota!

height of the shoot.

In Alpinia and allied genera (Catimbium etc.) some

species at least show a seasonal flowering. The leaf-shoots

grow almost to their full height, but the stem-apex with the

inflorescence is still some distance down, hidden by the

leaf-sheaths. There it develops until all parts are formed.

and apparently it waits for some climatic stimulus to start

it on its final stage of growth and flowering. Judging by

the behaviour of Catimbium muticum in Singapore, the

stimulus seems to be wet weather following a dry period.

In Costus there are four differences from the Alpinia-

type of leaf-shoot; (1) the leaves are spirally arranged;

(2) the sheaths are tubular to the apex; (3) the leaves are

(often at least) articulate to the top of the sheaths and are

deciduous, as in the majority of orchids; (4) the shoot is

Vol. XIII. (1950).

usually branched. The iigule in Costus is a ring (usually

narrow) which passes right round the shoot.

In the short-stemmed genera Kaempferia and its allies,

the essential structure of the leaf-shoot is exactly as in

Alpinia or Phaeomeria, but the stem proper is very short,

+he leaves few on each shoot, their blades often more or less

erect instead of horizontal, and their petioles longer. In

all cases there are bladeless sheaths protecting the base of

the shoot and enclosing the sheaths of the true leaves

(which are sometimes reduced to one on each shoot). In

all cases where there is more than one leaf, there is a gra-

dation in size and shape and usually in length of petiole

from the lower (or outer) to the upper (or inner) leaves.

Leaves. The relation of the leaves to the leaf-bearing

stem is described above. In texture the leaf-blades are

usually thin or fairly thin, sometimes slightly fleshy or

slightly tough, but never thickly fleshy nor coriaceous.

They are often slightly hairy but never densely so. In size

they vary much in different genera, some being quite large

(to about a metre long); they are never less than a few

centimetres long. Some are flushed with purple or other-

wise coloured, in whole or in part. In shape they are more

or less elliptic, rarely if ever as wide as long, and rarely

cordate at the base; they are often asymmetric in the

Kaempferia group, the lamina on the two sides of the midrib

being of unequal width; in the Alpinia group the asymmetry

is most obviously seen in an unequal base to the lamina.

As noted above, the leaves on a single leaf-shoot are not

uniform in size. In describing the various species, one

should ideally give the usual range of size on a single shoot;

but this in practice is rarely possible, as the material is not

available. The size actually given in the descriptions in this

paper is that of the largest leaf on a shoot, this being the

most convenient for comparative purposes. In his detailed

study of Curcuma (Bull. Btzg. 2nd Ser. no. XX VII), Vale-

ton gives the sizes of several leaves on a single shoot.

The Inflorescence. The inflorescence is always ter-

minal, either on a leaf-shoot or on a separate shoot (usually

from near the base of a leaf-shoot) and usually erect, though

In some cases it is more or less decurved or even prostrate.

It consists essentially of an axis bearing primary bracts

spirally arranged, with a short cincinnus in the axil ofeach -

primary bract, this cincinnus being sometimes reduced to a

single flower. Only in Plagiostachys, Languas and Alpinia

(in the sense of the present paper) are there branches of

rank equal to the main axis of the inflorescence, such

branches bearing primary bracts with axillary cincinni.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

It seems fairly clear that a similar type of inflorescence,

variously branched and with the ultimate branch-systems

cymose, is primitive in the Liliiflorae; and it is evident that

the Scitamineae arose from a Liliiflorous stock. Therefore

one may reasonably assume that the form of inflorescence

with developed cincinni is primitive in the Zingiberaceae,

and that the genera with single flowers in the primary

bracts are derivative. On this basis we may classify the

genera according to the particular modifications of the

inflorescence which they show, having regard not only to

reduction of the cincinni but to modifications of the bracts.

Such a classification is found to give a very natural group-

ing, and provides a much more satisfactory basis for a sub-

division of the family than floral characters, most of which

are variable within single genera. Unfortunately the ful!

details of bracts and bracteoles are usually omitted from the

older descriptions of species and genera, even down to the

descriptions of Schumann himself. In the present paper

full details of this nature are given so far as available in

the material in the Singapore Herbarium or Gardens, and

the genera in some cases are re-defined accordingly. But

it is in many cases impossible to be sure to which genera,

as so defined, the species described by Schumann belong.

Primary and Secondary Bracts. Schumann uses the

term primary bracts for the main bracts of the inflorescence,

and.this term is similarly used here. In the axil of each

primary bract of such a genus as Alpinia is a cincinnus.

Each flower on the cincinnus is terminal, and the next

branch is axillary, in the axil of a bract placed below the

said terminal flower. Thus all bracts subsequent to the

primary bracts subtend branches of the cincinnus, not indi-

vidual flowers, and all are of equal status. Such bracts may

be called secondary bracts, but it is more usual and more

convenient to call them bracteoles. In some cases the

cincinnus has been reduced to one flower; then the secondary

bract (if any) accompanying that flower must represent

one of the cincinnus-bracts, and though we may call it a

bracteole we must not forget its status as a secondary bract.

Ina normal cincinnus, the first secondary bract faces at

right angles to the primary bract, and subsequent secondary

bracts face alternately in two directions at right angles to

each other. But in Scaphochlamys there is a two-keeled

secondary bract immediately facing the primary bract and

enclosing the whole cincinnus with its bracts and flower-

buds. Within this two-keeled bract the remaining secondary

bracts are normally placed. In Kaempferia we have a

similar arrangement; except that only one flower is present,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

cand the two-keeled bract becomes two-lobed or even separat-

ed into two narrow bracts. Such two-keeled bracts, in the

-.game position at the base of a lateral cyme, occur in

Juncaceae, Cyperaceae, Pandanaceae, Gramineae and other

monocotyledons; and they occur also in Marantaceae,

Lowiaceae and in Heliconia (Musaceae). It seems likely

- therefore that the presence of such bracts in Scaphochlamys

is a survival of an ancestral type, and that in Alpinia and

other genera such bracts have been lost. In some cases

however it is not at all easy to understand whether the

two-keeled secondary bract has survived or not; this is

especially true where the secondary bracts are tubular.

Tubular secondary bracts. The distinction between

-ftubular or cup-shaped secondary bracts and those which are

open to the base appears to be important; the tubular form

predominates in the Alpinia tribe, the open form in the

Hedychium tribe. As the bases of leaf-sheaths throughout

the family are tubular, it seems reasonable to regard the

tubular form as the most primitive, though comparison with

..such structures in allied families needs to be made before

this can be regarded as more than a tentative suggestion.

Taking this as a basis however, the genera of the Alpinia

tribe can all be shown to be derivative from the Alpinia

type, with its developed cincinni having all secondary bracts

tubular or cup-shaped. On the same assumption, the genera

of the Globba and Hedychium tribes have departed more

from the primitive type, and this seems probably to be the

case also as judged by other criteria.

In some species of Alpinia, Geostachys and Elettaria,

the tubular secondary bracts are so large that each encloses

the whole of that part of the cincinnus which lies beyond

it, up to a late stage of development. The tubular bract

encloses at its base not only the shoot which lies in its axil

but also the main axis, and with it the flower at its apex

until that flower is almost ready to open.

Modifications of the Inflorescence. The following are

the principal types of modifications which occur, the ter-

minal inflorescence with developed cincinni and tubular .

secondary bracts being regarded as primitive. Further

details are given in the discussions of the individual tribes

and genera.

1. Specialization of the flowering shoot. The flowers

are borne on a leafless shoot, often short, some-

times almost entirely underground or decumbent.

This occurs in many genera, sometimes in all

species, sometimes in part only.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

2. Reduction or increase in size of the primary bracts..

Where the inflorescence is near the ground, or

partly embedded in the ground, the protection.

of well-developed primary bracts is needed; on

the other hand, in some genera the primary

bracts have almost disappeared (Languas,.

Catimbium). Sane

3. Development of an imvolucre of sterile bracts.

This occurs only in the Hornstedia group of

genera.

‘4, Reduction in the number of flowers in the cincinni..

. Where reduction occurs, it is usually to one

flower. This has occurred in several genera of

both sub-families. In some genera most species.

have one flower, while others have two or even

more, but this is not usual. An interesting case

is Hornstedtia leonurus; another is Zingiber

Clarke.

5. Reduction in length of cincinni. In Camptandra,

Scaphochlamys and Curcuma the cincinni have:

each several flowers, but their axes are reduced

greatly in length so that the whole cincinnus is

packed into the base of the primary bract, the

flowers alone protruding.

6. Modification of secondary bracts. In the Hedychi--.

eae especially the secondary bracts are not

tubular; in some genera they are much reduced

in size, in others very large (Geostachys).

7. Shortening of the rachis. This has occurred in

varlous genera, but especially in the Hornstedtia

group and in Kaempferia.

8. Shortening of the scape. This occurs especially in

those genera which have the inflorescence partly

buried in the ground.

9. Prostrate inflorescences. These occur in Elettaria,.

Elettariopsis and Geostachys; but in Geostachys

some species have erect symmetrical inflorescen-

ces. Where the rachis is prostrate, the cincinni

or individual flowers all curve upwards, and a

secund arrangement occurs.

10. Plagiostachys. Were the inflorescence is terminal

on a leaf-shoot, but the stem is much shorter

than the leaf-sheaths, and the inflorescence:

emerges by breaking through the side of the

sheaths. There are also other modifications;

there are main branches as in Languas, of equal

Vol. XIII. (1950).

rank to the terminal branch, the cincinni are all

reduced to one flower and. the primary bracts

are lacking. |

Flowers: biology. In all. reported: cases: the-flowers of

Zingiberaceae last less than 24 hours. Usually they open in

the early morning and by next morning have faded. In

some species of Zingiber they open in the afternoon and last

only a few hours.

Few observations have been made on insect pollination

of plants of this family. The flowers are all tubular and

contain nectar, but insect visitors, other than ants and still

smaller insects, are apparently not common. In some

genera (Curcuma, Camptandra, Roscoea) there are basal

spurs or appendages of the antHers which are so placed that

a visiting insect must touch them and in so doing move

the pollen-sacs into contact with its back, thereby receiving

pollen which it carries to the stigma of another flower. But

such cases are the exception. In some cases seeds are freely

produced (Costus speciosus) and in others rarely. Self-

sterility is reported in Hedychium, and hybrids are easily

produced in this genus. But self-sterility cannot be

universal, as I have found seeds produced by an isolated

inflorescence of Zingiber zerumbet.

In Zingiber, Curcuma and probably to some extent in

Scaphochlamys, the bases of the closely imbricating bracts

hold water (in Curcuma the bracts are joined for half their

length and form closed pockets) ; the bracts and flower-buds

are then immersed in water, or are permanently wet and

mucilaginous, and the old flowers disintegrate and add to

the mucilage. A similar condition exists in the cup-shaped

inflorescences of Hornstedtia. In Zingiber at least the

fruits often ripen and dehisce while mucilaginous.

A mucilaginous covering for developing fruits is also

found in some species of Amomum and Plagiostachys, but

here the result is produced by the decay of the bracts

themselves, the whole outer part of the inflorescence being

thus covered for a time with a slimy mass. This can

naturally only occur under conditions of moist shady forest,

and the inflorescences concerned are all close to the ground.

The inflorescence is partly or almost completely buried

in some or all species of several genera, notably in Achasma,

Elettariopsis and Elettaria. In some cases only the expand-

ed floral members are above ground, the tube being largely

buried; the tube then must be long, and in Elettaria and

Elettariopsis it is certainly of variable length, adjusting

itself to suit the depth at which the ovary is placed. In

some cases the fruit itself develops below the surface of the

ground.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Flowers are sometimes replaced by bulbils in Globba,

but this form:of vegetative reproduction does not normally

occur in any other genus. Usually the bulbils occur in the

axils of the lower primary bracts, thus strictly taking the

place not of flowers but of whole cincinni. In all other

genera the rhizome is the main means of vegetative propa-

gation, in some cases branching very freely (e.g. Aaemp-

feria pulchra, many species of Curcuma).

Flowers: morphology. The form of the flower is

remarkably constant throughout the family; it is in fact the

character which distinguishes Zingiberaceae from all other

plants. Owing to this great constancy of form, it is diffi-

cult to divide the family into natural groups on the basis of

floral characters; the kinds of differences which occur are

slight and in many cases subject to variation within

groups the members of which are evidently nearly allied.

Schumann’s keys to genera are for this reason very

unsatisfactory.

The Zingiberaceous flower is based on the ancestral

liliiflorous type of 3 sepals, 3 petals, 3 + 3 stamens and a

gynaecium of 3 parts. The sepals are always joined to

form a tube, and are relatively inconspicuous. The petals

are also partly joined to form a tube; in most cases they

are the conspicuous outer members of the flower and thus

look rather like the sepals of a lily or an orchid. It is the

staminal part of the flower which is greatly modified.

The one functional stamen is on the same radius as the

dorsal petal, and thus belongs to the inner whorl (in

contrast to the orchid flower, where the functional stamen

belongs to the outer whorl). The two adjacent stamens of

the outer whorl are nearly always clearly present as stami-

nodes, small or large; there is no doubt of the position and

status of these staminodes. It is the other three stamens

concerning which there has been doubt or difference of

opinion.

The structure which represents these three stamens, in

whole or in part, is called the lip or labellum. It has exactly

the same relation to the fertile stamen (as regards the

general shape and symmetry of the flower) as the lip to the

column in orchids; but the lip of an orchid is a petal.

There have been several theories as to the origin of the

Zingiberaceous labellum. (See Valeton Bull. Jard. Bot.

Buit. 2nd Ser. XX VII: 119).

1. Robert Brown suggested that the labellum repre-

sents the single outer stamen only, the two inner

ones developing into the stylodes (nectar-gland) ..

The stylodes are however late developments in

the ontogeny of the flower and a study of

Vol. XIII. (1950).

vascular tissue gives no support to the theory of

their staminal origin.

* 2. Lestiboudois and Eichler considered that the lip

represents the two stamens of the inner whorl,

the intermediate one of the outer whorl being

entirely aborted. Support to this theory is

given by the frequent bilobed nature of the

labellum.

3. Schumann proposed a combination of the two theo-

rf ries; he suggested that in some genera the two

inner stamens form the lip (e.g. in the bilobed

lips of Hedychium and Kaempferia) and in other

cases that the single outer stamen forms the lip

(e.g. in Alpinia, where the lip is not bilobed).

4. Costerus, after examination of the vascular strands

in the various parts of the flower, considered

that the labellum consisted of a combination of

all three stamens, the middle one being some-

times more strongly, sometimes less strongly

developed. Valeton reports Costerus as stating

that in Zingiber itself the vascular strand

corresponding to the single stamen of the outer

whorl! is quite lacking.

Troll (quoted by Loesener in Pflanzenfam. Ed. 2,

15A: 551) considers that in the large labellum

of Costus all 5 stamens other than the fertile one

are combined.

te) |

The theory of Costerus appears to be the most satis-

factory. It explains the existence of the broad trilobed lips

of some Alpinias as well as the more or less bilobed lips of

some other genera. Troll’s amplification to the case of

Costus also explains the large labellum of that genus and

nape absence of separate lateral staminodes of the outer

whorl.

The structure of the functional stamen is normal. Its

appendages are of various form but none is a striking

structural modification. The most frequent type of appen-

dage is an apical extension of the connective into a more

or less lobed and spreading lamina, reaching its greatest

development in Cyphostigma. This structure is usually

called the anther-crest. It is fairly constant within some

groups of species (e.g. Amomum, Cenolophon) but in other

groups of quite closely related species it may be present

or absent (e.g. Boesenbergia) . Thus it is not often a

satisfactory generic character, though in some genera or

sub-genera it may be useful.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

The basal extensions of the pollen-sacs are probably of

more diagnostic value than the apical crest of the connec-

tive; but here also they are not always constant within a

genus, as can be seen in Curcuma.

- The remarkable feature of the stamen is the way in

which it always holds the style between the swollen

pollen-sacs; this is a unique feature of the family.

_. Ovary, fruit and seeds. The ovary is always inferior,

as in all other Scitamineae. In the Liliifiorae it has its

counterpart in Amaryllidaceae; but Zingiberaceae are not

nearly related to any extant members of that family, which

has become adapted mainly to strongly seasonal or dry

climates.

The ovary of Zingiberaceae is either trilocular with

axile placentation (in most genera) or unilocular with

parietal placentation (the Globba group) ; or in some genera

(Kaempferia and allies) there is a tendency to the reduction

or elimination of the septa, the ovules being confined to a

small basal group or to a larger or smaller columnar

placenta, sometimes apparently with partially formed septa

joined to it in the basal part of the ovary. This last

development is not confined to a single genus, but seems to

have arisen on various lines within the Kaempferia group.

In at least one species of Scaphochlamys there may be only

a single ovule. Similarly, within the Alpinia group there

seems to be a tendency to incomplete development of the

septa in some species of Languas in which there are few

ovules. These modifications of the ovary need further

investigation.

Still more is further investigation of fruit-structure

necessary. For many species no data at all are available.

Valeton first described the structure of the fruits of some

long-known species of Zingiber, and he made many new

observations on the fruits of other genera.

The fully dehiscent type of fruit, with the three valves

separating to the apex and spreading apart, is apparently

found in only a minority of cases. It occurs in Hedychium,

Zingiber (the dehisced fruit here still enclosed by the large

bracts), Roscoea and Globba. In Costus dehiscence occurs,

with extrusion of the groups of seeds, but the splitting does

not reach the apex of the ovary, which is crowned by the

persistent and very tough calyx. In Catimbium (Alpinia

p.p. of Schumann) the fruits break open completely on the

normal three lines of dehiscence if pressed slightly, but do

not open naturally. In Hornstedtia the fruits are reported

by Valeton to break open irregularly in their basal parts,

while still enclosed by the persistent involucral bracts. In

some species of Amomum and other genera the fruits are

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

quite fleshy and indehiscent. In other species of Amomum:.

they are thin-walled but perhaps not dehiscent. |

The seeds are always provided with an aril. This is im

the form of a basal cushion in Costus, but more or less

envelopes the seed in other genera. In the Hedychium and

Globba groups the aril is deeply lacerate; in the Alpinia.

group not or little lacerate. In the Alpinia group the seeds

are closely packed in the ovary, angled where they meet,

with rounded outer surfaces where they are in contact with

the ovary wall. In the Hedychium-Zingiber group they

are ellipsoid or ovoid and hardly angled, apparently due to

less close packing; the interstices being filled in some cases.

by the tangled lobes of the arils.

Internally the seeds contain perisperm (nucellus) ©

which in all cases investigated is white and starchy, and

also endosperm round the embryo. The base of the seed

has a plug, with which the radicle of the embryo is in

contact; on germination this plug is pushed out by the

growing radicle. The arrangement is closely similar to-

that of Musa.

Systematy of the family: historical. Linnaeus knew

so little of Zingiberaceae that his small contribution to its.

systematv has been rather an embarrassment than a help to

later botanists.

The first good botanical descriptions, made from living

plants, were by Koenig, published in Retzius’ Observationes:

(1783). As noted by Schumann, Koenig’s descriptions are

much better than many of those of later authors; but even

with all his care Koenig did not always include the details

necessary for certain recognition of his species.

The next considerable contribution was by Roxburgh,

who also studied the plants alive, in many cases under

cultivation at Calcutta. To him we owe the real foundation

of our knowledge of the family. Unfortunately he did not

always use Linnean generic names in the Linnean sense.

Nineteenth century botanists mainly followed Roxburgh’s

system, and the result has been a confusion in the applica-

tion of the names Amomum and Alpinia which botanists of

the present century have still failed to clarify, largely

because nobody has yet clearly defined the limits of the

genera concerned.

Wallich continued Roxburgh’s work by publishing

excellent plates of several species in his Plantae Asiaticae

Rariores.

Roscoe made considerable studies of plants in cultiva-

tion at Liverpool, and published a valuable series of

coloured plates in 1828.

Gardens Bulletin, S..

Blume published short diagnoses of many species native

in the Netherlands Indies, but unfortunately these are quite

inadequate for recognition of the plants, and the later

descriptions of Miquel. are little better. The first satis-

factory work on the Zingiberaceae of Java was by Valeton

(see below).

Griffith made a small contribution to our knowledge of

Malayan Zingiberaceae, valuable chiefly for his drawings of

species of Achasma and Hornstedtia (1851).

In 1861 Horaninow published the first monograph of

the family; it contained little original material but is

valuable as a summary of knowledge up to that time.

Baker described the Zingiberaceae of India (including

those known from the Malay Peninsula) in the Flora of

British India (1890-1892). Here are many new species,

including some from Malaya, but the descriptions are too

brief, and being founded in many cases on dried specimens

only are sometimes misleading or inaccurate. Fortunately

we have in the Singapore herbarium duplicate specimens

of most of the type collections of Baker’s Malayan species.

Baker subsequently described the Zingiberaceae for the

Flora of Tropical Africa, some of them being illustrated

in Hooker’s Icones. Schumann had also previously (1892)

published an account of African Zingiberaceae.

In 1899 Schumann described collections of Zingibera-

ceae (mainly dried material) from German New Guinea,

and also from Celebes, Borneo and other parts of Malaysia;

this study, and his former work on African Zingiberaceae,

led to his undertaking a monograph of the whole family for

the Pflanzenreich (see below).

In 1899 also Ridley published his first account of the

Scitamineae of the Malay Peninsula. This was based

mainly on his own collecting and that of Curtis during the

previous ten years, and included 58 new species. In some

cases the species were described from plants cultivated in

Singapore or Penang, and of these coloured drawings

usually exist; in the majority of cases the descriptions are

based on dried material and field notes. It says much for

Ridley’s energy and zeal as a collector that the majority of

Peninsular species were described by him in this early

paper. His descriptions however leave much to be desired,

and if we had not his specimens and drawings a great

proportion of the descriptions would be valueless. The

figures given for dimensions of parts of flowers are rarely

even approximately accurate; and even comparative state-

ments (such as staminodes longer than petals) are

sometimes wrong. In many cases species are wrongly

placed generically, and the new genera Carenophila and

Vol. XIII. (1950).

Conamomum (both in my opinion superfluous) are so

inaptly described that Schumann placed them in the wrong

sub-division of the family. Ridley’s account of the family

in his Flora (vol. 4, 1924) is not any more satisfactory than.

his paper of 1899.

Simultaneously with Ridley’s work, Gagnepain des--

cribed many new species of Zingiberaceae, chiefly from

Indochina; and he wrote an account of the family for

Lecomte’s Flore Générale de VIndochine (1904). Gag-- |

nepain’s observations are evidently based on careful

examination of material, and so far as they go are

admirable; but they sometimes do not include the details of

inflorescence-structure which seem to me important. He

sae little contribution to the definition of genera in the

amily.

Schumann’s final and most important work appeared in.

1904 as a monograph of the whole family, published in

Engler’s Pflanzenreich. Nearly half the species in that.

volume were originally described by Schumann himself; but

most of these were based on dried material, and it is only

too evident that Schumann had little first-hand knowledge

of living plants of the family. The main failings of

Schumann’s Monograph, in my opinion, are (1) his lack of

attention to the structure of the inflorescence and (2) his

failure to realize that single floral structures, especially the:

crest of the anther-connective, are rarely sufficiently distin-.

tive and constant to characterize genera, never to serve as.

bases for larger divisions of the family, except for the case:

of the petaloid development of the staminodes. As shown

by Valeton, Schumann’s genera are consequently in many

cases very confused.

So far as Malayan species are concerned, Schumann’s

work is almost valueless, as he saw specimens of few of

Ridley’s species. He merely copied Ridley’s descriptions,

the errors in which often caused him to misplace the species.

His keys sometimes enable one to find species from Borneo:

or elsewhere which may be related to Malayan species,.

but often the data are so insufficient that one is left in

uncertainty.

A work such as Schumann’s should serve as an oppor-.

tunity for a thorough revision of nomenclature. Apart

from the fact that his generic concepts are unsatisfactory,

and the consequent name-changes therefore sometimes

wrong or unnecessary, he leaves unsolved two of the major

problems of nomenclature, namely the status of the names

Amomum and Alpinia. As regards Amomum, he removed

the remaining Linnean species from that genus and used it

as the type for a new genus Aframomum; he only retained

the use of the name Amomum, for those Asiatic plants so:

Gardens Bulletin, S.

called by Roxburgh and later writers, by an interpretation

of Amomum cardamomum L. which will not bear criticism

(see Burkill in Kew Bull., 1930, p. 32). It is perhaps.

fortunate that he did so; otherwise he might have proposed

a new generic name for the Asiatic species. I very much

question whether his genus Aframomum is really dis-

tinguishable from the Asiatic Amomum; certainly the

characters he gives in his generic key do not distinguish the

two. If the African and Asiatic species may be retained

together in one genus, we may revert to Amomum granum

paradisi Linn. as the type species and no. question of a

nomen conservandum need arise.

The question of Alpinia is discussed at length under

that genus. There is no doubt that Alpinia in Schumann’s

monograph does not contain the only Linnean species of

1753; there is equally no doubt that it does contain a great

mixture of species which should, when further studied, be

separated into several genera. It is therefore unreasonable:

to apply the next generic name (Languas Koenig) to all

Schumann’s species indiscriminately. This attitude is

adopted by Loesner (Pflanzenfam. Ed. 2, Bd. 15A: 611,

1930), who retains the name Alpinia in Schumann’s sense

pending a further revision of the species. As will appear

later, the name is here used in a different, restricted, sense.

About the time when Schumann published his mono-.

graph, Valeton began to take an interest in the Zingibera-.

ceae of Java. His first paper (1904) dealt mainly with

Hornstedtia, Achasma and Phaeomeria, and about the same:

time he published a series of valuable illustrations of these

and other species in Icones Bogorienses. His later papers

dealt mainly with the same genera, and with Curcuma,

Gastrochilus, Kaempferia and Zingiber. His studies were

extremely thorough, and he described the structure of the

inflorescence of many species for the first time, even in the

case of some which had been well known for over a century.

His work in fact represents a great advance towards an

understanding of the family, and on it the present account

is largely based. Unfortunately Valeton was not able to

complete his work by making any general survey of the

family.

The only publication of importance subsequent to

Valeton’s work is Loesner’s account of Zingiberaceae in the

second edition of Engler’s Pflanzenfamilien (Bd. 15A,

1950). Loesener refers to Valeton’s work, but he is unable

to adopt all of Valeton’s generic and sub-generic concepts

because many species are not known in sufficient detail:

and though he attempts to straighten the confusion of

Schumann’s genera Gastrochilus and Kaempferia, his re-

arrangement contains errors due to inaccurate descriptions

Vol. XIII. (1950).

by previous authors. He adopts the genus Geanthus, as

defined by Valeton, without consideration of the fact that

the name is invalid. There is no question that a fresh study

of all species is necessary, based on good material (including ;

inflorescences and flowers either living or in alcohol) , before

any satisfactory new account of the family as a whole can

be written.

Systematy of the family: a proposed veuisias The

present study being confined to species of the Malay Penin-

sula, I cannot attempt a complete revision of the genera of

the family ; but I think that my observations justify a

partial revision, and also provide suggestions for further

investigation of non-Malayan species.

Schumann’s division of the family into the two sub-

families Zingiberoideae and Costoideae is certainly valid,

and I would retain it as the main division. The sub- family

Costoideae includes (in Malaya) only the genus Costus, and

need not concern us further at present.

Schumann’s sub-division of the sub-family Zingiberoi-

deae on the other hand seems to me unsatisfactory. I

would base the main division, as he does, on the petaloid

development of staminodes but Zingiber itself belongs with

Hedychium and the rest which have petaloid staminodes,

not with Amomum and Alpinia. It is evident from

Schumann’s note after the generic diagnosis of Zingiber that

he recognized this, and he does not at all explain why he

placed Zingiber with Amomum, nor how he would include

Zingiber under “staminodia lateralia parva minutissima vel

0” if he regards (rightly) the lateral lobes of the lip of

Zingiber as staminodes. The separation of Globba, together

with Mantisia, Hemiorchis and Gagnepainia, appears

satisfactory. Thus we have the three tribes Hedychieae

(including Zingiber), Globbeae and Alpinieae (Schumann’s

Zingibereae, without Zingiber). The following then is the

scheme proposed: 3

Leaves distichous, with sheath open on the side opposite the

lamina; lateral staminodes usually present though in

many cases small; stylodes (nectar glands) various, always

more or less columnar, rarely absent

Zingiberoideae (Subfam. 1).

Lateral staminodes petaloid, free from the labellum; or

in Zingiber more or less deeply adnate to the

labellum (Zingiber may also be recognized by the

long narrow curved anther-crest, with inflexed edges,

embracing the style).

Ovary unilocular with parietal placentae

Globbeae.

Ovary trilocular with axile placentae, or uni-

locular with basal or free columnar placenta

Hedychieae.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Lateral staminodes never petaloid, sometimes lacking;

usually present as small teeth or short linear appen-

dages at the base of the lip, in Geocharis joined to

the filament Alpinieae.

Leaves spirally arranged, with sheaths tubular, closed on the

_ side opposite the lamina; staminodes absent (as individual

_ structures); stylodes absent, nectar glands embedded below

base of flower-tube Costoideae (Subfam. 2).

The name Hedychieae is used instead of Zingibereae.

because Schumann’s Zingibereae was very different. For

convenience of use as a key covering Malayan genera only,

we may add to the above scheme a note referring to the

distinctive features of Globba itself as contrasted with the

Hedychieae, the other genera of Globbeae being lacking in

Malaya.

The sub-division of the tribes I would base almost

entirely on characters of the inflorescence and bracts, as.

indicated below, as this appears to give a much more natural

arrangement than Schumann’s, which is based mainly on

unstable flower-characters.

Relationship to other Families. As noted under the

discussion of floral morphology, there is no doubt that the

Zingiberaceae have a common origin with those families

known as Liliiflorae. There is also little doubt that Zing!-

beraceae are monophyletic; the remarkable uniformity of

flower-structure in the family, and the absence of anything

resembling it in other families, is strong evidence that all

Zingiberaceae arose from a common ancestor.

The other families placed with Zingiberaceae in the

Order Scitamineae are Musaceae, Lowiaceae, Marantaceae,

Cannaceae. Of these, Musaceae and Lowiaceae each have

five stamens (exceptionaily six in Musaceae) and are to that

extent more primitive than Zingiberaceae, but they are also

very specialized and bear little resemblance to Zingibera-

ceae. The nearest resemblance is with Heliconia, as regards

vegetative appearance and morphology of the inflorescence:

but it is improbable that Zingiberaceae arose from

Heliconia. It seems more likely that these other families

had separate origins in the Liliiflorous stock, which is

certainly an ancient one.

As remarked by Engler, the probable origin of

Zingiberaceae is from tall rhizomatous plants of the aspect

of Dracaena, with a branched terminal inflorescence having

the ultimate branch-systems cymose. Dracaena has a

superior ovary; but the transition from superior to inferior

is one that has occurred on many different lines of evolution,

and the Zingiberaceae-ancestor must have experienced that

transition, though Dracaena did not.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

The Zingiberaceae-ancestor must have been a plant of

tropical evergreen forest; and judging by the existing

distribution of the family the Pere of origin was within the

Indo-Malayan region.

Zingiberaceae as members of the flora of - Mabon

Zingiberaceae are a characteristic feature of the ground

flora of the primitive forest of Malaya. They are infre-

quent in secondary forest, and very few native species will

stand the full exposure of the sun. In the forest, one meets

them everywhere, usually as scattered plants, rarely as

thickets. Some are found only in wet places, others on

hillsides. They are most abundant in lowland and mid-

mountain forest; few are seen on high mountain ridges.

One species (Hedychium longicornutum) is epiphytic.

The total number of species at present known is here

- reckoned to be 150. Putting the total number of species of

flowering plants at 7,000, this is about two per cent. This

may be compared with the Orchidaceae, our largest family,

which includes more than 780 known species, or say eleven

per cent of the flora.

Some species of Zingiberaceae are found throughout the

country; such as Globba pendula, Costus speciosus, Camp-

tandra parvula, Alpinia javanica, Achasma macrocheilos,

Amomum x«anthophlebium, Hornstedtia scyphifera. Other

species appear to be extremely local, notably several species

of Scaphochlamys (which are almost confined to lowland

forest) and of Geostachys (which are nearly all mountain

plants).

As regards the occurrence of our species outside

Malaya, little can be said with certainty, owing to the

imperfect descriptions of so many species, and to the fact

that the Zingiberaceae of Borneo and Sumatra, the countries

most likely to have species in common with Malaya, have

been comparatively little investigated. There is little doubt

that many of our common species occur also in Sumatra and

Borneo, as is the general rule for common lowland Malayan

species.

As regards northward distribution, we can say with a

high degree of probability that few of our species spread

far; included in these few are some (such as Costus specio-

sus and Catimbium muticum) which will tolerate moderate

or full exposure, and others (such as Curcuma parviflora)

which are at their southern limit in northern Malaya.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN DIVISIONS OF ZINGIBERACEAE.

Leaves distichous, with sheaths open on the side opposite the

lamina.

Lateral staminodes petaloid, free from the labellum; or

in Zingiber more or Jess deeply adnate to the

Gardens Bulletin, S.

ee ee

labellum (Zingiber also has a long narrow anther-

crest with inflexed edges, embracing the style).

Lip and filament joined together for some distance

above the insertion of petals and staminodes;

filament very long as compared with lip

Globba (p. 2/ ).

Lip and filament not so joined; filament nearly

always much shorter than lip une

; Hedychieae (p.2* ).

Lateral staminodes never petaloid, sometimes lacking,

usually present as small teeth or short linear appen-

dages at the base of the lip Alpinieae (p.f' =).

Leaves spirally arranged, with tubular sheaths Bin?

Costus (p.2¥).

GLOBBA LINNAEUS

Rhizome slender, creeping, bearing leaf-shoots close

together or well-spaced; roots often rather fleshy. Leaf-

shoots slender, usually 30-90 cm. tall to the top of the high-

est leaf-sheath, bearing about 3-8 leaves in the upper !12—

2/3. Leaf-blades usually sessile or nearly so, slightly

asymmetric, elliptic, usually more or less caudate-acuminate,

thin, glabrous or variously pubescent; ligule broad, not

lobed, usually 1-5 mm. high, ciliate or glabrous. Jnflores-

cence terminal, erect or decurved ; peduncle slender, short or

long, usually bearing a few sterile bracts; rachis slender,

short or long, bearing few to many slender branches in

the axils of small, often early deciduous, primary bracts;

branches bearing few to many flowers arranged in a

<incinnus; secondary bracts smaller than the primary

bracts, deciduous or persistent, more or less ovate, not

tubular at the base; pedicels of flowers 0-7 mm. long.

Flowers small, white, yellow, orange or purplish, often with

a brown or purple spot on the lip. Calyx funnel-shaped,

subequally 3-lobed, the lobes often having hollow spur-like

subapical tips. Corolla-tube slender, much longer than

the calyx; lobes usually 5-6 mm. long, spreading or deflexed,

subequal, ovate, concave, the dorsal one with a short sub-

apical hollow pointed spur. Staminodes attached to the

flower-tube at the same level as the corolla-segments, as

long as to twice as long as the corolla-segments, elliptic or

oblong, not concave. Labellum joined to the stamen in a

slender tube about 1 cm. above the attachment of the

staminodes and corolla-lobes, its base narrow with two

small auricles, its deflexed blade remaining close to the

flower-tube except towards the apex, widening gradually

from base to apex, apex more or less deeply bilobed, the

lobes rounded, contiguous or somewhat divergent, their

tips near the level of attachment of the staminodes.

Filament long, slender, curved, with inflexed edges

embracing the style; anther small, the pollen-sacs parallel,

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

bearing two or four narrow acute spreading lateral appen-

dages; connective not or hardly produced at the apex.

Ovary unilocular with three parietal placentae and several

ovules on each; fruit a small dehiscent capsule; seeds ovoid,

usually short hairs all over, with a lacerate basal aril.

The genus Globba is almost confined to the region from

the eastern Himalayas and southern China southwards to

Malaysia. The greatest number of species have been des-

cribed from Burma and N.E. India, but it is very likely

that more occur in western Malaysia than have yet been

reported or collected. It appears however that there are

few species in Java. Discrimination of species, and

effective description, is not easy, and the range-of distribu-

tion of individual species is consequently in many cases

doubtful; there is certainly some duplication among

published species.

Ridley enumerates twenty one species in his Flora;

these are here reduced to eight, with the addition of one new

species and also G. marantina which he did not regard as

native. In some cases varietal rank is given to Ridley’s

species; others are shown to exist only on a basis of

inaccurate observation.

The form of the inflorescence in Globba, with its

spreading branches often bearing many distinctly spaced

and pedicelled flowers, is only matched by Alpinia and

Languas. It is nearest to Languas, as in Alpinia proper

the cup-shaped persistent flowering bracts give a different

aspect and obscure the nature of the branching. Each

branch of Globba is a true cincinnus, each flower in turn

being terminal, and the axis continued by a lateral bud in

the axil of a secondary bract. This bud may arise very

close below the flower, in which case the latter appears to

be sessile (and is so called, for convenience, in the following

descriptions of species) ; or it may arise a few millimetres

below the flower in which case the flower appears to be

pedicelled. This distinction of sessile or pedicelled flowers

is often useful for the discrimination of species.

The number of flowers borne on each branch of an

inflorescence, as well as their spacing and length of pedicels,

is on the whole fairly constant for each species; but this

cannot well be judged if only young inflorescences are

available. It is often difficult to compare specimens with

young and old inflorescences, as they present different

characters, the old ones having often lost all the bracts

which are the conspicuous feature of the young ones.

The basis of subdivision of the genus has always been.

the number and character of the anther-appendages, and

this appears to give a very natural arrangement. There

Gardens Bulletin, S.

appear to be no species in Malaya without any anther-

appendages, the report of such being due to poor specimens

or inaccurate observation. :

Apart from the anther, the shape of the flower in the

genus is remarkably constant, and also its size. The most

variable feature is the length of the staminodes; next come

the length and divergence of the lobes of the lip and the

length of the corolla-tube.

In the section with two anther-appendages, flowei-

colour is variable within a single species; G. violacea Ridl. is

for example no more than a colour-variety of G. leucantha,

differing in no morphological feature. In the section with

four anther-appendages flower colour appears to be more

constant.

Apart from their small size, the most remarkable

features of the flowers of Globba are the union of the lip

and filament for some distance above the junction of the

corolla-lobes, and the great disparity in length between the

filament and the other members of the flower. The filament

is long in Hedychium, but not greatly longer than the

corolla-lobes.

Vegetatively there is a good deal of variation within

some of the species, and it is difficult sometimes to know

where to draw limits. Pubescence is especially variable,

and there is hardly a species which is quite glabrous. Size

of leaves (and of plants) varies much, especially in G.

pendula, and so continuously that one can hardly discrimi-

nate varieties based on this character. There are however

certainly some species with smaller or narrower leaves than

others (e.g. G. Curtisii, G. albiflora).

All species are plants of shady forest, except G. maran-

tina, and most of them are widely distributed. None

(except perhaps G. Curtisii) is exclusively montane.

Different species often grow side by side, and it is possible

that hybridization may occur, though there is no definite

evidence of this. Fruits do not appear to be very abundan-

tly produced, being especially infrequent on some species

(e.g. G. cernua). Bulbils, on the other hand, are frequent,

and perhaps more plants are so propagated than from seeds.

This makes for efficiency in dispersal, and could also ensure

the propagation in unchanged condition of a hybrid, if such

should occur. It might for example explain the lecal

occurrence and constancy of G. Curtisi; if this were a

hybrid, it could reproduce itself unchanged by bulbils,

whereas seeds, if produced, would certainly involve various

re-groupings of parental characters. This would be an

interesting subject for experimental investigation. Artifi-

cial hybrids have been freely produced in Hedychium; they

might be equally possible in Globba. :

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF GLOBBA IN MALAYA.

Bracts broad and imbricating, the lowest 1-5-2 cm. long, all

or nearly all with axillary bulbils c. 1 cm. long; flowers —

rarely produced 1. G. marantina.

Bracts not or hardly imbricating, usually much smaller,

axillary bulbils when present much smaller; flowers |

nearly always produced on several branches

Anther with two appendages; flowers white, yellow.

orange or purple

Appendages attached at the basal angles of the

anther, their bases sometimes decurrent along

the sides of the anther towards its apex

Leaves bearing short stiff hairs or papillae all

over the upper surface between the veins;

branches of- inflorescence white, bearing

ultimately a succession of up to 12 flowers;

flowers mainly white or violet, never deep

yellow

Flowers white with purple spot on lip

G. leucantha, typical.

Calyx white, rest of flower violet

var. violacea.

Staminodes pale yellow, rest of flower

+ tinged with violet var. bicolor

Flowers yellowish var. flavidula.

Leaves glabrous above or bearing stiff hairs

on main veins only; branches of inflores-

cence often purplish, with few flowers,

flowers orange or white

Staminodes longer than corolla-lobes;

leaves glabrous above, proportion of

length to width 5-6:1

3. G. fasciata.

Staminodes hardly longer than corolla-

lobes; leaves with stiff hairs on main

veins above, proportion of length to

width 3-—4:1

Flowers orange with a brown spot

on the lip 4. G. pendula, typical.

Flowers white with a purple spot on

the lip var. elegans.

Appendages spreading from about the middle of

each side of the anther, their bases occupying

the whole length of each side

5. G. albiflora.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

——— a

Anther with four appendages; flowers always orange

or yellow

Inflorescence decurved, so that the rachis points

vertically downwards ;

Peduncle in a broad curve, usually as long as

or longer than the rachis, inflorescence lax;

leaves 4-7, petioles short 6. G. cernuda.

Peduncle very short, abruptly curved, inflo-

rescence dense; leaves 1—4, petioles to 3 cm.

long 7. G. unifolia.

Flowers on pedicels 3-4 mm. long |

G. unifolia, typical.

Flowers sessile or nearly so ;

var. sessilifiora.

Inflorescence erect or somewhat curved, rachis not

pointing vertically downwards

Leaves to about 13 by 3:5 cm., glabrous or

nearly so; staminodes c. 1-1 cm. long, much

longer than corolla-lobes 8. G. Curtisi.

Leaves of well-grown plants much wider,

usually hairy beneath; staminodes shorter,

about same length as dorsal corolla-lobe

Flowers on pedicels 4-7 mm. long; leaves

usually long-hairy beneath, and sheaths

similarly hairy 9. G. auranticca.

Flowers sessile; leaves at most short-

hairy beneath 10. G. variabilis.

1. Globba marantina Linn., Mantissa 2: 170. 1771. Roxb.,

Fl]. Ind. 1: 77. 1820. Bak., F.B. I. 6: 206. 1890. K.

Schum. Pflanzenr. Zingib. 156. 1904. Ridl. Flora 4:

241.

Stems to c. 50 cm, tall to top of uppermost leaf-sheath,

bearing c. 8 or more leaves. Leaves to about 15 cm. long and

4-5 em. wide, apex acuminate, base cuneate, lower surface

minutely hairy, upper surface glabrous; petiole of upper leaves

usually distinct, c. 5 mm. long or longer; ligule hardly 2 mm.

long, fringed with hairs; sheaths short-hairy to almost

glabrous. Peduncle hardly exserted beyond the leaf-sheaths.

Inflorescence compact, 2-3 cm. long, of c. 8-10 imbricating

bracts (or the lowest not quite imbricating), usually with a

bulbil in the axil of each bract or sometimes with a flower in

the axil of one or more of the upper bracts. Lowest bracts

c. 15-2 em. long and 1 cm. or more wide, upper gradually

smaller, green, ovate, the apex very shortly pointed, edges

fringed with a few hairs and surface sometimes short-hairy.

Bulbils c. 1 cm. long, narrowly ovoid to conical, surface irre-

gularly warty. Flowers when present yellow; staminodes

longer than corolla-lobes; lip with apex much below base of

corolla-lobes; anther with 4 spurs.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

_ This species appears to be based on Rumphius’ Lampu-

jum silvestre minus (Herb. Amb. 5: 150, t. 64, f. 2). It

occurs widely in the Philippines and New Guinea, and

perhaps eastern Malaysia is its main ‘centre of distribution.

It evidently rarely flowers; Rumphius. remarked that the

fruits (i.e. bulbils) developed without flowers preceding

them. In Malaya this species behaves as do many others

which are adapted to seasonal climates; it is found in the

north (in Peninsular Siam and Penang) and also down the

east coast where it has been found by Corner “in dry forest

on sand banks in scattered troops, apparently wild’, at

Jason Bay, Johore (S.F.N. 28538). Ridley says that it

occurs in Malaya as a weed in gardens introduced from

Java; but it has never been reported as a village plant in

Malaya nor as used by Peninsular Malays. It is readily

spread by its bulbils and readily establishes itself in a suit-

able environment, and it is probable that man has had a

considerable part in its present distribution.

The only flowering specimen in the Singapore Herba-

rium was collected in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, in

1896. Evidently the flowers develop first, from an upper

bract, before the bulbils are formed; the bracts at this time

are closely imbricating and the whole inflorescence is about

S$ mm. in diameter, whereas it widens to more than 2 cm.

when the bulbils are fully grown.

2. Globba-leucantha Miquel, Fl. Ind. Bat. Suppl. 612. 1860.

Ridl. J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 95. 1899. Flora 4: 238. G.

pallidiflora Bak., F.B. lL. 6: 204. 1890. G. floribunda

Bak., F.B. I. 6: 203. 1890. Fig. 1.

Roots sometimes bearing tubers. Stems close together, to

about 80 cm. tall to top of highest leaf-sheath; basal sheaths

short-hairy. Leaves to 26 by 8 cm., elliptic, apex caudate

(cauda 2-3 em. long) base cuneate, upper surface bearing

short stiff hairs all over, and longer ones on the main veins,

lower surface usually purplish when young, softly short-hairy

all over, with longer hairs on midrib towards the base; petiole

lacking; ligule to about 4 mm. long, densely covered with stiff

hairs about 1 mm. long; sheath hairy like the ligule, or

sometimes the hairs shorter, often mottled with purplish

blotches. Inflorescence c. 15-30 em. long above the uppermost

leaf-sheath, erect, the rachis minutely hairy to sub-glabrous,

the branch rachises green and hairy towards the base only,

towards the apex white and glabrous; inflorescence sometimes

on a short stem bearing no normal leaves (sheaths only).

Primary bracts early deciduous, about 1 cm. long (7).

Branches numerous, c. 3-10 mm. apart, the lower ones up to

2.5 em. long to the first flower, the upper ones shorter, each

bearing a succession of up to about 12 flowers at intervals

of 2-4 mm. Floral bracts about 4 mm. long, broad, acute,

glabrous, usually deciduous at flowering. Calyx with ovary

c. 5 mm, long; 2 teeth acute, the third less so, white, shining.

Corolla-tube minutely hairy; ¢. 1 em. long, white; lobes c. 5

Gardens Bulletin, S.

mm. long, white, all defiexed or the dorsal one erect, concave,

the dorsal one with short hollow sub-apical spur. Stamznodes

a little longer and narrower than the corolla-segments, not

concave, white, reflexed. Labellum about 8-9 mm. long, joined

to the stamen for about 1-1 cm. above junction of corolla-lobes

and staminodes, oblong, apex shortly bilobed, white with a

small purple spot. Filament extending about 1-1-5 cm. beyond

junction with lip; anther 2-5 mm. long, with narrow curved

acute spurs at the base. Fruit green, smooth, 3-lobed, c. 8-10

mm. long, crowned by the persistent calyx.

This species is common in forests in the southern pert

of Malaya, and in Singapore island, where it is abundant on

Bukit Timah; it extends northwards to Perak and has not

been found in Penang. It is allied to G. pendula but has a

shorter inflorescence with longer branches bearing more

flowers on each, the branches are white, the corolla-lobes and

staminodes are usually deflexed and the lip does not extend

downwards to the base of the corolla-lobes; the leaves aie

larger than in G. pendula and have short stiff hairs all over

the upper surface, so that they are slightly rough to the

touch.

Ridley is responsible for identifying the Peninsular

specimens here described with Miquel’s G. leucantha from

Sumatra; Miquel’s description would cover them, but it is

very incomplete. Baker proposed two new species, G.

pallidifiora and G. floribunda, based on Malayan specimens,

which Ridley identifies as G. leucantha. If it should be

discovered that Miquel’s species is different, one of Baker’s

ag ha should be revived, after checking the type specimen

at Kew.

var. violacea (Ridl.) Holtt., stat. nov. G. violacea Rid.

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 97. 1899. Flora 4: 239.

Calyx white; corolla and staminodes violet; lip violet with

a darker spot towards the yellowish apex; anther violet.

| Ridley called this G. violacea, stating that the corolia-

tube is much shorter and the lip much narrower than in

G. leucantha. The shorter corolla-tube is not evident in

Specimens available. Apart from flower-colour, the difter-

ences from typical G. leucantha are so slight that I rank

this as a variety. There are several collections, in lowland

and mid-mountain forest, from Johore to Perak. They are

vouched for by Ridley; only the type (from G. Pulai,

Johore) has a note of the flower colour. As dried specimens

they are indistinguishable from G. leucantha.

var. bicolor, Holtt., var. nov. G. regalis Ridl., Journ. F.M:S.

Mus. 4: 75. 1909. Flora 4: 237.

_ Leaves minutely scabrous on the upper surface (hardly

hairy) ; calyx and corolla-lobes more or less flushed with violet,

staminodes and apical lobes of lip pale yellow, base of lip

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

white or flushed with lilac, stamen yellow, spurs sometimes

tinged with violet.

Pahang. Telom, Ridley 13905 (type of G. regalis). Lubok

Tamang, 3,500 feet, Henderson 10930 (F.M.S. Mus.). Raub,

400 feet, S.F.N. 16872 (Burkill). Kelantan. Kuala Lebir,

Gimlette s.n. 1905, with coloured drawing (type of var.).

Bukit Batu Papan, Sungei Lebir, 1,000 feet, S.F.N. 29524

(Henderson). Trengganu. Sungei Nipa, Kemaman, Corner

s.n. 20 November, 1935.

In the type, the corolla-lobes are represented as deep

violet with paler mottlings and the calyx and base of lip pale

violet (lilac) ; Corner’s notes are “flowers white, calyx and

corolla-lobes very slightly violaceous, staminodes and lobes

of lip pale ochraceous.” The habit is that of G. leucantha

(inflorescences sometimes on short leafless stems); the

leaves of all three collections however are less hairy than in

typical G. leucantha, with ail upper-surface hairs except

those on the veins reduced to minute protuberances.

var. flavidula (Ridl.) Hoitt. stat. nov. G. flavidula Ridl.,

Flora 5: 338. 1925. “Flowers yellowish.”

Ridley states that this differs from G. lewcantha in

having puberulous panicles, lip more deeply cut and calyx-

lobes equal. The hairiness of the rachis of the inflorescence

in G. leucantha is very variable; this therefore cannot stand

as a good distinction. The calyx-lobes are not equal on cur

specimen of the type collection, and it is very difficult to

judge whether the lip is more deeply lobed than usual. I

consider the type collection of G. flavidula to represent at

most a colour variety of G. lewcantha.

3. Globba fasciata Ridl. J.S.B.R.A.S. 57: 101. 1910. Flora

4: 236.

Differs from G. pendula Roxb. in the following characters.

Leaves narrower, in type specimen to 19 by 2-8 cm., in another

from same locality to 29 by 5-5 em.; less hairy, bearing a

longitudinal median pale band; ligule ciliate on edges only.

Inflorescence to about 20 em. long, peduncle very short,

branches crowded (c. 4-10 mm. apart), basal branches c. 2 cm.

long to first flower; flowers to about 5 on each branch, nearly

sessile, 3-4 mm. apart, the second one often producing a fruit.

Calyx with broader teeth. Staminodes c.8 by 2mm. Anther-

spurs basal but with a base extending upwards along the sides

of the anther, decurved, longer than anther.

This species was described by Ridley from Ulu Temango

(14415A). There are three specimens in the Singapore

Herbarium, the other two labelled Temango, one bearing

no. 14415 and the other lacking a number. The last named

was labelled “Globba near pendula” by Ridley, but it differs

only in leaf-size from the others. Undoubtedly this is very

near G. pendula, but differs from typical G. pendula in its

narrower leaves, shorter denser inflorescence, long stami-

Gardens Bulletin, S-

{

nodes and perhaps in the spurs of the anther having a

broader base. The last distinction is not very clear; in

G. pendula the base of the spur always runs to some extent

along the side of the anther.

Ridley described the staminodes as shorter and broader

than the corolla-lobes. It is clear from the specimen that

he confused the staminodes with the lateral corolla-lobes

which are the short broad organs, the thin narrow stami-

nodes much exceeding them.

Globba valida Ridl. was described from a plant collected

at Telom (i.e. Cameron Highlands) ; the specimen cannot

be found in the Singapore Herbarium. It is described as

having orange flowers with staminodes much longer than

the lip, anther with short basal spurs, inflorescence 45 cm.

long with stout branches and leaves with purple spotted

sheaths. It is evidently near G. fasciata and might later be

judged as conspecific, in which case the name G. valida,

being older, has priority.

A specimen from K. Nerang, Kedah (Corner s.n.,

10.7.1936) agrees closely with the type of G. fasciata in

inflorescence and flowers and in glabrous leaves; the leaves

are smaller (to 15 by 2.8 cm.) and there is no information

as to their having a pale median band. It is possible also

that Ridley’s G. montana from Kedah Peak may belong here,

but the original collections lack staminodes, have rather

longer and laxer inflorescences, and some hairs on the upper

surface of the leaves. It has altogether more the aspect of

G. pendula.

4. Globba pendula Roxb. Asiat. Res. 11: 359. 1810. Bak.

F.B.I. 6: 205. Ridl. J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 92. Flora 4:

236. G. Wallichii Bak., F.B.I. 6: 202. 1890. Ridl-

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 89.1899. Flora 4: 235. G. uliginosa

quoad Bak., F.B.I. 6: 203. 1890. Ridl. J.S.B.R.A.S.

32: 90.1899. Flora 4: 235. G. panicoides quoad Ridl.

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 91. 1899. Flora 4: 235. G. Kingwi

Bak., F.B.I. 6: 204. 1890. G. montana Ridl.

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 42. 1899. Flora 4: 236.

Roots rather fleshy but not thickened into distinct tubers.

Stem 25-50 cm. to top of highest leaf-sheath; basal sheaths

+ red-spotted, hardly hairy except at edges. Largest leaf-

blade 6 by 1-5 to 21 by 6 cm., narrowly ovate to elliptic; apex

acuminate-caudate, base broadly cuneate to rounded, lower

surface sometimes at least purplish, usually appressed-hairy all

over, the midrib with stronger more spreading hairs especially

towards the base; main veins on upper surface distinctly larger

than intermediate veins, some of them with stiff curved hairs,

the surface between. main veins not hairy; midrib on upper

surface also + hairy; no petiole; ligule c. 2 mm. long, rounded,

strongly setose on the edge and sometimes.on the surface also;

sheath hairy at least near base of leaf and ligule, usually

Vol. XII. (1950).

blotched with red. Inflorescence about 20-60 cm. long above

highest leaf-sheath; peduncle usually bearing no sheaths or

sterile bracts between the uppermost foliage leaf and the

basal branch of the inflorescence; peduncle and rachis glabrous

or nearly so, green or purple. Primary bracts early deciduous,

basal ones to 1-5 cm. long, upper ones much shorter, all more

or less hairy. Branches of inflorescence commonly 1-2 cm.

apart, glabrous, green or purplish, varying in length from 1

to 3 cm. (excluding the tlowers), each bearing 1-3 flowers

near the apex; bulbils rare, but found to the exclusion of

flowers on some inflorescences. Floral bracts about 2 mm.

long, glabrous. Calyx about 4-5 mm. long; 2 teeth acute and

one less so, 1 mm. long. © Corolla-tube extending about 6-7 mm.

beyond calyx; lobes spreading or obliquely ascending (always?)

all orange; dorsal lobe strongly concave, about 6 by 3-5 mm.

with a short hollow pointed spur just below the tip; laterals

about 5 mm. long, concave /but not spurred at the tip.

Staminodes orange, spreading, about as long as dorsal corolla-

lobe, narrower (c. 2-5 mm. wide), elliptic, bluntly pointed,

nearly flat. Lip about 1 cm. long, slightly bilobed, orange

with a brown spot, its tip about same level as base of corolla-

lobes. Filament about 1:5 cm. long beyond the point of

attachment to the lip; anther about 3 mm. long, with narrow

decurved acuminate basal spurs as long as the pollen-sacs.

Fruits almost smooth, hardly hairy, about 4 mm. long and wide.

As here interpreted, this species is the commonest

Globba in Malaya, occurring in all parts of the country.

Specimens have been named G. Wallichi Bak., G. uliginosa

Mig. and G. panicoides Miq., but I cannot see any clear

distinctions between specimens so distinguished. It 1s

certain that the specimens in the Singapore Herbarium

named G. Wallichti and G. uliginosa (species stated to lack

anther-spurs) have spurred anthers exactly as in G. pendula.

Baker described G. Kingii, which King informed Ridley was

identical with G. panicoides Mig. Miquel’s description of

this species is very imperfect. Ridley does not however

show what differences there are between G. Kingu and G.

pendula Roxb. (type from Penang) and | can distinguish

none from the specimens named by Ridley. G. pendula, as

the oldest name, is therefore used.

It is quite probable (as noted by Baker in F.B.1.)

that G. maculata Bl. from Java is the same species. Valeton

states that this may have orange, pale-orange or white

flowers. Ridley has described G. elegans from Perak, which

has white flowers, but otherwise does not appear to differ

from G. pendula; I regard it as a variety and include it

below as such. y

As regards flower-shape and size, G. pendula is very

closely similar to G. leucantha, and I am not sure that the

character of the lip being entirely clear of the corolla-lobes .

and staminodes always distinguishes G. leucantha. The

best distinctions between the two species are vegetative,

namely the larger leaves of G. leuwcantha with very short

Gardens Bulletin, S.

stiff hairs all over the upper surface between the veins (in

G. pendula stiff hairs only on main veins of upper surface),

the longer inflorescence branches of G. leucantha which are

distally white and shining. The inflorescence of G. pendula

is also usually longer and more lax than in G. leucantha.

Bulbils are sometimes produced on many lower branches of

an inflorescence in G. pendula but I have never seen this in

G. leucantha; but G. leucantha does sometimes produce

bulbils on old inflorescences.

In Negri Sembilan and Malacca a very small-leaved

form of G. pendula, with largest leaves sometimes only 6 cm.

long, seems to be common. The mountain plants in Perak

have much larger leaves, and being larger plants have also

longer inflorescences, up to 60 cm. long. In Pahang plants

have been found with rather numerous flowers (up to 8)

on each branch of the inflorescence, otherwise like G.

pendula; I have so regarded them.

It is clear however that a field study of the group is

needed to observe variations of all kinds. It may be that

hybridization occurs, especially in the middle areas of

Malaya; G. leucantha is mainly a southern species, G. pen-

dula mainly northern, but they overlap considerably.

var. elegans (Ridl.) Holtt., stat. nov. G. elegans Ridl..

J.9.b.R.A.S. 32: 96. 1899. Flora 4: 287.

Flowers white with a violet spot on lip; leaves to about

14 by 3-7 cm., pubescence as in G. pendula.

Perak. Bruas Woods, Ridley 8392. Gunong Tungul,

Ridley 9450.

Ridley states that the lip is entire, but it is shortly

bilobed.

G. montana Ridl. from Kedah Peak has anther-spurs

with an unusually broad base, but they are distinctly basal

and I can see no clear distinction from those of typical G.

pendula; they are quite unlike the spreading broad media!

spurs of G. albiflora. In the type of G. montana the stami-

nodes are lacking.

d. ee albiflora Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 96. 1899. Flora

4: 23%

Stems to about 80 cm. tall to top of uppermost leaf-sheath.

Leef-blades shining green above, sometimes with a median

longitudinal band of silver-grey when young, to about 24 cm.

Jong and 3-3-5 cm. wide, usually widest below the middle,

apex acuminate-caudate, base cuneate, lower surface minutely

hairy throughout; no petiole; ligule c. 2 mm. long, glabrous;

sheaths glabrous or very shortly hairy near base of midrib.

Inflorescence 20-30 cm. long above uppermost leaf-sheaths;

' peduncle: shert, sometimes. bearing one bract with a small bud

in its axil; branches of inflorescence many, c. 3-10 mm. apart,

the basal ones 2-5-3 cm. to the first flower, each bearing 2

Vol. XIII. (1950).

succession of up to 8 fiowers; flowers usually 3-5 mm. apart

(sometimes more widely spaced on: lower branches). Pedicels

distinct, dilated at the apex; to 1 mm. long. Calyx rather

broadly funnel-shaped; teeth broad, two of them with short

acute tip, with the ovary c. 6-7 mm. long. Corolla-tube short-

hairy, to c. 1-2 em. longer than calyx; lobes c. 5 mm. long,

strongly concave, shaped as in G, pendula and G. leucantha,

white... Staminodes c. 8 mm. long, much narrower than the

corolla-lobes, white. Lip 6 mm. long, distal half yellow with

a brown spot, apex shortly bilobed. F%lament about 1-8 cm.

long beyond attachment of lip; anther hardly 2 mm. long,

with a broad-based spreading, hardly curved spur 3 mm. long

on either side of it. Fruit smooth (somewhat ridged), to

1-4 cm. long not including the persistent calyx.

7 The typical form of this species has been found only on

Penang Hill. It is characterized by narrow leaves glabrous

above, rather long inflorescence-branches each bearing a

succession of several flowers on distinct pedicels, a rather

long corolla-tube, long narrow staminodes and a _ short

anther with broad lateral spurs. The length of the lip is

judged from a drawing and from a dried specimen; it

appears to be very short.

G. paniculata Valet. from Sumatra (Ann. Btzg. 31: 18,

pl. 5. 1921) is closely allied, agreeing in the narrow leaves,

many pedicelled flowers, long staminodes and shape of

anther-spurs, but differing in having longer, broader

staminodes (1.5 by 0.3 cm.). Valeton admits both white

and orange-flowered plants under this species. From

Kelantan is an orange-flowered specimen which agrees

closely in other respects with G. albiflora; I rank it below

as a variety.

SPECIMENS. Penang. Cooly Lines Govt. Hill, 1,200 feet,

Curtis 2851 (type). Muka Head, Curtis 956. Government

Hill 1,200 feet, S.F.N.1546 (Burkill).

var. aurea Holtt., var. nov. Flores aurantiaci.

Kelantan. Gua Lambok, Sungei Betis, on limestone,

S.F.N. 29715 (Henderson). In this specimen the lip

is 1 em. long; this may indicate variability of length of

lip in the species.

5. Globba cernua Bak. F. B. I. 6: 205. 1890. Ridl.

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 99. 1891. Flora 4: 240. G. trachy-

carpa Bak., F. B. I. 6: 205. 1890. Ridl. Flora 4: 240.

G. macranthera Ridl., Journ. F.M.S. Mus. 4: 76. 1909.

Flora 4: 240.

Stems c. 50-70 em. tall to top of highest leaf-sheath; leaves

c. 4-7; basal sheaths purple. Leaf-blade purple or pale green

beneath, to c. 20 by 5 em., elliptic, rather long-acuminate, base

cuneate-decurrent, glabrous or slightly hairy on midrib both

above and below or in some mountain plants hairy all over

lower surface; petiole to c. 4 mm. long; ligule broad, glabrous

Gardens Bulletin, S.

or with ciliate edge, c. 2 mm. tall; sheath glabrous or slightly

hairy near the petiole and ligule. Inflorescence curved down-

wards in a broad curve, its apex pointing perpendicularly

down; total length from apex of uppermost leaf-sheath 8-20

em., basal part bearing a few sterile bracts followed by few

to many axillary bulbils; rachis of inflorescence proper pale

green, 5-10 cm. long, glabrous or rarely short-hairy with rather

few branches spaced c. 0-5-1-2 cm. apart. Primary bracts

rather soon deciduous, pale green, thin, glabrous, broadly ovate,

c. 8 mm. long, smaller towards apex of inflorescence. Branches

of inflorescence slender, glabrous, the lower ones c. 8-12 mm.

long to the first flower, bearing a succession of several to

many flowers in two close ranks on very short (to 1 mm.)

pedicels, ultimately to c. 2 cm. (rarely 2-5 cm.) long. Calyx

with ovary 5-6 mm. long, the lobes hardly spreading, blunt,

two a little longer than the third, glabrous, pale green. Rest

of flower very pale yellow, filament nearly white. Corolla-tube

c. 1 em. longer than calyx, short-hairy; lobes 5-6 mm. long.

Staminodes c. 1-1-2 em. long and 2-5 mm. wide, acute. Labellum

c. 8 mm. long, with broad rather falcate divergent lobes which

hardly reach the attachment of the petals, bearing a 2-lobed

olive-brown spot. Fulament c. 1-5 em. long beyond the lip;

anther bearing two spreading and somewhat divergent nar-

rowly triangular appendages on each side, sometimes (always?)

with a small tooth between them. Fruit more or less rugose

(rarely seen in specimens).

This species is common on the Taiping Hills and the

Main Range at c. 2,000-4,000 feet, and has also been

collected in the lowlands of Perak. Its southern limit

appears to be G. Angsi and its northern limit Taiping. It

has never been collected in the lowlands of Pahang.

Baker’s G. brachycarpa (or trachycarpa) seems to me

indistinguishable from his G. cernua; and G. macrantha

Ridl. is only a form with rather long peduncle bearing many

bulbiliferous bracts.

Inflorescences with the first flowers just opening may

retain most of their primary bracts; older inflorescences

have usually lost them. In old inflorescences there are

usually the short pedicels of many fallen flowers. Fruiting

seems to be rare.

7. Globba unifolia Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 44: 193. 1905. Flora

4: 240.

Stems 10-30 cm. to top of highest leaf-sheaths, bearing

1-4 leaves, their blades all close together near the top of the

stem, and several green or reddish bladeless sheaths. Leaf-

blade (largest) 12 by 3 to 22 by 7 cm. if more than one;

if solitary to 20 by 10 ecm., apex shortly acuminate, base

cuneate and decurrent into the petiole; lower surface some-

times purplish, usually minutely hairy all over, sometimes

nearly glabrous; upper surface glabrous; petiole of lowest

leaves sometimes under 5 mm. long, of uppermost leaves

1-5-3 cm. long, short-hairy to almost glabrous below, like

the midrib; ligule 1-2 mm. long, short-hairy or nearly

glabrous; sheaths short-hairy to glabrous. Inflorescence

Vol. XIII. (1950).

stiffly deflexed; peduncle 1-2 cm. long beyond the top of the

uppermost leaf-sheath, abruptly deflexed in a short curve, its

apex pointing downwards, bearing one or two sterile bracts

c. 1-2-1:5 em. long (usually without axillary bulbils); rachis

pointing downwards, 2-5 cm. long, bearing ¢c. 5-15 spreading

branches, all minutely hairy. Primary bracts persistent,

deflexed, thin, ovate, + fringed with short hairs, the largest

c. 1-1-5 em. long, white (?); secondary bracts to c: 6 mm.

long, more or less persistent. Branches c. 4-7 mm. long to the

first secondary bract, when old to 2 cm. long, each bearing up

to 10 flowers on pedicels 3-4 mm. long; flowers orange or

orange-yellow. Ovary rugose; calyx with ovary c. 7 mm. long,

minutely hairy, teeth blunt, two longer than the 3rd. Corolla-

tube c. 8 mm. longer than calyx, minutely hairy; lobes c. 5 mm.

long. Staminodes narrow, acute, c. 7 mm. long. Labellum

c. 7 mm. long, c. 6 mm. wide near the apex, bilobed, the

lobes divergent and slightly reflexed, their apices reaching a

little below the point of attachment of the corolla-lobes.

Filament c. 1-5 em. long beyond its attachment to labellum;

anther less than 3 mm. long, with two spreading narrowly

triangular appendages on each side; appendages 3-4 mm. long.

Fruit rugose, c. 7-8 mm. diameter.

This species is only known to occur in Trengganu and

Kelantan. The original collection by Rostados had only

one large leaf (blade 20 by 10 cm.) to each stem, for which

reason Mr. Ridley gave the name G. unifolia. Later collec-

tions however have more than one leaf, and there is every

gradation from the condition of one large broad leaf to four.

or even five smaller narrower ones. All agree in the leaves

being petioled and close together at the top of the stem, and

all have exactly similar inflorescences. Pubescence varies

considerably. The size of the inflorescence and of its bracts

varies with the size of the plants.

SPECIMENS. Trengganu. Bundi, Rostados, July 1902

(Type). Kuala Brang, S.F.N. 15317 (Holttum). Ulu Brang-

Tersat, 3,600 feet, S.F.N. 33386 (Moysey). Kelantan. Sungei

Keteh, Batu Panjang, S.F.N. 12093 (Md. Nur). S. Keteh at

Gua Ninek, S.F.N. 19573 (Henderson).

var. sessiliflora Holtt., var. nov.

Flores sessiles; bracteae primariae ad 2.5 ecm. longae,

albae vel carneae; bracteae secundariae mox deciduae; folia

ad. 29 x. 13° cm. ;

This variety is only known from Kemaman. It

perhaps only differs in the sessile flowers, but this distinc-

tion seems constant, and length of pedicel is usually fairly

constant within a species. In view of their close agreement

with typical G. unifolia in other respects, I do not think the

Kemaman plants can rank as a separate species. Corner

made three collections. In one (380716) the plants generally

had one leaf and the bracts were rose-pink; in the others

(30013, 30090) the plants generally had 2 leaves and the

bracts were white or slightly greenish. Other characters

Gardens Bulletin, S.

seem the same in both. The flowers were golden-yellow

with two confluent dark brown spots on the lip.

Trengganu. Ulu Bendong, Kemaman, 700 feet, S.F.N.

30018 (Corner), common in hillside forest. Kg. Ayer Puteh,

Kemaman; low alt., S.F.N. 30716 (Corner), on stream bank

along the road to Chukai. Ulu Bendong, Kemaman, 500 feet,

S.F.N. 30090 (Corner), very abundant both on hillsides and

by streams in swamps.

8. Globba Curtisii Holtt., sp. nov.

Caules foliati 50-60 cm. alti, folia 4-6 ferentes, basi vaginis

purpureis obtecti. Lamina folii infra purpurea, omnino glabra

(vel infra costa hirsuta), ad 13 cm. longa et 3-5 cm. lata,

elliptica, apice caudato-acuminata, basi cuneata; petiolus nullus

vel brevissimus; ligula 1 mm. alta, margine plerumque ciliata;

vagina glabra vel leviter hirsuta. Inflorescentia leviter cur-

vata, apice non dependens, 10-15 ecm. longa (pedunculo

incluso); pedunculus bracteas 2-4 bulbiferas 2 cm. longas

ferens; rachis 2-3 cm. (raro 6 cm.) longa; bracteae primariae

c. 6, aurantiacae, ad 10 mm. longae et 6 mm. latae, ovatae,

tenues, glabrae, persistentes. Rami inflorescentiae 4-7 mm.

~ longi infra flores; flores 2-4, 2-4 mm. dissiti; rachis flexuosa;

pedicelli 2-5-3 mm. longi. Calyx aurantiacus, cum ovario 6—7

mm. longus, infundibulus, lobi subaequales obtusi; corolla

pallide lutea (vel aurantiaca ?), tubus quam calycem haud

10 mm. longior, lobus dorsalis 7 mm. longus, laterales leviter

breviores; staminodia c. 11 mm. longa et 3 mm. lata, acuta,

pallide lutea; labellum aurantiacum maculo brunneo ornatum,

10 mm. longum, bilobum, lobi divergentes et leviter reflexi;

filamentum 15 mm. longum; anthera aurantiaca, 2-5 mm. longa,

appendiculis utrinque 2, patentibus, anguste triangularibus,

munita. TYPUS: Pahang, Fraser’s Hill, 4,000 feet, S.F.N.

33198, leg. Corner, 13.8.1937.

OTHER SPECIMENS. Selangor. The Gap, Curtis s.n. May

1902, cult. Penang (with coloured drawing). Gunong Semang-

kok, 2,000-3,000 feet, Curtis 2755. Semangkok Pass (= The

Gap), Ridley s.n. 10.8.1904. 15th mile Pahang Track, Ridley

sn. 1897. Bukit Kutu, Ridley s.n. May 1896 (mixed with

G. aurantiaca).

This species resembles closely G. cernua in its flowers,

but has an inflorescence with shorter rachis which is not

decurved to a perpendicular position, the lateral branches

shorter to the first flower, the flowers fewer, more widely

spaced, and on slender pedicels 2.5-3 mm. long, the bracts

orange and more persistent, the flowers more _ richly

coloured. Jt has only been found at or near the Gap (the

Pahang Track was the name for the track to the Gap before

the road was made) and on Bukit Kutu which is not far

away. It will most likely be found at other places on the

Main Range. I name it in memory of Charles Curtis, who

cultivated it at Penang and evidently recognized it as a

distinct species.

The colours given in the description are taken from

Corner’s field notes. He states “petals pale yellowish” and

does not mention the staminodes. Curtis’s drawing shows

Vol. XIII. (1950).

the petals about the same orange colour as the lip, the

staminodes paler.

In colouring G. Curtisii resembles G. aurantiaca, but

the leaves of G. Curtisii are much narrower and nearly

glabrous, the primary bracts larger, the branching more

lax, the pedicels shorter and the staminodes much longer

than in G. aurantiaca. G. Curtisti might possibly be a

hybrid between G. cernua and G. aurantiaca (both of which

occur in the same locality), but there is no clear evidence

of this, and the specimens are very uniform in character.

9. Globba aurantiaca Mig., Fl. Ind. Bat. Suppl. 6138. 1860.

Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 97. 1399. Wlora, 42> 25a"

Stems c. 60 cm. tall to top of highest leaf-shoot; leaves

3-5. Leaf-blade to 19 by 6-5 em. or to 24 by 10 cm., elliptic,

apex shortly abruptly acuminate, base cuneate and decurrent,

beneath sometimes purplish and almost always softly hairy,

upper surface with short hairs on midrib only or glabrous;

ligule and sheath densely hairy, hairs rather fine or soft, to

nearly 2 mm. long, (in some _ specimens hairs short).

Inflorescence 15-30 cm. long above the uppermost leaf-sheath;

peduncle bearing several narrow very hairy not-sheathing sterile

bracts (largest 2 cm. long) the upper ones gradually smaller

and closer, grading into the primary bracts of the inflorescence,

the lowest ones of which often have axillary bulbils only;

rachis proper short, 2-8 cm. long, rarely to 10 cm. long.

Primary bracts orange, 4-5 mm, long, ovate, very hairy with

a fringe of hairs; secondary bracts to 3 mm. long, orange,

hairy; all bracts persistent. Branches of inflorescence close to-

gether, 3-4 mm. long to the first secondary bract. Pedicels

of flowers slender, minutely hairy, c. 4-7 mm. long. Ovary

and calyx minutely hairy, together 6 mm. long; calyx teeth

subequal, all with a spreading sub-apical hollow spur c. 1 mm.

long, in two of them this spur acutely pointed, in the third

blunt. Corolla-tube c. 1:5 cm. long beyond apex of calyx,

minutely hairy; lobes spreading, concave, ovate, about 5 mm.

long, orange. Staminodes little longer than corolla-segments,

2 mm. wide, apex pointed, orange. Lip paler golden orange

with a rufous-brown spot near the apex, nearly 1 cm. long,

the apex rather deeply bilobed, the lobes diverging, their tips

just below the level of junction of staminodes and petals.

Filament extending c. 1-8 em. beyond the lip; anther 2-5 mm.

long with two narrow acute slightly divergent spurs spreading

on either side, their bases confluent or occupying the whole

length of the anther, colour as lip. Fruit sub-globose, smooth,

or slightly rugose, c. 8 mm. long. >

The plant described by Miquel as G. aurantiaca was |

from S. Sumatra. His description is not very full, and does |

not mention the anthers, but his plant must have been

closely similar to those from Malaya identified by Ridley

with G. aurantiaca.

This species and G. variabilis are undoubtedly very

closely related, and the only clear distinction I can see is in

the long pedicels of the flowers of G. awrantiaca. Plants of

G. aurantiaca are usually larger and much more hairy than

Gardens Bulletin, S. {

in G. variabilis, but the length and density of hairs is very

variable. The leaves are also usually broader, but they are

distinctly variable in width. The rugose ovary of G. varia-

bilis is also a distinction from G. aurantiaca but not always

very clearly visible on dried specimens. The sterile bracts

on the peduncles of both species are very variable, but

always broader in G. variabilis and never so hairy as in

typical G. aurantiaca.

The species is found in lowland and mountain forest

(to 4,000 feet altitude) from Penang southwards to

Malacca; there are many collections. Few specimens have

been found in Johore. Corner has collected the species

twice near the S. Sedili and G. Panti, one collection having

normal hairy leaves and one with leaves almost glabrous

beneath. The only other from Johore is a small-leaved

specimen with seven leaves, nearly glabrous, from Ulu

Kahang (Holttum, S.F.N. 10927). On Bukit Kutu

(Selangor) Ridley found a curious form with leaves which

when dry are strongly ribbed above by the rather thick

prominent veins, which are also connected by raised trans-

verse veins. From Bukit Tangga (Negri Sembilan) and

Selangor have been obtained specimens with rather stiff

hairs all over the upper surface of the leaves, rising between

the veins on rather thick papillae.

10. Globba variabilis Ridl., Trans. Linn. Soc. 3: 378. 1893.

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 98. 1899. Flora 4: 239. G. malac-

‘censis Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 93. 1899. Flora 4: 237.

G. perakensis Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 98. 1899. Flora

4: 239.

Stems c. 30-45 cm. long to apex of highest leaf-sheath,.

usually bearing 3-5 leaves, the bladeless basal sheaths green

or flushed with purple, usually short-hairy. Leaf-blade

(largest) about 10 by 3 to 24 by 8-5 cm., apex shortly acumi-

nate, base cuneate-decurrent; lower surface often (always?)

purple, minutely hairy throughout or almost glabrous; upper

surface dark green, sometimes with short hairs on the midrib;

petiole sometimes distinct or sometimes hardly so owing to the

decurrent lamina, always short, short-hairy on lower surface;

ligule 3-4 mm. long, edge usually ciliate, otherwise glabrous

or very short-hairy; sheath often purple, short-hairy at least

towards the base of the leaf. Inflorescence c. 12-22 cm. long

beyond apex of highest leaf-sheath, the axis short-hairy, green

or flushed with purple, bearing several more or less hairy

green sterile bracts of size decreasing upwards, the longest

usually 3 cm. or more long with mucronate-caudate apex.

Rachis of inflorescence proper usually not over 2 cm. long,

with a few crowded branches. Primary bracts of inflorescence

orange to red, to about 8-9 mm. long, fringed with short

hairs, + persistent. Branches of inflorescence deep salmon,

- minutely hairy, to about 5 mm. long to the first secondary

bract, each branch usually bearing a succession of 2-6 flowers

close together, with persistent secondary bracts, the longest

Vol. XIII. (1950).

branch rarely exceeding 1-5 cm. long-in all. Secondary bracts

c. 3-6 mm. long, coloured as primary. Flowers sessile (no

pedicel). Calyx with ovary c. 5-6 mm. long, bright orange,

teeth about as in C. auwrantiaca. Corolla-tube 1-6—-1-8 em. long

beyond mouth of calyx; dorsal lobe 6-7 mm. long, laterals

a little shorter, all pale orange-yellow. Staminodes about same

length as dorsal corolla-lobe, pale orange-yellow. Labellum

c. 8 mm. long, its apex about level with attachment of corolla-

lobes, 2-lobed, the lobes diverging; coloured as staminodes, with

a deeper central spot. Filament to 2 cm. long beyond attach-

ment to lip; anther shaped as in G. aurantiaca, 7 mm. across

from tip of one appendage to the other. Frwit c. 8 mm. long,

more or less rugose. ;

This species was originally described by Ridley from

Pahang. It occurs in lowland forest and at moderate

elevations, most commonly in Pahang and Johore, and on

the western side of Malaya as far north as Perak, but not

to Penang. G. malaccensis Ridl. and G. perakensis Ridl.

seem to me quite identical; the former has 4 anther-spurs,

not two as stated by Ridley. ;

G. variabilis is nearly allied to G. awrantiaca but differs

in being short-hairv on under sides of leaves and on sheaths,

in having broader and less hairy sterile bracts on the

peduncle, in sessile flowers and distinctly rugose ovary.

The character most easy to observe is the sessile flowers as

against the pedicelled flowers of G. aurantiaca.

G. atrosanguinea T. and B. from Borneo is nearly allied

but seems to be distinct in having much larger primary

bracts; G. deliana Valet. from Sumatra is probably identical

with G. variabilis.

TRIBE HEDYCHIEAE.

According to the view here adopted that the primitive

Zingiberaceous inflorescence is (a) terminal on the leaf-

shoot, (b) consists of cincinni in the axils of primary bracts

and (c) has a tubular secondary bract or bracteole at the

base of each new branch of a cincinnus, Hedychium is the

most primitive genus in this division of the family, being

the only one which has all these characters.* It is therefore

appropriate to call the tribe Hedychieae; but it is not the

same as the Hedychieae of Schumann. Schumann excluded

Zingiber, which he placed along with Amomum and Alpinia,

whereas its relationship to Scaphochlamys is far nearer.

On the other hand, Schumann included Conamomum, which

is really a part of Amomum and has no near relationship

at all to the Hedychium tribe; and also Odontychium, which

is here united to Alpinia, though there is no doubt that it

* Apparently in H. coronarium the bracteoles are not tubular;

but in all Malayan species examined they are tubular, and in

H. coccineum. ;

Gardens Bulletin, S.

shows some resemblances to Hedychium and points to the

relationship between Hedychium and Alpinia, the primitive

members of their respective tribes.

Principal characteristics. The main characteristic of

the tribe is the development of the staminodes into petaloid

structures, as compared with their rudimentary condition

in the Alpinieae. The only genus in which the presence of

petaloid staminodes is not at once obvious is Zingiber.

Here the staminodes and the labellum are joined together

more or less completely into a single 3—lobed structure, the

composite nature of which is in nearly all cases clear. This

fusion of the staminodes and lip, together with the reduction

of the flowers to one in each bract, and the remarkable

development of the anther-crest indicate the highly specia-

lized condition ef this genus, which is far from typical of

the family as a whole.

The other principal common character is perhaps the

ellipsoid seed with a deeply lacerate aril, as opposed to the

angled seeds with little-lobed aril of the ‘Alpinia tribe.

The various developments of structure as regards

rhizome, leaf-shoot, inflorescence etc. within the tribe are

discussed in some detail below. Here we may note as

perhaps the most characteristic development the reduction

of the tall leaf-shoot to a short shoot of few rather erect

leaves, and the lengthening of petioles, so that the leaves are

usually much taller than the stem proper of the leaf-shoot.

The exceptions to this are the primitive genus Hedychium,

and curiously enough also Zingiber which is rather highly

specialized in other aspects of development. The only genus

of the Alpinia tribe which shows a comparable reduction

of leaf-shoot and lengthening of petioles is Elettariopsis.

Basis of sub-division of the tribe. Following earlier

authors, Schumann attempted to use anther-characters for

the main division of the tribe. As Ridley noted, the result

is not at all satisfactory; but Ridley did not produce any

satisfactory alternative. It is only necessary to see the

confusion in Schumann’s genera Kaempferia and Gastro-

chilus to realize how impracticable is his scheme; closely

related species are placed in different genera, where they

are alongside others to which they show little resemblance.

It is true that this is partly due to Schumann’s having

copied the mistakes of others; but even with full data on all

Species the result would not be much improved.

It appears to me very clear that here, as in the Alpinia

tribe, the main classification must be based on the structure

of the inflorescence, which provides -really distinctive

characters; and the result is undoubtedly a much more

Vol. XIII. (1950).

natural grouping than Schumann’s. The various types of

inflorescence-structure are described below. As in most

families of plants, there are exceptional members in some

groups, such as Zingiber Clarkei, but in the main, inflores-

cence-characters alone give a satisfactory division.

Anther-characters are probably next in importance.

The anther-crest of Zingiber distinguishes it at once; but

apart from this case no anther-crest character can be used

to separate genera. The basal spurs are probably more

important, but in any case are only of use sub-generically.

The character of a unilocular ovary is impossible to use

for main divisions of the tribe, as it is very inconstant.

In Boesenbergia and Scaphochlamys some species have

unilocular and some trilocular ovaries; and in S. Kunstleri

one plant may have unilocular and another trilocular

ovaries. Schumann’s genus Haplochoreméa, as based on this

character, is certainly an artificial one, though H. decus-

sylvae may perhaps remain distinct on account of its

peculiar inflorescence.

Rhizome. As in all Zingiberaceae, the rhizome is

always a sympodium. Each new branch forms first a

greater or longer section of root-bearing rhizome, and then

at its apex an erect leaf-bearing or flowering shoot. The

rhizome is in all cases subterranean except in some species

of Scaphochlamys, where it rises obliquely or even almost

vertically, being supported by means of strut-roots (as in

some species of Hornstedtia, but on a smaller scale). Such

rhizomes are perhaps most common in wet forest where

there is a considerable layer of decaying leaves, continually

renewed (there is no season of leaf-fall).

Short fleshy rhizomes are commoner in this tribe than

in the Alpinieae. They occur especially in Curcuma,

Kaempferia and Zingiber; nearly all are aromatic and

provide flavourings for human food, or native medicines.

From the plant’s stand-point, these rhizomes are reserves

of food; they have the power of resting and serve to tide

the plant over the dry season. Species which produce them

can rest leafless for a few months, and so have been able to

enter climatic zones denied to the species which are ever-

green and need the shade of evergreen forest. Grown in

Malaya, Curcumas are evergreen; in the uniform climate of

southern Malaya some of them rarely flower. The same

remark applies to some of the cultivated Zingibers.

Roots. The roots of most species of Curcuma are

fleshy and bear ellipsoid fleshy tubers of varying size.

These again are presumably stores of food. They are found

also in Kaempferia and rarely in Zingiber. Such root-

Gardens Bulletin, S.

i ee

tubers are hardly found in the Alpinia tribe. The roots of

the epiphytic species of Hedychium are very fleshy

throughout, serving probably as water-reservoirs.

Leaf-shoots. Relatively tall erect leaf-shoots with

many overlapping sheaths, and short-stalked leaves at a

broad angle to the sheaths, are found in Hedychium,

Zingiber and Haniffia. These resemble the leaf-shoots of

Alpinia, Amomum ete. In the other genera, except to a.

limited extent in Camptandra and Boesenbergia, the

leaf-shoots have a rather short stem, bearing a smail group:

of more erect leaves, often on fairly long petioles, the length

of a leaf-sheath being much less than the length of petiole

and blade. This gives the plants a very different aspect

from those of the Alpinieae. The ligule in some such cases

is reduced, but never absent. Whether it develops raised

auricles or not is often a useful diagnostic character.

As noted above, each new leaf-shoot (which may or

may not have a terminal inflorescence) arises at the apex

of a rhizome-element, the origin of which is a bud from a

leaf-axil, usually at the base of a previous leaf-shoot. The

rhizome-portion of each new shoot bears scale-leaves in two

ranks; at the transition from rhizome to erect leaf-shoot the:

scale-leaves lengthen, forming bladeless sheaths which

protect the base of the leaf-shoot; within these arise the

foliage leaves, on their longer sheathing bases.

Usually each new element of the sympodium arises in

the axil of one of the rhizome scale-leaves, near the transi-

tion-point to the erect leaf-shoot. In the case however of

those species of Scaphochlamys which bear obliquely

ascending rhizomes, the basal scale-bearing part of a new

shoot is sometimes very short, and the next bud may arise

in the axil of a foliage-leaf. The appearance in such a case

is that of axillary branching, and so in a sense it is; but it is.

not essentially different from those cases in which the new

shoot arises in the axil of a scale-leaf of the rhizome. In all

cases the new shoot is (potentially at least) a new element

of the sympodium. All shoots have limited apical growth,

and most of them end in an inflorescence; all are of equal

status except in those species where some shoots are solely

vegetative and some solely flower-bearing. Valeton and

Ridley are therefore wrong when they speak of the inflores- .

cences of some species of Scaphochlamys as “lateral,” as

distinct from the terminal inflorescence of (for example)

Boesenbergia pandurata. Every inflorescence of Scapho-.

chlamys is terminal on an element of the sympodium, and

all such elements are approximately equal.

In some species of Scaphochlamys (and in Haplocho-

rema decus-sylvae) each element of the sympodium has only

Vol. XIII. (1950).

42°

one foliage-leaf. In such cases this leaf is preceded by the

usual bladeless sheaths, and the sheath of the foliage-leaf

imbricates with the innermost of such sheaths to form a

protection for the developing inflorescence. Where the

successive shoots are close together, the impression of

axillary inflorescences may result.

Position of Inflorescence. There is no genus (except

Haniffia, of which only two species are known) in which the

inflorescence is always on a separate shoot from the foliage

leaves. In Curcuma some species have the inflorescence

terminal on the leaf-shoot and some have it on a separate

shoot. In Zingiber the latter condition predominates but

there are occasional exceptions. In Kaempferia a few

species have separate inflorescences; these usually develop

before the appearance of the leaf-shoots. In Hedychium,

Scaphochlamys, Camptandra, Boesenbergia and Roscoea the

inflorescence is always terminal on a leaf-shoot.

Structure of Inflorescence. As noted above, only in

Hedychium do we find the primitive form of inflorescence,

with a cincinnus in the axil of each primary bract and the

secondary or flowering bracts of tubular shape. This

structure is essentially the same as in Alpinia; but in

Hedychium the cincinni remain almost sessile, and the

primary bracts are always rather large (rarely so in

Alpinia), whereas the large sheaths which in Alpinia enclose

the inflorescence to a very late stage are lacking. As in the

Alpinieae, the other genera show different modifications of

the primitive inflorescence-structure. All of them have lost

the tubular form of the secondary bracts.

In Curcuma the primary bracts are very broad and

imbricating, as in Hedychium coronarium, but they are

adnate to each other in their basal parts, forming closed

pouches, which are not found in any other genus; the apical

bracts also are sterile and usually larger and distinctively

coloured, forming a coma. The cincinni have short axes,

as in Hedychium. The flowers in each are arranged in the

normal order of an axillary cincinnus (the first secondary

bract being at right angles to the primary bract etc.) ; the

secondary bracts are elliptic with inflexed edges, not tubular

at the base, and are fairly large.

In Scaphochlamys the primary bracts are not so large

as in Curcuma, not joined at the base, and sometimes less

closely imbricating. There is a range from compact

cone-like inflorescences to very lax ones with each bract

separately set on a flexuous rachis. Each primary bract is

concave at the base and contains a compact cincinnus of

several rather small flowers. The secondary or flowering

Gardens Bulletin, S.

bracts are arranged as in Curcuma, but the first one is

usually much larger than the rest and so arranged that it

faces (or almost faces) the primary bract; it has strongly

inflexed edges, embracing all the flower-buds of the’ cincin-

nus, and often has two well-marked keels, like the palea of a

grass. The other secondary bracts are either of descending

order of size, or more often all very much smaller than the

first one. They are never tubular at the base.

The axillary groups of flowers are true cincinni, the

arrangement essentially the same as in Curcuma, but the.

whole group appears to have been rotated through one right

angle so that the opening of the first secondary bract faces

the primary bract instead of being at right angles to it.

This is of course an advantage in that the overlapping edges

of the two bracts make a more efficient protection for the

group of flowers than if the second one were in the normal]

position facing at right angles. It is notable that in several

families of Monocotyledons a 2-keeled secondary bract is.

formed facing the primary bract at the base of a branch of

the inflorescence. Perhaps in Scaphochlamys we have a

survival of this bract, which has disappeared in some other

genera. Bracts of this shape and in a similar position are

also found in Heliconia and Marantaceae. The inner bracts

of Scaphochlamys have bases which extend over half-way

round the axis; their edges in each case just overlap the bud

in the axil of the previous bract, which makes that bud at

first sight seem very excentric.

In Camptandra we have a single primary bract, the

axis stopping short just beyond it, and an axillary cincinnus

arranged as in Curcuma, not as in Scaphochlamys. (Camp-

tandra also has anther-characters which distinguish it from

the other genera).

In the remaining Malayan genera the cincinnus in the

axil of each primary bract has been reduced to one flower.

In Roscoea and Haniffia there are no secondary bracts; but

in the other genera secondary bracts are present.

In Zingiber the secondary bract (or bracteole) is

shaped exactly as the first secondary bract of Scaphochla-

mys, and faces the primary bract in the same way. This

is in marked contrast to such genera as Hornstedtia and

Costus, in which the non-tubular secondary bract is at right

angles to the primary, at the side of the single flower as one

looks towards the axis of the inflorescence. It seems

therefore that the ancestor of Zingiber must have had an

inflorescence like that of Scaphochlamys. The exceptional

species Z. Clarkei has a cincinnus of flowers in each bract

and probably indicates the ancestral type.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

Kaempferia has the same arrangement as in Zingiber,

though usually with much fewer primary bracts and an

inflorescence-axis that is hardly elongated; but here the

secondary bracts are more or less bilobed or even so deeply

divided that the halves become separate. Their position

and lobing indicates an origin from a 2-keeled secondary

bract in the position of that in Scaphochlamys, the bract

having become 2-lobed with a keel in each lobe.

There remain Boesenbergia and the dubious genus

Haplochorema. Valeton describes the inflorescence of

Haplochorema decus-sylvae as exactly like that of a Kaemp-

feria with few bracts which are quite enclosed by the

sheaths of the foliage leaves, except that the apical flower

develops first and the lower ones later, in succession

downwards, or centripetally away from the apex, instead of

the usual reverse arrangement. Whether any other species

have this arrangement is unknown. It is remarkable and

interesting because it gives a possible origin for the peculiar

arrangement of Boesenbergia.

In Boesenbergia the development is from apex to base,

or centripetal, as in Haplochorema decus-sylvae, and in most

cases the axis of the inflorescence is short, the whole being

enclosed within the imbricating foliage leaf-sheaths; but in

Boesenbergia there are more bracts, and they are in two

ranks instead of in a spiral. There is one secondary bract

facing each primary bract, with inflexed edges as in

Zingiber, the secondary bract being nearly as long as the

primary. The peculiarity does not stop here; the two rows

of bracts are not on exactly opposite sides of the axis, like

the two ranked foliage leaves of a Zingiberacea, but both

are a little towards one side so that the whole is dorsiventral.

How this peculiar dorsiventral 2-ranked arrangement

originated is not obvious. It may perhaps have evolved as

a development from a few-bracted condition like that of

H, decus-sylvae by increase in the number of bracts through ©

intercalary basal growth, the added bracts being 2-ranked

like the foliage-leaves below them. A possible alternative

is development from a single axillary cincinnus by inter-

calary basal growth; this would give the two rows of bracts

in a dorsiventral arrangement, but it would not explain the

presence of secondary bracts, because the bracts of a

cincinnus are themselves secondary and no bracts or

bracteoles of a third order are known in this group of

genera. At least we may say that Boesenbergia has the

most specialized inflorescence in the Hedychium tribe.

Ovary. The normal ovary in the family is of course

trilocular with more or less axile placentation; this is the

case in Hedychium, Curcuma, Camptandra and Zingiber,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

In Globba (and the related non-Malayan genera) the oyary

is apparently always unilocular with parietal placentation.

In Boesenbergia it is sometimes unilocular and sometimes

trilocular, and the same is apparently true of Scaphochla-

mys, though further information is needed, the placentation

being basal or on a placenta attached at the base of the

ovary. In some species of Scaphochlamys the number of

ovules is very much reduced, even in S. erecta at least

sometimes to one, and in S. Klossii to three. The genus

Haplochorema of Schumann consists perhaps of species of

both Boesenbergia and Kaempferia; but H. decus-sylvae

does not appear to be a typical Kaempferia. Whether any

true Kaempferia has a unilocular ovary is doubtful. At

least one may say that in the Scaphochlamys group there

is a tendency to the reduction of ovules and the formation

of a unilocular ovary. In the same way some species of

Languas in the Alpinieae have incompletely trilocular

ovaries, but the tendency is evidently less strong in

Alpinieae than in Hedychieae.

Fruits. The structure of fruits in this tribe has been

much less studied than in the Alpinieae. There appear to

be no very large or fleshy fruits comparable with those of

some species of Amomum. The largest fruits are in

Hedychium; these dehisce from apex to base, the three

valves diverging and exposing the highly arilled seeds.

Tube of the flower. The tube is slender throughout,

except in Curcuma and to a less extent in Scaphochlamys

where the upper part widens to a funnel-or cup-shape (the

faux). In Curcuma there is a raised hairy ring at the base

of the faux; in other genera (so far as known to me) hairs

without a special ridge, near the mouth of the tube, or none.

Staminodes. The staminodes (representing the two

stamens of the outer whorl! on either side of the functional

stamen) are usually of size comparable with the corolla-

lobes. They vary from a long narrow shape in most species

of Hedychium to a nearly circular shape in some species of

Kaempferia and in Camptandra. They are usually more or

less spreading, the extreme position being taken in Kaemp-

feria and Camptandra (where with the two halves of the lip

they form an almost quadrate flat flower). In Curecuma

they are concave with their inner edges folded under the

hood of the dorsal corolla-lobe.

. In Zingiber the staminodes are united to the lip to a

greater or less extent. They stand erect on either side of

the base of the lip, in exactly the same position as the erect

side-lobes of the labella of many orchids.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

Labellum. Accepting the view of Costerus that the

labellum in Zingiberaceae normally represents both two

stamens of the inner whorl! and also the intervening one of

the outer whorl, it appears that in the Hedychieae the single

outer stamen is not strongly developed. The labellum in

this tribe is nearly always rather deeply 2-lobed, most

~deeply in Hedychium, Camptandra and Kaempferia, least

(or hardly at all) in Curcuma and Boesenbergia. There is

often however some indication of the presence of the middle

stamen in the tooth in the sinus of the lip (e.g. Hedychium

longicornutum). Valeton reports a statement by Costerus

that in the labellum of Zingiber the median vein represent-

ing the vascular bundle of the middle stamen is quite

lacking. One can say at least that in the Hedychieae there

is a much greater tendency to deep bilobing of the lip than

in the Alpinieae; or alternatively that in the Alpinieae the

middle stamen is usually more strongly developed.

As regards colour of the lip, the greatest uniformity is

found in Curcuma and Scaphochlamys, in all species of

which the general colour is white with a median yellow

band, sometimes bordered with purple or violet with or

without a few radiating purple or violet lines. This is

exactly the same arrangement as occurs in some species of

Alpinia and in Elettariopsis, and must surely represent an

ancestral character reaching far back into the history of the

family. The same yellow band is usually found in Boesen-

bergia, though often there accompanied by a good deal of

red colour in other parts of the lip; in Kaempferia it is

often found at the base of the lip only. It does not appear

in Zingiber, which has either very pale-coloured labella, or

a general mottling of pink or deep purple-violet.

Stamen. The length of the filament varies much more

than in the Alpinieae. In Hedychium and Globba it is very

long; in Zingiber, Kaempferia and Camptandra so short

that it hardly exists; in Curcuma it is as broad as long.

The pollen-sacs of the anther normally dehisce by

longitudinal slits, as usual in the family as a whole, but a

few species of Boesenbergia (B. Curtisii) have apical pores.

instead of slits. This is certainly not a generic character,

as species closely allied in all other respects have the two

different methods of dehiscence. In Scaphochlamys the

basal ends of the pollen-sacs are prolonged as short free tips.

In Camptandra (and apparently also in Roscoea) the

pollen-sacs are much produced basally into sterile appen-

dages which are inclined forwards away from the filament,

thus giving a versatile character to the anther.

In Curcuma also the anther is versatile, being attached

usually about the middle of the pollen-sacs, and at the same

Gardens Bulletin, S.

time there is usually a sterile out-growth from the back of

the base of each pollen-sac. These outgrowths are usually

called spurs, and they function in the same way as the basal

appendages in Camptandra as a mechanism for cross-polli-

nation. A visiting insect pushes against the spurs on

entering the flower, and in so doing brings the pollen-sacs

into contact with its back.

The connective of the anther develops an apical crest

of conspicuous size in most species of Scaphochlamys and

Kaempferia, but not so large as in many members of the

Alpinieae. A small crest is also found in some species of

Boesenbergia. In Camptandra, which is in many ways

closely related to Kaempferia, there is no crest. The most

remarkable development is: in Zingiber, where the crest is

usually about as long as the anther and as wide, with

inflexed sides which entirely enclose the style except near

its apex. The crest is also curved towards the lip, and so

arranged that it brings the stigma close to the middle of the

lip, well in front of the pollen-sacs. Zingiber is the only

case in the whole family in which the anther-crest alone

gives a distinctive generic character ; in all other cases there

are exceptions, which have caused much confusion in

systems of classification based on the anther-crest.

KEY TO THE GENERA OF THE HEDYCHIUM TRIBE

Staminodes and lip joined to form a single more or less

deeply 3-lobed organ; anther prolonged into a long narrow

crest with inflexed edges enfolding the style I. Zingiber.

Staminodes free from lip; anther-crest, if present, not

enfolding the style

Bracts adnate laterally for about half their length,

forming closed basal pouches, each containing a

cincinnus of'a few flowers 2. Curcuma.

Bracts not adnate laterally

Inflorescence terminal on a leafy shoot

Filament at least half as long as lip and usually

much longer 3. Hedychium.

Filament much shorter than half the length of

the lip

Several flowers in the axil of each bract

One bract only (or rarely 2), apparently

terminal 4. Camptandra.

- Several to many bracts ©

5. Scaphochlamys.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

One flower in the axil of each bract, with

one or two bracteoles

Bracts 2-ranked, the apical one develop-

ing first; bracteoles about as long as

bracts, lip hardly bilobed |

6. Boesenbergia.

Bracts not 2-ranked, lowest: developing

first; bracteoles usually much shorter

than bracts; lip deeply bilobed

Bracteoles more or less deeply 2-

lobed; rhizome short and fleshy

7. Kaempferia

Bracteoles not 2-lobed; rhizome

creeping, slender

Scaphochlamys biloba.

Inflorescence on a separate shoot

Inflorescence and leaf-shoot appearing at sepa-

rate times; each flower with one 2-lobed

bracteole 7. Kaempferia.

Inflorescence appearing simultaneously with the

leaf shoot; no bracteoles 8. Haniffia.

1. ZINGIBER ADANSON

Rhizome at or near surface of ground, bearing leaf-

shoots close together. Leafy shoots short to moderately

tall, often with many leaves. Leaves thin in texture, never

very large (rarely to 50 cm. long), sessile or with quite

short petioles, the ligule short to long, deeply bilobed or

entire. Inflorescence on a separate shoot without normal

leaves (in a few non-Malayan species at the apex of the

leaf-shoot) ; scape usually erect, short or long, clothed with

2-ranked sheaths which are sometimes coloured red; spike

short or long, slender to thick, cylindric,’ ovoid or tapering

to a narrow apex, elongating gradually. Bracts fairly

large, usually brightly coloured, red or yellow, usually thinly

fleshy, closely imbricating or with apices free, margins.

plane or inflexed. One flower in the axil of each bract;.

flowers fragile, short-lived. Bracteoles one to each flower

facing the bract, thin, narrower than the bract, usually

persisting and enclosing the fruit, split to the base, never

tubular, Calyx thin, tubular-spathaceous, usually shorter

than the bracteole but sometimes longer. Corolla-tube

slender, usually about as long as the bract; dorsal lobe

usually broader than the others, erect, narrowed to the tip

and hardly hooded, edges inflexed, lateral lobes usually

Gardens Bulletin, S.

below the lip and on either side of it, sometimes joined partly

together by their adjacent sides and to the lip, colour usually

white or cream. Lyabellum deeply 3-lobed (the side-lobes

representing the staminodes) or rarely the side-lobes hardly

free from the midlobe, side-lobes erect on either side of the

stamen, midlobe shorter than or not greatly longer than the

lateral corolla-lobes, its apex usually retuse or cleft; colour

cream to white, or more or less deeply suffused with crimson

or purple, in a few cases very dark purple. Filament of

stamen short and broad; anther rather long, narrow; con-

nective prolonged into a slender curved beak-like appendage

as long as the pollen-sacs, with inflexed edges, containing

the upper part of the style. Stigma protruding just below

the apex of the appendage, not thickened, with a circular

apical aperture surrounded by stiff hairs. Stylodes usually

slender and free, not surrounding the base. of the style.

Ovary glabrous or hairy, trilocular with several ovules in

each loculus. Frwit with a fleshy wall when fresh, more or

less leathery when dry, smooth or hairy, enclosed by the

persistent bract and bracteole, dehiscent loculicidally within

the persistent bracts. Seeds ellipsoid, black or dark brown,

covered by a thin saccate white aril with irregularly lacerate

edges.

The genus Zingiber is distributed throughout tropical

S.E. Asia and Malaysia, and to Queensland and Japan. The

only species extensively used as a flavouring for food is the

true ginger, Z. officinale, but Z. zerumbet and Z. cassummar

are well known village plants much used in native medicine,

and probably Z. Ottensti also. As regards native species,

it is difficult at present to give a satisfactory account of

them, as the data available are insufficient. This is largely

because the flowers of Zingiber are so fragile and short-lived

that in many cases none have been preserved, or the preser-

vation is very unsatisfactory; and field-notes of colour are

very incomplete. It is therefore impossible to separate

with certainty specimens of closely allied species, and for a

proper understanding of the Z. gracile group we must wait

for further field study in many parts of Malaya.

The main distinguishing features of the genus are the

long curved anther-appendage embracing the style, the 3-

lobed lip (the side-lobes being the staminodes, which are

relatively broad and fused more or less to the mid-lobe or

lip proper), and the relatively large bracts, each with a

single flower and a non-tubular bracteole, more or less

imbricating on a lengthening inflorescence... (There is one

aberrant species, Z. Clarkei from Sikkim, which has 2-4

flowers to each bract). The bracts are often, but not

always, coloured ; in some species they change colour as they

Vol. XIII. (1950).

grow older. The colour of the lip is an important distin-

guishing character; in some species it is cream or white, in

others suffused more or less completely with pink, crimson

or purple. The bracts nearly always hold much water,

which becomes more or less mucilaginous, and the flowers

and fruit develop in this medium, the fruit dehiscing while

still enclosed by the bracts.

The best account of the genus is by Valeton (in Bull.

Btzg. 2nd Ser. XXVII: 118). He states that the shape of

the lip of all species in Java is very characteristic; but

unfortunately we have not yet full information on this

character for all Malayan species. The relative length of

bracteole and calyx, and the fruit characters, are also impor-

tant but in many cases unknown. Valeton has also some

remarks on the homologies of the lip and staminodes; he

inclines to the view that the lip proper in Zingiber repre-

sents the two inner stamens the outer one being completely

abortive. |

The group of species which are difficult to discriminate

are Z. gracile, Z. Griffithit and Z. puberulum. These have

been much confused, and I am by no means satisfied that

the present account clears up the confusion. I have

reckoned three varieties of Z. gracile besides the typical

form, and it is likely that these may later rank as distinct

species; in the absence of full details however I think it

better not to attempt to separate them at present. There

seems no clear line of distinction between Z. Griffithui and

Z. gracile, though typical specimens of the former, with

their broad finely ribbed leaves and broader inflorescences

are very distinct. Z. gracile seems on the whole to be a

northern and Z. Griffithu a southern species; it is especially

the specimens from Selangor which seem intermediate,

which may indicate hybridization in the zone of contact of

the two. In the same way, Z. gracile var. petiolata approa-

ches Z. puberulum in its large vegetative size, and large

tough bracts. The variation in size of the ligule in Z.

gracile is also remarkable; in some other species it appears

much more constant.

ZINGIBER: KEY TO MALAYAN SPP.

Bracts with their apical margins incurved; or with their

apices curved outwards and free, not closely imbricating ;

labellum mottled purplish or pinkish and cream

Apices of bracts narrowed to a blunt point and curved

outwards | .

Inflorescence to about 14 cm. long and 9 cm. wide; .

leaves to about 45 by 6 cm. 1. Z. Kunstleri.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Inflorescence to about 9 cm. long and 6 cm. wide;

leaves to about 30 by 10 cm. * 2. Z. Wrayi.

Apices of bracts not curved outwards, rounded with

incurved margins

Leafy stem slender, 60-100 cm. tall, largest leaves

to 20 em. long

Leaves under 2 cm. wide 3. Z. officinale.

Leaves 4 cm. or more wide

Labellum closely blotched with purple

throughout (including side-lobes) ; bracts

about 3-3-5 cm. long and 1:5 cm. wide

A i Z, Curtisit.

Labellum with almost entirely crimson mid-

lobe and white side-lobes; bracts about 2-7

by 2:4 cm. 5. Z. chrysostachys.

Leafy stems thicker, to 150 cm. or more tall; leaves

commonly 30 cm. or more long

Inflorescence 12-30 cm. tall, cylindric, bracts

with their ends free, forming open pouches

6. Z. spectabile.

Inflorescence not usually over 12 cm. long,

ellipsoid; bracts with apices touching those

next above, not gaping to form pouches

Labellum pale pink and pale yellow;

village plant 7. Z. Ottensti.

Labellum dull purple speckled with

cream; mountain plant

8. Z. multibracteatum.

Inflorescence evenly ovoid to fusiform or cylindric, the

bracts closely overlapping, their apices not incurved;

labellum cream or white, without mottling

Leaves about 20-30 cm. long and 2-3 em. wide

Village plant; not wild; inflorescence 3-3-5 ecm.

wide, bracts brownish green 9. Z. cassumunar.

Forest plant; inflorescence hardly more than 2 cm.

wide at flowering, bracts red or red-purple

13. Z. gracile var. elatior.

Leaves proportionately wider

Bracts of inflorescence green when young, red

when old; ligules 1:5-2:5 em. long, very thin

10. Z. zerumbet.

Bracts purple, red, orange or yellow when young,

7 yellow ones sometimes changing to red when

Vol. XIII. (1950).

Leaves 15 by 3 to 30 by 10 em., the principal

veins raised on the surface, giving a ribbed

appearance ll. Z. griffithi.

Leaves proportionately narrower, upper sur-

face smooth

Inflorescence ovoid, not pointed at apex

12. Z. puberulum var. ovoideum.

Inflorescence pointed at apex

Inflorescence more than 2 cm. (to 4

cm.) wide at the base, tapering to

a pointed apex; bracts’. with

broadly rounded apex

12. Z. puberulum.

Inflorescence narrowly fusiform or

cylindric, to about 2 cm. wide;

bracts narrowed to the apex

13. Z. gracile.

Leaves to about 18 by 4 cm.,

ligule c. 1:5 em. long

‘typical form.

Leaves larger, ligule shorter

Bracts bright orange turn-

ing red when old; inflo-

rescence to about 20 cm.

long; petioles short

var. aurantiaca.

Bracts rose-pink; inflores-

cence to 45 cm. long;

petioles 0-5-1:5 em. long

var. petiolata.

Zingiber Kunstleri King apud Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32:

127. 1899. Flora 4: 258.

Stems 2 m. tall; colour of base of stems and rhizomes

when cut purplish-lilac; bases of stems slightly swollen, pale

lilac. Leaves many, close, thin, to 45 by 6 cm., apex very

gradually and evenly narrowed to a long point, base also

gradually narrowed, cuneate, glabrous; petiole under 5 mm.

long; ligule 2-lobed, the lobes broadly rounded, thin, glabrous,

about 4 mm. long. Scape about 30 cm. long; sheaths up to

8 em. long, glabrous except near tips. Inflorescence ovoid, to

about 14 ecm. long including the bracts and 9 cm. wide, the

rachis about 9 cm. long. Bracts pink, about 6 cm. long, the

lowest ones 3 cm. wide, rest about 2 cm. wide, almost evenly

elliptical, hairy near base and apex, apex narrowed, bluntly

pointed, curved outwards or deflexed. Bracteole nearly 5 cm.

long. Calyx shorter than bracteole. Corolla-lobes apparently

about 3-5 em. long, pale. Labellum not much wider than

corolla-lobes, not lobed (?) reddish and brown. Appendage

as long as anther.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

This species was described by Ridley from a drawing

and field notes by Kunstler. The drawing has the appear-

ance of being made from a dried specimen and it is quite

likely that the lip is incorrectly shown. Two further

collections agreeing in leaves and inflorescence have been

made, and from them the dimensions of leaves and bracts

have been taken. The rhizome colour is taken from

Corner’s notes.

SPECIMENS. Perak. 2,000-2,500 feet Kunstler 2219

(drawing only). Taiping Hills, Ridley 11449. Trengganu.

Ulu Kajang, Kemaman, in swamp, 500 feet, S.F.N. 30588

(Corner). In addition, a specimen from near Sungei Teku,

Pahang (foot of G. Tahan) may belong to this species, but is

small, the leaves to 28 by 4 cm., the scape 24 cm. long, bracts

about 4 cm. long; the inflorescence is immature, of total

length 6 cm., the bracts pink (leg. Kiah, s.n. 29.7.1936).

2. Zingiber Wrayi Prain ex Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 41: 32.

1904. Flora 4: 259.

Leafy stems to 2 m. tall, pinkish at base. Leaves to about

30 by 10 em., almost evenly elliptic, shortly acuminate-caudate,

base cuneate, glabrous; petiole hardly over 2 mm. long; ligule

deeply 2-lobed, lobes thin, broadly rounded, to 5 mm. long,

glabrous or bearing a few hairs. Scapes 7-30 cm. long; sheaths

to 6 em. long, hairy near tips. Inflorescence ovoid, to about

9 cm. long (rachis to 6 cm.) and 6 cm. wide. Bracts red,

about 4-2 cm. long and 1-8-2 cm. wide (lowest to 2-5 cm. wide),

almost evenly elliptic, the apex shortly pointed, fleshy, short-

hairy, with slightly inflexed edges. Bracteoles 4 cm. long,

acute, narrow, short-appressed-hairy, tinged with pink. Calyx

with ovary about 2-8 cm. long, deeply split down one side.

Corolla-tube about 3 mm. longer than bracteole; lobes about

2-1 cm. long, acute, edges slightly inflexed towards the tip,

pale yellow, the dorsal one more than 1 cm. wide near the

base, laterals narrower, side by side beneath the lip (not

joined). Lip pale yellow mottled and irregularly veined with

dark purple, about as long as corolla-lobes, 3-lobed; midlobe

ovate with slightly crisped edges, the apex hardly retuse,

equal to about % total length of the lip, side-lobes rounded,

erect on either side of anther, hardly 1 cm. from base of lip

to apex of side-lobes, 6 cm. from junction with midlobe to

apex. Filament very short; pollen-sacs nearly 1-5 cm. long,

appendage about 8 mm., dark purple, curved. Stylodes 7 mm.

long. Fruit not seen.

The species was described by Ridley from a specimen

collected in Upper Perak by Wray. The inflorescence is

similar to that of Z. Kunstleri but smaller; the leaves are

broader. The flower is described as “pale yellow, the lip

spotted and marked with purple.” Corner collected ample

material in Johore of plants agreeing in leaf and inflores-

cence with Wray’s plant, with flowers of similar colouring;

I think there can be no doubt that these Johore plants are

Z. Wrayi and have drawn the above description from them.

Corner reports that the flowers open at 4 p.m.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

Z. Wray? is most nearly related to Z. inflexrum Bl. (see

Ic. Bog. 2: t. 172) but apparently has wider leaves with

shorter petioles, much narrower bracts and flowers of

different colour. It is also related to Z. gramineum but very

different from that species in its wider leaves. |

SPECIMENS. Perak. Upper Perak, 300 feet, Wray 3735.

Pahang. Bukit Bayoh, P. Tioman, S.F.N. 18569 (Md. Nur).

Johore. Bukit Tinjau Laut (near S. Sedili), S.F.N. 37054

(Corner). Trengganu. Ulu Brang, 300 feet, S.F.N. 33712

(Moysey).

3. 4. officinale Rosc., Tr. Linn. Soc. 8: 348. 1807. Valeton,

Bull. Buitenz. 2nd Ser. XXVII: 128. 1918.

Rhizome entirely pale yellowish within or with a red

external layer. Leafy stems to about 50 cm. tall, 5 mm.

diameter, glabrous except for short hairs near base of each

leaf-blade; leaf-blades commonly about 17 by 1-8 cm., rather

dark green, narrowed evenly to slender tip; ligule broad, thin,

glabrous, to 5 mm. tall, slightly bilobed. Scape slender, to 12

cm. tall, the upper sheaths with or without short leafy tips;

inflorescence c. 4-5 cm. long and 15 mm. diameter; bracts c.

2-5 by 1-8 cm., green with pale submarginal band and narrow

translucent margin; margins incurved, lower bracts with

slender white tip. Bracteole as long as bract; calyx with ovary

12 mm. long; corolla tube 2:5 em. long; lobes yellowish, dorsal

lobe 18 by 8 mm. (flattened), curving over the anther and

narrowed to the tip, laterals narrower. Lip (midlobe) nearly

circular, c. 12 mm. long and wide, dull purple with cream

blotches and base, side-lobes about 6 by 4 mm., free almost

to the base, coloured as midlobe; anther cream, 9 mm. long,

appendage dark purple, curved, 7 mm. long.

Distribution: cultivated in tropical Asia from ancient

times (country of origin unknown), and now throughout

the tropics. It grows well in the lowlands of Malaya, but

rarely flowers. There are at least three local races: Halie

bétul or true ginger, Halia bara or Halia padi, and Hala

udang. The first has no red colour in the rhizome; the

others are red externally and very pungent, used medicinally

only.

In its narrow leaves Z. officinale resembles Z. cassu-

munar, but the latter has much taller leafy stems with

lighter green leaves and may be distinguished by its very

short hairy lgules.

4. Zingiber Curtisii Holtt., sp. nov.

Caules foliati eis Z. chrysostachydis similes; scapus ad

10 cm. longus vel ultra, vaginis purpureis obtectus; inflores-

centia ad 14 cm. longa et 3 cm. lata, fere cylindrica, apice

obtusa; bracteae pallide luteo-virides, 3-3-5 em. longae, 1-5 cm.

latae, fere ellipticae, apice obtusae et leviter inflexae, glabrae

(vel subglabrae), tenues; bracteolae quam braeteas leviter

breviores; calyx cum ovario c. 2 cm. longus; corollae tubus

bracteolam leviter superans, lobi c. 2 cm. longi, albi; labellum

Gardens Bulletin, S.

lobis corollae haud aequilongum, album vel pallide lutescens,

omnino (lobis lateralibus inclusis) dense purpureo-maculatum,

forma labello Z. chrysostachydis simile; antherae crista

atropurpurea. TYPUS: Bujong Malacca, cult. in hort. bot.

Penang., leg. Curtis August 1898, cum incone colorata.

This species is not distinguishable vegetatively from

Z. chrysostachys. The inflorescence seems to be rather

longer and more slender, the bracts only slightly inflexed at

the tips and forming a closer spike, a pale green-yellow,

longer and narrower, the lip with deep purple markings

throughout, and the anther-appendage deep purple. Only

the original collection is known. It-is possible that this

should rank as a variety of Z. chrysostachys.

5. Zingiber chrysostachys Ridl. J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 129.

1899. Flora 4: 260.

Stems about 60-100 cm. tall, slender, the lower sheaths

flushed with purple. Leaves dark green, sessile, the largest

12 by 4 to 17 by 5-5 em., ovate-elliptic, shortly acuminate, the

base rather broadly cuneate, glabrous except for the hairy

base of the lower surface of the midrib; ligule thin, hairy

towards the base, broad with a somewhat retuse apex, 4-5

mm. long. Scape 7-15 cm. long; sheaths purple, 2-5-3-5 cm.

long, the apex broadly rounded with a thin margin, slightly

hairy. Inflorescence to about 10 cm. long and 4 cm. wide,

ellipsoid, blunt, the bracts loosely imbricating, convex near

the top, with inflexed upper margin. Bracts yellow, about

2:7 em. long and 2-4 cm. wide, obovate, rather sparsely hairy,

with thin edges. Bracteoles 2-5 cm. long. Calyx with ovary

about 1-4 cm. long. Corolla-tube 6 mm. longer than calyx;

lobes white, about 2-5 cm. long, the dorsal one 9 mm. wide.

Labellum as long as corolla-lobes, 3-lobed; midlobe almost

entirely crimson with irregular white markings, nearly round,

slightly retuse; side-lobes white, much smaller, ovate with

blunt points, spreading laterally much more than the width

of the midlobe when flattened. Appendage of anther pink-

spotted. .

This species has been collected several times in Perak

and Kedah, in the low country and at medium elevations on

the hills. In its inflexed bracts and red-marked lip it

appears to be related to Z. spectabile and Z. Ottensii but is

a very much smaller species than either. No other small

local species has bracts of this character. In Z. chrysosta-

chys they are yellow, contrasting with the purple sheaths

of the scape and the white and crimson flower. The

dimensions above are from dried specimens.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Maxwell’s Hill Ridley 5199; do.,

3,000 feet, Curtis 2716. Upper Perak, 300 feet, Wray 3549

(erroneously cited by Valeton as Z. littorale Val.). The

Cottage, Taiping, Hervey s.n. 1889. Grik, S.F.N. 13830

(Burkill and Haniff). Kedah. G. Bongsu Forest Reserve,

S.F.N. 35834 (Nauen).

Vol. XIII. (1950).

6. Zingiber spectabile Griff., Notul. 3: 414. 1853. Ridl.,

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 128. 1899. Flora 4: 258.

Rhizome just below ground surface, bearing leafy stems

close together. Leafy stems about 2 m. tall, distinctly flattened,

basal leafless part to nearly 1 m. tall, green; lowest leaves well

spaced, uppermost crowded, narrow. Largest leaves 30-50 by

6-10 cm., glabrous or slightly hairy at the base beneath, thin,

apex acuminate, base rounded to cuneate (rather narrowly

cuneate in upper leaves) ; no petiole; ligule very thin, glabrous,

deeply 2-lobed, the lobes broad, pale green, scarious when old,

each lobe to 1-5 cm. long and wide. Scape 30-50 cm. long,

sheaths broad, to about 5 cm. long, green or slightly reddish.

Inflorescence 12-30 cm. tall, 6-7 (-10) cm. wide, cylindric,

not tapering to the apex. Bracts at first yellow, sometimes

suffused with pink at the edges, when old entirely red, about

4-5 cm. long and wide, obovate, thinly fleshy, curved outwards,

with the broadly rounded distal edge stiffly incurved, the tips

forming open pouches, the bases closely overlapping so that

they hold much water. Bracteole about 4 cm. long, split to the

base but quite folded round the tube of the flower, very shortly

and unequally 2-lobed. Ovary minutely hairy, 5 mm. long at

flowering. Calyx with ovary about 2-7-3 cm. long, glabrous,

thin, the apex broad and slightly 3-lobed, split deeply down

the other side, pink or cream. Corolla-tube 3 cm. long; lobes

2:7 cm. long, pale yellow, acute, the edges inflexed towards the

tip, the dorsal one 1-7 cm. wide near the base, the laterals

6 mm. wide, near their bases adnate to the lip and joined

to each other by their adjacent edges. Labellum in all 2-5

em. long and as wide when flattened, midlobe 1-6 cm. long and

1-4 cm. wide, ovate, the apex cleft to a depth of 2-5 mm.;

side-lobes (staminodes) erect on either side of the stamen,

broadly rounded and slightly bilobed, about 1 cm. wide, all

lobes dull dark purple with many small pale yellow spots,

the throat yellow with the fine purple flecks. F%lament none;

anther 1-5 cm. long to apex of pollen-sacs, yellow, prolongation

of connective curved, 1-5 cm. long, dark purple. Stylodes

slender, 1:2 cm. long, acute, free to base, not surrounding the

style. Stigma not dilated, aperture small, round, fringed with

hairs, white. Fruit about 2-5 cm. long, ellipsoid, covered with

the bracteole; seeds up to'6 in each loculus, black when ripe,

ellipsoid, 6 mm. long, covered 2/3 from base by a white aril

with fimbriate or lobed edge.

This handsome species is found throughout Malaya

from Negri Sembilan northwards. It has the largest inflo-

rescence of any Malayan species. Z. macradenium K,

Schum. from Sumatra (see Val., Ic. Bog. 2: t. 173) is almost

if not quite identical; it differs in longer bracteoles and

corolla-tube (both 5-5 em.), shorter, broader inflorescence

with somewhat larger bracts and usually smaller leaves, but

agrees exactly in shape and colour of flowers. Both Corner

and Burkill report that the flowers open about 10 a.m.

7. Zingiber Ottensii Valeton, Bull. Buitenz. 2nd Ser.

XXVII: 137, t. 19. 1918. Ridl., Flora 4: 259.

Rhizome dark purple within. Stems close together, about

1-5 m. tall, bearing many leaves. Leaves commonly to 35 by

6 cm., sometimes to 40 by 8 cm., slightly hairy on the back

Gardens Bulletin, S.

towards the base, elliptical or widest above the middle, the apex

acuminate, the base cuneate to rounded; petiole under 5 mm.

long, hairy; ligule broad, thin, undivided, to about 1.2 cm.

long, hairy towards the base. Scape 25-40 cm. tall; sheaths

broad, 5-7 cm. long, slightly hairy near base and apex.

Inflorescence about 10 cm. long and 4:5 ecm. wide, evenly

ellipsoid with broad apex, the bracts closely imbricating, not

gaping. Bracts almost 4 cm. long and nearly as wide, widening

slightly from a broad base to a very broad almost truncate

apex, convex on the outside with the middle part of the apical

edge incurved; the edges very thin for a width of 2-3 mm.

and slightly hairy; colour of bracts at first dull reddish, when

old bright red. Bracteoles c. 3-2 cm. long, 1-6 cm. wide when

flattened (Valeton—those seen are narrower). Calyx with

ovary about 2-3 cm. long, glabrous. Corolla-tube 3-5 cm. long,

lobes very pale yellowish; dorsal lobe erect, narrowed to the

tip, c. 2-2 cm. long and 1-1 cm. wide near the base, 7-nerved;

lateral lobes about 2 cm. long and 6 mm. wide, 3-nerved. joined

together in basal part. Labellum faint yellow mottled with

pink. in all about 2-5 cm. long, 3-lobed almost to the base,

the midlobe about 2 cm. long and 1-5 cm. wide, the apex

rounded and slightly bilobed; side-lobes (staminodes) erect on

either side of dorsal corolla-lobe, rounded, about 1-5 by 0-9 cm.

Anther 1-2 cm. long, appendage about 1 cm. Stylodes 8 mm.

long, narrowed to a slender tip.

Native names: Lémpoyang Hitam; Bonglai Hitam.

Distribution: Malaya, Java, Sumatra.

This species was described by Valeton, who noted the

remarkable dark purplish colour of the rhizome (whence the

names Lémpoyang or Bonglai Hitam, in contrast to the

yellow rhizome of Z. zerumbet and Z. cassumunar). Ridley

at first confused it with Z. zerumbet which it resembles in

general appearance, but Z. zerumbet has a more pointed

inflorescence with the apex of the bracts not convex-incurv-

ed, and a clear pale vellow flower without the pink markings

of Z. Ottensti. The colour of the lip of Z. Ottensii is

variously described as pale yellow mottled with pink, or pink

mottled with yellow.

Z. Ottensii is a village plant, the rhizome being used

medicinally; whether truly wild in Malaya is uncertain.

The rhizome has a very pungent smell.

SPECIMENS. Kedah. Yan, Ridley s.n. June 1893. Penang.

Government Hill, cult. at Residency, October 1901. Cult. in

Waterfall Gardens, Curtis 1200. Tulloh Bahang, Curtis s.n.

Ap. 1900. Trengganu. K. Trengganu, S.F.N. 17671 (Holt-

tum). Selangor. K. Selangor, Ridley 7799.

8. Zingiber multibracteatum Holtt., sp. nov. Fig. 2 A.

Caules foliati ad 3 m. alti, conferti, virides; lamina folii

atroviridis, tenuiter carnosa, subtus capillis sericeis (saltem in

juventute) vestita, ad 40 cm. longa et 10 em. lata, fere elliptica,

apice breviter caudata, basi cuneata; petiolus nullus; ligula

c. 4 mm. alta, dense hirsuta; vagina prope laminam et basis

costae dense hirsutae; scapus validus, ad 60 cm. longus, vaginis

5-8 cm. longis, non imbricatis, apicem et basin versus hirsutis

Vol. XIII. (1950).

donatus; inflorescentia ovoidea, compacta, ad 12 cm. longa et

6 cm. diametro, bracteis multis figurata; bracteae confertae,

imbricatae, leviter convexae, marginibus non inflexis, 3-5-4 cm.

longae, 2-3 cm. latae (superiores basalibus angustiores),

obovatae, apice late rotundatae, margine tenuissima scariosa

ec. 15 mm. lata, in sicco tenues, basin versus solum sericeae,

fusco-purpureae; bracteolae 3-3-5 cm. longae, 1-3 cm. latae,

glabrae, tenues; calyx cum ovario 3 cm. longus; ovarium

hirsutum; corollae tubus fere 5 cm. longus, lobi 3 cm. longi,

pellucidi, pallidissime rubicundi, lobus dorsalis apice colore

nitentior, lobi laterales basin versus adnati; labellum atropur-

pureum maculis parvis albis, praesertim prope margines,

ornatum, quam lobos corollae leviter brevius; lobi laterales late

rotundati, e basi labello 1-5 cm. longi, sinus inter lobos laterales

et lobum intermedium brevis; lobus intermedius rotundatus,

marginibus inflexis, apice retusus; anthera (thecae) fere 1-5

em. longa, crista aequilonga; stylodia tenuia, 6 mm. longa.

TYPUS: Pahang, Fraser’s Hill, 4,000 feet, S.F.N. 33174, leg.

Corner, 12.8.1937.

This species has been collected three times at Fraser’s

Hill, where Corner says it is common, and at Cameron

Highlands. It is characterized by the very broad ovoid

inflorescences of many dull purple closely imbricating con-

vex firm rounded bracts with thin edges, and the large

‘flowers with purple white-spotted lip. Vegetatively it is

very near Z. puberulum, but in inflorescence and colour of

labellum is clearly allied to Z. spectabile and Z. Ottensii.

Ridley’s specimen no. 9820 from Bujong Malacca, named by

him Z. Griffithii var. major is very near but has a more

tapering inflorescence and the colour of the flowers is not

recorded. Z. multibracteatum is apparently near Z. odori-

ferum Bl. of Java, but has shorter broader inflorescences,

shorter bracts and longer bracteoles (see Ic. Bog. 2: t. 175).

OTHER SPECIMENS. Fraser’s Hill. S.F.N. 8666 (Burkill

and Holttum). Without number, Mrs. Ferguson-Davie.

Sungei Yet, 3,700 feet, S.F.N. 11095 (Md. Nur). Cameron

Highlands. Boh Plantations, 4,000 feet, S.F.N. 32869 (Md.

Nur).

var. viride Holtt., var. nov. |

Bracteae virides, ad 5 cm. latae; bracteolae ad 2-4 cm.

latae. Cameron Highlands, Tanah Rata, Aug. 1946 (Holttum).

This appears to agree in all essential characters with

the Fraser’s Hill type except those mentioned.

9. Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., Asiat. Res. 347, t. 5. 1810.

Fl. Ind. 1: 49. Bot. Mag. t. 1426. K. Schum., Pflan-

zeny. Zingib. 179. Valet. Bull. Buitenz. 2nd Ser.

XXVII: 138, t. 15, f: 18, 4.20, £14) Lee

4: 259.

Rhizome pale carrot-colour internally, strongly aromatic.

Stems usually 1-2-1-5 m. tall, sometimes to 2 m. Leaves close

together, sessile, largest 20-35 cm. long, 2—4 cm. wide, glabrous

except the lower surface of the midrib towards the base, evenly

narrowed to the tip, more broadly to the base; ligule hairy,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

2-lobed, about 2 mm. long; sheath glabrous or hairy on edges

near the ligule. Scape 18-25 cm. long. Inflorescence 10-16

em. long, 3-3-5 em. wide, fusiform or cylindric-ovate, acute.

Lowest bracts almost round, middle ones acute, 3-3-5 cm. long,

brownish green with pale edges, more or less hairy on the

exposed parts, the edge thin. Corolla pale yellow. Labellum

pale yellow, in all 2-3 cm. long, 1-8-2-5 em. wide, the midlobe

almost round, retuse at the apex when newly expanded, deeply

split when old; side-lobes (staminodes) much smaller, when

flattened not extending more widely than the midlobe, ovate.

Native names: Bonglai, Bolai.

This species is said to be native in India; it occurs

widely in Malaysia as a village plant which is used medici-

nally, but is probably not native. In Malaya it is well

known to the Malays, always by the name Bonglai, or some

variant of it, to distinguish it from Lémpoyang (Z.

zerumbet). Among herbarium specimens, none has an

inflorescence, from which one may conclude that the species

does not flower often in Malaya. The description given

above is taken from Valeton. Plants can be distinguished

from Z. zerumbet by their much narrower leaves and very

short ligules. The only Malayan specimens quoted by

Ridley were collected by Curtis in Penang; they appear to

me to be Z. zerumbet, not this species.

10. Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Sm., Exot. Bot. 2: 103, t. 112.

1804. Bot. Mag. t. 2000. Valet. Bull. Buitenz. 2nd

Ser. AX Vil: 129, pl. 16, £. 1-3; ‘pl. 15, f. 3. Ridl.,

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 127, p.p. Amomum zerumbet L., Spec.

Pl. ed. 1, 1. 1753. Zingiber spurium Koenig; Retz.

‘Obs. 3: 60. 1783. Zingiber aromaticum quoad Ridl.,

Flora 4: 259, p.p. Fig. 3.

Rhizome pale yellowish internally; root-tubers present.

Stems 1 to nearly 2 m. tall (including leaves). Leaves thin,

+ hairy beneath and sometimes purplish beneath on young

shoots (always?), 25-35 em. long and 5-8 cm. wide, midrib

strongly raised on lower surface, the apex rather short,

acuminate, gradually narrowed towards the base; petiole 0-6

mm. long, finely hairy; ligule very thin, translucent, entire,

broad 1-5-2-5 em. long, finely hairy towards the base. Scape

15-45 cm. tall; sheaths to 5 cm. long, broad, green, the backs

short-hairy, the apex rounded with a thin edge and short tip,

not overlapping. Inflorescence 6-12 cm. long and 4—5 cm.

wide, ovoid to ellipsoid, tapering to the apex but not acute,

green when young, red when old (red first on edges of bracts).

Bracts about 3-3-5 cm. long and to 2-5 em. wide, slightly

convex near upper edge, the apex broadly rounded with a thin

pale slightly hairy margin about 2 mm. wide, the tip with a

very short appressed point, the outer surface -sometimes

sparsely hairy. Bracteole 2-5 cm. long, c. 1-3 cm. wide, thin

but persistent to fruiting. Corolla tube about as long as

bract; lobes white or very pale yellowish, the dorsal lobe to

25 em. long and nearly 2 cm. wide, the laterals narrower.

Labellum: midlobe to about 2-0 by 2-0 em., nearly round with

the apex cleft about 5 mm., the edges somewhat crisped,

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

eoloured as petals or a deeper yellow towards the base; side-

lobes (staminodes) much smaller, ovate, entire, about 1-3 cm.

long from base of lip to tip of lobe, separate almost to base

from midlobe. Stamen as long as the lip, the appendage

shorter than the anther. Fruit white, thin-walled, glabrous,

dehiscent, about 1-5 cm. long. Seeds ellipsoid, black, 6 mm.

long, covered with white lacerate aril.

This species was originally described from Ceylon. It

is widely cultivated in S.E. Asia and somewhat variable in

size. In his account of 1899, Ridley confused it with Z.

Ottensu and perhaps also with Z. aromaticum; but there is

no clear evidence beyond Ridley’s statement “lip pale yellow

with central orange bar” that Z. aromaticum in Valeton’s

sense occurs in Malaya. Under Z. zerumbet I include plants

with flowers described as white and also as pale lemon

yellow. The species is perhaps not native in Malaya, but is

found round villages and in secondary growth. There are

few herbarium specimens. Z. zerumbet is usually known

- isda to Malays. It is used medicinally, not as

ood.

11. Zingiber Griffithii Bak., F.B. I. 6: 246. 1892. Ridl.,

J.5.B.R.A.S. 32: 131.1899. Flora 4: 260. Z. citrinum

Ridl., J.S.B.R:AS:. 32: 129. 1899. ° Flora 22a

Leafy shoots 25-70 cm. (more?) to top of sheath of upper-

most leaf, glabrous. Leaves about 15 by 5 to 30 by 10 cm.,

evenly elliptic or widest above the middle, apex rather shortly

pointed, base broadly to narrowly cuneate, principal veins

distinctly raised above when dry, giving a finely ribbed

appearance, very finely appressed-hairy below, both on surface

and on midrib; petiole very short, more or less hairy; ligule

thin, glabrous or hairy, broad, 2-lobed. Scape 5-15 em. long,

the sheaths to 3-5 em. long, finely hairy. Inflorescence up to

about 20 cm. long, 242-4 em. wide, fusiform when young, when

old nearly evenly cylindric except for the slightly tapered

blunt apex. Bracts pink to red, or yellow turning red when

old, thinly fleshy (not tough) when living, thin when dry and

often with many small dark spots (spots not visible when

living), 3-5 em. long or rather more, 2—4 cm. wide, the apex

very broadly pointed with a very short hairy tip, glabrous

or with very fine silky hairs towards the base. Bracteole

apparently lacking. Calyx with ovary 2 cm., ovary densely

hairy. Corolla tube slender, about 3 cm. long; lobes 1:8 cm.

long, white to cream, dorsal lobe 10 mm. wide, laterals joined

together for nearly half their length below the lip. Labellum

same colour as petals or yellower, the side-lobes ovate with

rounded tips, midlobe more triangular, the apex acute to

subacute, sometimes cleft. Anther c. 1-1 cm., appendage 9 mm.

long. Fruit 22 mm. long, flattened.

This species is fairly common in lowland forest in the

southern half of Malaya and occurs as far north as the

Dindings. It is well characterized by its broad leaves with

fine raised veins (when dry) and very fine silky hairs

beneath. The bracts are thin, much less tough than in Z.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

puberulum and thinner also than in Z. gracile, the inflores-

cence being more nearly cylindric than in either of these

species and broader than in Z. gracile. The bracts appear

sometimes to be entirely red from the beginning, sometimes

red at the base of the inflorescence, the apical ones being

yellow, sometimes all are said to be bright yellow; but of

the vellow-bracted form (which he called Z. citrinum),

Ridley stated that the old bracts were pink. There is a fair

amount of variation in the size of the leaves, Ridley’s Z.

citrinum having a few large leaves on a short stem; but it

seems very doubtful whether this character is always asso-

ciated with yellow bracts.

Burkill’s 5988 from Klang has leaves only 4 cm. wide

but otherwise is like this species. There is similar specimen

of Ridley’s from Petaling (s.n. 1899).

12. Zingiber puberulum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 131. 1899.

Flora 4: 261. Z. Griffithu var. major Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S.

32: 182. 1899. Flora 4: 261. Fig. 2, B-J.

Stems 1-3 m. tall, slightly flattened; leaves many. Leaves

25-40 cm. long, 5-8 cm. wide (perhaps sometimes larger),

evenly elliptic or widest above the middle, apex acuminate,

base cuneate, edges hairy, upper surface hairy near base only,

rather gray-green, lower surface sometimes hairy throughout

densely so on midrib towards the base, the hairs soft and

yellowish-brown, 1 mm. or more long; no petiole; ligule not

bilobed, 3-6 mm. long, densely yellow-hairy; sheaths more or

less densely hairy (usually covered with a yellowish fur).

Scape 12-30 cm. or more long, hairy; sheaths 4-7 cm. long,

usually densely hairy. Inflorescence to 20 cm. or more long,

3-4 cm. wide at base, tapering upwards except when old, bracts

closely imbricating. Lowest bracts 4-6 cm. long and 2-3 cm.

wide; upper ones rather smaller; narrowly obovate, apex

broadly rounded with a scarious edge about 1-5 cm. wide,

more or less hairy, the edge always yellow-hairy when young,

colour bright pink; texture firm (subcoriaceous when dry).

Bracteole 1-2-1-5 em. long, very thin. Calyx with ovary, 2-5

em. long: ovary hairy. Corolla tube 4-5 cm. or more long;

lobes white to cream (sometimes pinkish?), 2-5-3-3 cm. long,

the two lateral ones adnate to each other and to the lip near

their bases. Labellum nearly as long as corolla-lobes, cream

to yellowish, the midlobe about 1-8 by 1-4 cm., triangular with

rounded tip, not cleft; the side-lobes reaching nearly half the

total length of the lip, with short bluntly triangular free ends,

when flattened spreading much wider than the midlobe (total

width ec. 2-5 em.). Anther yellowish, with a crimson line

down each side. Stylodes 6 mm. long, yellow, blunt. Fruit

2-2-5 cm. long, white, dehiscing while enveloped in mucilage:

seeds 7 mm. long, black, with white aril % their length.

This is a common species in the forests of southern

Malaya, and very variable, especially in hairiness and size

of bracts. The stems are always fairly tall and the leaves

large for a Zingiber; they are almost always hairy on the

ligule and sheaths at least. The inflorescence is always

Vol. XIII. (1950).

slender, tapering much to the apex except when quite old;

the bracts are closely imbricating, with a rounded apex and

thin edge which is usually conspicuously hairy. The colour

of the bracts is typically pink; but in the var. chryseuwm

(see below) yellowish. The type of the species was found

by Ridley in Singapore, and was taken from a plant with

smaller leaves than usual (25 cm. long). This species is

rather similar in habit and variability to Z. odoriferuwm in

Java (see Valeton, Bull. Btzg. 2nd Ser. XX VII: 143) ; but

Z. odoriferum has a dark purple lip with yellow spots and

a short bracteole.

SPECIMENS. Singapore. Bukit Timah, Ridley s.n. June

1894; J.G. s.n. 1889. Serangoon Road, Ridley 4613, and s.n.

1892. Bajau, Ridley, s.n. 1892. Chau Chu Kang, Ridley s.n.;

J.S.G. s.n. Ap. 1890. Johore. G. Pulai, Ridley s.n. December

1909. Serom, Ridley s.n. 1900. Tanjong Kopang, Ridley s.n.

1894. Pengkalan Raja, Pontian, S.F.N. 36608 (Corner and

Henderson). G. Panti, S.F.N. 30969 (Corner), frequent by

streams. 14th mile Mawai-Jemaluang Road, S.F.N. 31477

(Corner). Between G. Blumut. and G. Berchuak, 2,300 feet,

S.F.N. 10842 (Holttum). Pahang. Base of G. Senyum, S.F.N.

22380 (Henderson). Bukit Chintamani, Raub, S.F.N. 25003

(Henderson). Trengganu. Ulu Ayam swamp, Kemaman,

S.F.N. 30266 (Corner). Ulu Bendong, Kajang, 500 feet,

S.F.N. 30112 (Corner). Perak. Larut, 300 feet, King’s

Collector 2163 (doubtful). Selangor. Ulu Gombak 1,000 feet,

d. Nur s.n. 24.10.1937. Penang. Govt. Hill 1,800 feet,

Curtis 3037.

var. chryseum (Ridl.) Holtt., stat. nov. Zingiber chryseum

Ridl.;.J.S.B.R-A-S. 50: 149; 1908. Flora 4-260:

Differs from the typical form of the species in having

pale yellowish bracts and in the whole plant being almost

glabrous,

The type of this also was collected in Singapore, and

was a large plant. In size and shape of leaves and inflores-

cence it does not differ in any way from normal Z.

puberulum, and the flowers are described in almost the

same terms by Ridley. Whether the yellow bracts and

general glabrous character of the plant are always associat-

ed is not known. Corner collected a yellow-bracted plant

on G. Panti; this has the vegetative parts almost glabrous,

and the sheaths and bracts of the inflorescence slightly hairy

—less so than in normal Z. puberulum. He reported that

the leaves were up to 60 by 10 cm., the scape with inflores-

cence to 80 cm. tall, the bracts “pale dingy buff, greenish

towards tip and edge.”

SPECIMENS. Singapore. Stagmount, Ridley 13330 (ype

Johore. Ulu Segun, G. Panti, 200-600 feet, S.F.N. 30658

(Corner); common by the stream and on the bank among

quartzite boulders.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

var. ovoideum Holtt., var. nov.

Scapus 5-10 cm. longus; inflorescentia ovoidea, c. 8 cm.

longa, apice non acuta.

This variety has been collected chiefly in Pahang. It

is rarely if ever so hairy as the typical form, but otherwise

is indistinguishable vegetatively. The short ovoid inflores-

cence with rounded apex seems to be constant. It is possible

that the Perak specimen is not the same as the others; it

has more bracts, of smaller size.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Tembeling, S.F.N. 21781, 21857

(Henderson). River Tahan, Ridley s.n. August 1891. Gua

Tipus, Chigar Perah, S.F.N. 22554 (Henderson). Kelantan.

Gua Panjang at Gua Ninik, S.F.N. 19566 (Henderson). Perak.

Road to Bruas near Lumut, Dindings, Ridley s.n. 1897.

13. Zingiber gracile Jack, Mal. Misc. 1: 1. 1828. Bak.,

Pool, 6. 246. .2892. Rid) od §35.R.AiSi 322 130.

1899. Flora 4: 260.

Leafy stems 1 to 2-5 m. tall, basal sheaths reddish. Leaves

usually widest below the middle and tapering very gradually

to the apex, base cuneate, upper surface smooth, slightly and

finely hairy on the midrib towards the base only or sometimes

on lower surface also; petiole to about 3 mm. long except in

var. petiolata; ligule 0-3-1-5 cm. long, glabrous or slightly hairy,

+ 2-lobed. Scape slender; sheaths 3-5-5 cm. long, crimson

to purple, short-hairy towards base. Inflorescence narrowly

fusiform to cylindric, about 1-5-2 em. diameter at flowering,

wider when fruiting, the apex tapering. Bracts bright pink

to crimson, or orange when young, closely imbricating, thin,

finely hairy towards base only; edge barely 1 mm. wide, thin

and scarious; 3:5-4-5 em. long (to 7 cm. in var. petiolata),

the lower ones 2 cm. wide, upper narrower, narrowly ovate,

the apex narrowed and bluntly pointed. Bracteole shorter than

calyx. Calyx with ovary about 3 cm. long; ovary glabrous.

Corolla-tube about as long as bract; lobes cream, about 1-5-2

em. long. Labellum cream % length of corolla-lobes, the

midlobe broadly oblong with somewhat retuse apex, the side-

lobes much smaller, rounded. Anther-appendage much curved

and bent obliquely to one side (always?). Fruits glabrous,

- thin-walled, with longitudinal ribs, about 2 cm. long and

1-2 em. wide; seeds about 8 mm. long and 4 mm. wide, ellipsoid.

Typical form: stems to 1 m. tall; leaves to about 18 by

4 em. (exceptionally to 25 cm.), lower surface slightly hairy;

ligule about 1-5 cm. long, very thin; scape to 20 cm., in-

florescence to 20 em. long; bracts and sheaths of scape bright

pink to crimson; bracteoles 1-8 em. long, thin. This is the

form that corresponds to Jack’s original description.

SPECIMENS. Penang. Stone Quarry, Waterfall, Curtis s.n. May

1890. Without locality, Ridley s.n. Ap. 1896. Telok Bahang, Fox

12708. Perak. Bruas, Ridley 7235. Selangor. _Kanching

F.R., Foxworthy and Burkill s.n. November 1921. Kuala

Lumpur, Curtis s.n. February 1890. Ginting Bidai, Ridley

7798. Pahang. Beserah, S.F.N. 16141 (Burkill and Haniff).

var. aurantiacum Holtt., var. nov.

Bracteae primo aurantiacae, demum rubescentes; inflores-

centia ad 20 cm. longa; petioli breves.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

Stems to 2 m. tall; leaves to 35 by 6 cm.; ligule to about

6 mm.; scape to 35 em., inflorescence to 20 cm. long; sheaths

of scape purple; bracts bright orange turning red when old

[fruits described from S.F.N. 8808 and 8863].

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Fraser’s Hill, S.F.N. 8806, 8808,

8633 (Burkill and Holttum) ; S.F.N. 33191 (Corner). G. Tahan,

3300, feet, Wray and Robinson 5,365; 3,500 feet, S.F.N. 8016

(Haniff and Nur). Negri Sembilan. G. Tampin, S.F.N. 3162

(Burkill). Selangor. Ginting Simpah 2,000 feet, S.F.N. 34284

(Md. Nur). Bukit Etam, Kelsall 1978.

This variety seems to be common at moderate elevations

on the southern part of the Main Range. There are several

fruiting specimens.

var. elatior Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 130. 1899. Flora 4: 260.

Stems about 1-5 m. tall. Leaves dark green, sessile, 20-30

cm. long, 2-3 cm. wide, finely hairy towards base beneath;

ligule 2-10 mm. long. Bracts red-purple. Bracteoles 2-5 cm.

long, rather stiff. Lip with scattered short red and black

lines.

The plants included here may well represent a distinct

Species, as suggested by Ridley. Whether the lip always

has the small red and black lines (reported only by Burkill

for S.F.N. 3312) is unknown. The very narrow leaves

suggest Z. cassumunar. Specimens are:

Penang. Richmond Pool, 2,500 feet, Ridley 9840. Moniot’s

Road, 2,200 feet, S.F.N. 3312 (Burkill). Tiger Hill, S.F.N.

1529 (Burkill). Government Hill 2,500 feet, Fox s.n. August

1899. Perak. Batang Padang district, 300-500 feet, King’s

Coll. 7954. Maxwell’s Hill, 3,600 feet, S.F.N. 12712 ‘(Burkill

and Haniff); Ridley s.n. June 1893. Selangor. Semangkok

Pass, Ridley s.n. August 1904. Ginting Simpah, Hume 8717

(Herb. F.M.S. Mus.). Johore. G. Pulai, Ridley s.n. December

1905.

vac. petiolatum Holtt., var. nov.

Bracteae roseae; inflorescentia ad 45 cm. longa; petioli

0-5-1-5 em. longi.

Stems to 2-5 m. tall, basal sheaths flushed with red-brown,

swollen base pale yellowish; leaves dark green, to c. 40 by

8 cm., nearly glabrous; petiole 5-15 mm. long; ligule 3-5 mm.

Scape to 75 cm. tall, sheaths red-brown; inflorescence to 45 cm.

long, bracts rose-pink, to 7 ecm. long; bracteoles to 3 cm. long.

The type of this variety is Corner’s collection from

Kedah (S.F.N. 31570). This has longer inflorescences with

longer bracts than the others, but apart from this there

seems little difference. The bracts are very firm when dry.

Ridley’s Tahan River specimen has small inflorescenses.

SPECIMENS. Kedah. Pass to Baling from Kroh, 1,000 feet,

S.F.N. 81570 (Corner). Pahang. Tembeling, S.F.N. 21794

(Henderson); Ridley s.n. August, 1891 and 30.9.18938. Tahan

River, Ridley s.n. 1891.

Doubtful specomens. There are some specimens which

seem intermediate between Z. gracile and Z. Griffithii in

Gardens Bulletin, S.

both leaf and bract characters; the leaves are proportion-

ately narrower than in Z. Griffithii and less smooth than in

Z. gracile; the bracts are broader at the apex than in Z.

gracile but the inflorescence is more slender than normal

for that species. The above characters are variously

accentuated in different specimens. Specimens are:

Selangor. Jalan Pokok Terap, K. Lumpur, Ridley s.n.

May 1890. Sungei Lalang F.R., Symington 22750. 10th mile

from K.L., Ridley s.n. 21.6.1889. Petaling, Ridley s.n. 1889.

Telok Reserve, Klang, S.F.N. 5988 (Burkill). Malacca. Bukit

Besar (Mt. Ophir), Ridley s.n. 1899. Mt. Ophir, Hullett s.n.

April 1888. Pahang. Ulu Sungei Tekal Besar, Temerloh,

Henderson 10749.

2. CURCUMA LINNAEUS

Rhizome a fleshy complex, the base of each aerial stem

consisting of an erect ovoid or ellipsoid structure (primary

tuber) ringed with the bases of old scale leaves, bearing

when mature several to many horizontal or curved rhizomes,

which are again branched. foots fleshy, many of them

bearing ellipsoid tubers. Leaf-shoots bearing a group of

leaves surrounded by bladeless sheaths, the lear-sheaths

forming a pseudo-stem; total height of leafy shoots 1-2

metres. Leaf-blades usually more or less erect, often with

a purple-flushed strip on either side of the midrib; size and

proportional! width varying from the outermost to the inner-

most (uppermost) leaf. Petioles of outermost leaves short

or none, of inner leaves fairly long, channelled. Ligule

forming a narrow upgrowth across the base of the petiole,

its ends joined to the thin edges of the sheath, the ends in

most species simply decurrent, in two species raised as

prominent auricles. Inflorescence either terminal on the

leaf-shoot, the scape enclosed by the leaf-sheaths; ov on a

separate shoot from the base of the leaf-shoot, the scape

covered by rather large bladeless sheaths. Bracts large,

very broad, each joined to those adjacent to it for about half

of its length, the basal parts thus forming closed pockets,

the free ends more or less spreading, the whole forming a

cylindric spike; uppermost bracts usually larger than the

rest and differently coloured, a few of them sterile (the

group is called a coma). Flowers in cincinni of 2 to 7, each

cincinnus in the axil of a bract. Bracteoles thin, elliptic

with the sides inflexed, each one at right angles to the last,

quite enclosing the buds but not tubular at the base: Calyx

short, unequally toothed and split nearly half way down one

side. Corolla-tube + staminal tube tubular at the base, the

upper half cup-shaped, the corolla-lobes inserted on the

edges of the cup, and the lip, staminodes and stamen just

above them. Corolla-lobes thin, translucent white or pink

Vol. XIII. (1950).

to purplish, the dorsal one hooded and ending in a hollow

hairy point. Staminodes elliptic-oblong, their inner edges

folded under the hood of the dorsal petal. Labellum obovate,

consisting of a thickened yellow middle band which points

straight forwards or is somewhat reflexed, its tip slightly

cleft, and thinner pale (white to pale yellow) side-lobes

upcurved and overlapping the staminodes. Filament of

stamen short and broad, constricted at the top, anther

versatile, the filament joined to its back, the pollen-sacs

parallel, with usualiy a curved spur at the base of each;

connective sometimes produced at the apex into a small

crest. Stylodes cylindrical, 4-8 mm. long. Ovary trilo-

cular; fruit ellipsoid, thin-walled, dehiscing and liberating

the seeds in the mucilage of the bract-pouch; seeds ellipsoid,

with a lacerate aril of few segments which are free to

the base.

KEY TO CURCUMA SPECIES FOUND IN MALAYA.

Anther without spurs at the base; ligule-lobes auriculate

Coma-bracts pink; flowers orange 1. C. aurantiaca.

Coma-bracts white; lip purple-mauve 2. C. parviflora.

Anther with spurs at the base; ligule not auriculate

Inflorescence terminal on the leaf-shoot

Coma-bracts pale greenish to white; flowers not longer

than bracts

Flowers white; leaves commonly 30 by 7-8 cm. |

C. domestica.

Flowers cream; leaves commonly much larger

4. C. viridifiora.

Coma-bracts purple; flowers conspicuously longer than

bracts 5. C...colorvaine

Inflorescence separate from leaf-shoot

Leaves quite green 6. C. mangga.

Leaves with a feather-shaped purplish cloud on either

side of midrib, throughout or towards apex only

Purplish cloud in distal half of leaf only; rhizome

bluish within 7. C. aeruginosa.

Purplish cloud extending to base or nearly so;

rhizome internally yellow or orange

Petals white; rhizome internally light yellow

C. zeodaria.

Petals pink; rhizome internally deep orange

C. xanthorhiza.

The genus Curcuma, as regards species wild and culti-

vated in Java, has been very thoroughly studied by Valeton,

who has published an extensive report upon it. This report

is the basis of the present abridged account, and the reader

Gardens Bulletin, S.

is referred for further details to Valeton’s excellent paper.

The natural distribution of the species is impossible to

assess accurately, as many are more or less cultivated

village-plants, used in native medicine and in some cases as

food. Such species establish themselves in waste ground,

and in Java especially in the teak-forests, where they are

evidently more abundant than in any places in Malaya. In

Malaya several are well-known village-plants, and these are

briefly described below. The only two which may be wild

are found in the extreme north. These are C. aurantiaca

and C. parviflora, which belong to Valeton’s subgenus Para-

curcuma, having the anthers without spurs and the ligules

strongly auricled.

The characteristic features of the genus, as pointed out

by Valeton, are the adnate broad bracts, with a cincinnus

of several flowers in the pouch of each, the bracteoles, and

the versatile anthers. In the subgenus Eu-Curcuma,

comprising all the cultivated species, the divergent basal

spurs of the anther are characteristic, as well as the trum-

pet-shape of the fiowers, the segments of which all overlap

closely.

The genus is confined to the Indo-Malaysian region

1. Cureuma aurantiaca van Zijp., Rec. Trav. Bot. Néerl.

12: 345.1915. Valet., Bull. Btzg. 2nd Ser. XXVII: 76,

pl. 2 f. 9-13, pl. 3 f. 14-19, 27-29.

Rhizome not elongated, consisting of a group of short

tubers. Leaves about 5; blade to about 23 by 10 cm., base

rounded, apex shortly acuminate; entirely green; petiole ‘about

6-8 cm. long; ligule of two raised and rounded lobes about

5 mm. high; sheath to about 12 em. long. Inflorescence from

the middle of the tuft of leaves; scape about 12 cm. long,

slender, spike about 12 cm. long and to 4-5 em. wide. Sterile

upper bracts pink, rest usually green. Bracts about 3 cm.

long, the. pouches about the same length as the free distal

part, apex very broadly rounded and slightly tipped. Flower

orange-yellow; corolla-lobes short-hairy outside. Staminodes

less folded than in C. zeodaria. Anther attached to the fila-

ment about % above the base, the base broad, not bilobed;

apex prolonged into a short rounded crest hooded over the

stigma.

This is the commonest species of Curcuma in Java, and

has been fully described and illustrated by Valeton. It has

not hitherto been reported outside of Java, but a specimen

collected by Henderson in Perlis (at Besih Hangat, in

banana plantation, S.F.N. 22869) and plants from the same

locality subsequently cultivated in Singapore (flowers in

alcohol) agree closely with Valeton’s description. This is

evidently another case of a species which needs a seasonal

climate and is unable to spread into the south of Malaya.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

2. Cureuma parviflora Wall., Pl. Asiat. Rar. 1: 47, t. 57.

1830. Schum., Pflanzenr. Zingib. 102. 1904. Valet.,

Bull. Buitenz. 2nd Ser. XXVII: 7.

Leaves about 4; blade to 20 by 7 cm. (usually shorter?),

widest above the middle, apex shortly acuminate, base rounded;

petiole c. 10 em. long; ligule of two rounded erect auricles;

sheath to about 15 em. long. Inflorescence apical on the leaf-

shoot; peduncle hidden by the leaf-sheaths; Spike c. 8 cm. long

and 2 cm. diameter. Bracts joined for about half their length;

sterile upper bracts white with free ends c. 2 cm. long and

1-8 cm. wide, somewhat spreading; fertile bracts shorter and

narrower, their free ends hardly spreading, nearly erect,

rounded. Corolla white; lobes about 7 mm. long. Staminodes

white, similar in size to the corolla-lobes. Lip violet-purple,

more or less marked with white. Anther shaped as in

C. aurantiaca.

This species was originally found at Prome in Burma

and later in Siam. A plant brought by Henderson from

Perlis and cultivated in Singapore proved on flowering to

be C. parviflora, Perlis representing probably the southern

limit of distribution. The leaves of the cultivated plants

are longer than normal and proportionately narrow (25 by

7 cm.) ; the size given by Schumann is 14 by 5-7 cm.

5. Curcuma domestica Valet., Bull. Buitenz. 2nd Ser.

XXVIII: 31.1918. Ridl. Flora 4: 264. Curcuma longa

Koenig. in Retz. Obs. 3: 71. 1783, non Linn. Gagnep.

in Fl. Gen. Indoch. 6: 18. K. Schum., Pflanzenr.

Zingib. 108. Fig. 4.

Primary tuber ellipsoid, c. 5 by 2-5 em., emitting very

many rhizomes 5-8 em. long, 1-5 cm. thick, straight or a little

curved, bearing secondary branches at right angles in two rows,

also tertiary branches, the whole forming a dense clump;

colour inside and outside orange, the young tips white (when

dried dull yellowish outside) : root-tubers to 4 by 2 cm. Height

of leafy stem over all hardly over 1 metre. Leaf-blade rarely:

over 50 cm. long, usually to 30 by 7-8 cm., wholly green. Petiole

thin, rather abruptly broadened to the sheath. Ligule-lobes

small (1 mm.); sheath near ligules with ciliate edges. In-

florescence apical on the leaf-shoot, 10-15 cm. long, 5-7 cm.

wide. Coma-bracts white or white streaked with green, grad-

ing to light green bracts lower down; bracts adnate for less

than half their length, elliptic-lanceolate, acute, length 5 to

6 em. Bracteoles to 3-5 cm. long. Flowers 5-5-5 em. long;

petals white, staminodes and lip creamy-white with yellow

median band on the lip. Filament united to anther about the

middle of the pollen-sacs; spurs very large, broad, diverging,

a little curved with the thin apex always recurved outwards.

This species is very widely cultivated in Indo-Malaysia,

and known to Malays as Kunyit. The rhizomes are used to

colour rice and as a spice, and sometimes for dying cloth,

though the colour is fugitive. It seems that in Indo-china

a variety with pink tips to the coma-bracts occurs. The

native country of the species is not certainly known.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Valeton has shown that the Curcuma longa of Linnaeus,

based solely on Hermann, is not this species; and it is not

even certain that C. longa of Koenig is the true Kunyit,

though this is probable. As however the name C. longa

belongs to another species, a new name was needed for this

one, and Valeton proposed C. domestica.

4. Curcuma viridiflora Roxb., Fl. Ind. 1: 34. 1820. Valet.,

Bull. Buitenz. Ser. 2, XXVII: 37.

Rhizome as in C. colorata. Leaves entirely green, or very

faintly purplish in groove of midrib; ligule V-shaped, very

short; blade to 60 by 17 cm. Inflorescence from top of leaf-

shoot, to 17 cm. long with coma 10 cm. wide; coma white and

pale green, tips a little purple-spotted; floral bracts adnate

about half their length, blade 3 cm. wide; bracteole over 3 cm.

long; flowers a little shorter than bracts, cream, with yellow

median band on the lip and very faintly pink petals; spurs

of anthers nearly as long as anther, slightly diverging at tips.

Originally described from a plant found at Benkoeien

In Sumatra. A rhizome obtained in Singapore, and classed

by a local Malay expert as Temu Lawas, on being planted

produced a plant very nearly corresponding to Valeton’s

description of C. viridifiora; it is actually a little inter-

mediate between C. domestica and C. viridiflora.

5. Curcuma colorata Val., Bull. Btzg, 2nd Ser. XXVII: 40,

$e 2 6, :1.2k. bOLR.

Rhizome externally light dull orange, inside orange; smell

pleasant, taste mild, rather carrot-like; young buds nearly

white; old main tuber 8 cm. tall, 3-5 cm. wide near base;

branches mainly from near base, under 2 em. thick, all curved

upwards and bearing secondary and tertiary branches also

curved upwards, especially on the lower side; scale-leaves soon

disappearing and their bases not distinct; roots not fieshy

(nor tuber-bearing ?). Leaf-shoot to more than 100 cm. tall,

with about 7 leaves. Lowest leaf-blade 21 by 9-5 cm., petiole

2 cm., sheath 19 cm. Highest leaf-blade 54 by 13-5 cm., petiole

22 cm., sheath 35 cm. Base of blade unequal; tip shortly

caudate (to 2 cm.); midrib purple in groove only on upper

surface, a slight flush of purple on each side of lower surface

of midrib, purple fading from old leaves. Ligule very short,

of two small low auricles within the hollow of the base of the

petiole. Inflorescence terminal on leaf-shoot; scape enclosed by

Jeaf-sheaths; spike to 16 cm. tall, the coma to 10 cm. diameter,

rest 7 cm. diameter. Coma-bracts purple; bracts next below

white or light green with purple stripes, rest light green with

purple tips; bracts adnate 1/2-2/3 of their length, lower bracts

in all 4-5 em. long, coma-bracts to 7 cm. lowers 5-6 cm. long,

protruding a good deal above the bracts; corolla-lobes very

pale pink, staminodes and lip pale orange with deeper orange

median band in the lip.

This species is reported by Valeton to grow spontane-

ously in teak forests in all parts of Java; it has no

well-established native name and is not regularly used like

the other species. It has not been reported in Malaya, but

Vol. XIII. (1950).

a plant has flowered in Singapore Botanic Gardens; the

plant was sent from Serdang Agricultural Experiment

Station as C. purpurascens. The origin of the plants at

Serdang is unknown; they may have come from Java. On

the other hand, this species may occur in Malay villages.

When, the rhizome was shown to Che Ahmad bin Hassan, of

the Singapore Gardens staff, he called it Temu Lawas, but

that name properly belongs to C. xanthorhiza.

6. Curcuma mangga Val. et v. Zijp, Buil. Btzg., 2nd Ser.

XXVIT: 50, t. 6; £.:1. 1918... Ridiyaiona 2a

Rhizome outside pale dull yellowish, young parts white;

inside pale lemon or sulphur yellow, smelling of carrots, taste

like a carrotty mango; primary tuber ovoid, c. 6 by 4 cm.;

branches in all directions, many, close, more or less cylindric,

c. 1-5 em. thick, again branched especially on lower sides, and

then branched a third time; ends of branches white, rather

acute; scale-leaves rather persistent. Leaf-shoot c. 110 cm.

tall, with 5-7 leaves and sheaths below them; sheaths some-

times slightly purple. Smallest leaf-blade 16-32 by 7-12 em.,

petiole 0-5-2 em., sheath 23-30 cm. Largest leaf-blade 56-60

by 13-15, cm., petiole 12-18 cm., sheath 40-45 em. Leaf-blade

entirely green, base not sharply distinct from winged petiole,

apex rather abruptly caudate, cauda 2-5 em. long. Ligule nar-

row, shortly hairy all along edge; edges of upper part of sheath,

which is continuous with ligule, also hairy. Inflorescence

separate from leaf-shoot; peduncle c. 15 cm. tall; spike to

15 em. tali; coma-bracts (c. 9) white in basal half, distal half

purple, about 5-5 em. long; intermediate bracts with white and

purple stripes; rest green; bracts below coma c. 4 cm. long,

adnate for half their length. Flowers pure white with yellow

_ midlobe on lip; stamen-filament c. 3 by 3 mm.; anther affixed

near its base, pollen-sacs 4-5 mm. long, spurs narrow and

parallel, slightly curved.

This species is cultivated in Java and Malaya, and

known as Temu Pauh, because of its mango-like odour when

the rhizome is cut. In Singapore at least it rarely flowers;

the above description of flowers is taken from Valeton.

Valeton states that C. mangga does not occur in the teak

forests of Java as do other cultivated Curcuma species. It

is used both medicinally and to a less extent in food.

In Java there is a variety (var. rubrinervia) which has

some purple on the leaves, but this has not been reported in

Malaya. Valeton also records another variety (var. sylves-

tris), but this is perhaps a distinct species, nearer to C.

zeodaria than to C. mangga.

7. Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb., Asiat. Res. XI: 335. 1810.

Fl. Ind. 1: 77. 1820. Roscoe, Monandr. Pl. t. 106. K.

Schum., Pfizr. Zingib. 112. Ridley, Flora 4: 254,

Valet., Bull. Btzg. 2nd Ser: XX VII: 65, 1779) 2 ste

fiB,

Primary tuber large, conical; rhizomes to c. 16 em. long

and 3 cm. thick, not so crowded as in some species, colour

Gardens Bulletin, S.

outside grey and shining, tips pink, inside bluish or blue-green

with a white cortex; root-tubers rather large, many, on short

roots. Leaf-shoots more than 100 cm. tall. Leaf-blades with

a wide brownish suffusion on each side of the midrib (on both

upper and lower surfaces) on the distal half only, groove of

midrib green throughout; blades 45 by 16 to 80 by 20 cm.;

petioles 0-17 cm. long; sheaths to 50 cm.; outer leaves wider

than middle ones. Inflorescence separate from the leaf-shoot;

scape 20-50 cm. tall, enclosed by 2 or 3 long sheaths; spike

14-18 cm. tall, 6-8 cm. wide. Coma-bracts purple, to 7 cm.

long, with a very short but distinct tip, lower ones streaked

with green; flowering bracts light green, upper ones at least

purplish at the tip, adnate for less than half their length,

c. 5 em. long; bracteoles c.17 mm. long. Corolla-lobes and tube

deep crimson-pink; staminodes and lip pale yellow, median

band on lip deep yellow; anther-spurs of medium length.

The type of this species came from Burma. The

species is widely cultivated in Malaysia, and always known

as Temu Hitam, owing to the bluish internal colour of the

rhizome, as distinct from the yellow or orange colour of

most species. The rhizome is only used medicinally.

8. Cureuma zeOdaria (Bergius) Rosc., Monandr. Pl. t. 109.

1828. Ridl., Flora 4: 254. K. Schum., Pfizr. Zingib.

110. Valet., Bull. Btzg. 2nd Ser. XXVII: a. its 1,

t.7. Amomum zeodaria Bergius, Mat. Med. ay. 1788.

Pig. 5.

Rhizome inside pale sulphur .yellow to bright yellow,

turning brownish when old, taste very strong and bitter, odour

when crushed rather acrid. Main tuber broadly ovoid, to

c. 8 by 5 cm.; branches to 2-5 cm. thick, rather short, some

turning upwards and forming new leaf-shoots, secondary

branches many, short and thick, all curved upwards; roots

many, thick and fleshy, descending and bearing tubers. Leaf-

shoots to c. 100 em. tall, with c. 5 leaves. Lowest leaf-blade

to 35 by 13-5 em., petiole 3 cm., sheath to 40 cm. long. Upper

leaves longer with petiole to 12 cm. or more; young leaves

with purple flush to 15 mm. wide on each side of upper surface

of midrib, and a narrower purple band on the lower surface;

purple fading in old leaves. Inflorescence separate from leaf-

shoot; scape 22 cm. tall, with 3 sheathing leaves which cover it,

‘their short tips rounded; spike 16 cm. tall; lowest bracts

entirely green, middle ones tipped with a spot of purple, upper-

most 5 entirely purple with below them 4 streaked white and

pale green at the base, purple at tips; lowest bracts 5 cm.

long, 4-6 cm. wide, joined to others for half their length, tip

very broadly triangular, blunt. Flowers c. 5 to each bract;

bracteoles to 138 mm. long. Calyx 8 mm. long, slightly pink,

teeth short and broad. Corolla-tube to constriction 17 mm.

long, throat 10°:mm. long; lobes 16 by 11 mm., white, faintly

pinkish at tips. Staminodes 12 by 10 mm., very palé yellow,

with concave median fold as seen from the back. Lip very

pale yellow with bright yellow median band which has short

red margins towards its base, width in natural position 15 mm.,

apex slightly cleft. Stamen: filament 4-5 mm. long, and wide;

anther in all 6 mm. long, with divergent curved basal spurs

3 mm. long.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

This species is considered to be native in north-eastern

India. It is apparently wild in Java, but may have been

introduced there by man. It is widely used as a medicine

in India and Malaysia, and well known in Malaya as Temu

Kuning. The leaves and young buds are used in India and

Java as flavouring but this use is probably not common in

Malaya.

9. Curcuma xanthorhiza Roxb., Fl. Ind. 1: 25.1820. Ridl.,

Flora 4: 254. Valet., Bull. Btzg. 2nd Ser. XXVII:

61; 2234S Tal.

Primary tuber large, often 10 cm. long; rhizomes few and

rather short, thick, with few branches, externally pale orange,

internally intense orange or orange-red, young parts paler;

root-tubers large, 5-30 cm. long. Leaf-shoots often 200 cm.

tall, bearing up to 8 leaves. Leaf-blades c, 40 by 15 to 90

by 21 cm., with a dark purple feather-shaped stripe 10 mm.

wide on each side of the green midrib, not reaching the base;

in outermost leaves midrib only purplish, no purple colour

beyond it. Petiole 0-30 cm. long, its apex passing gradually

into the blade; ligule small; sheaths to 75 cm. long, green.

Inflorescence separate from the leaf-shoot; scape 15-20 cm.

long; spike 16-20 cm. long, 8-10 ecm. wide. Coma-bracts

purple, to 9 cm. long, the uppermost much narrower than the

others; flowering bracts light green, 5-6 cm. long; bracteoles

to 25 mm. long. Flowers about as long as bracts. Corolla-

lobes light red; staminodes whitish; lip yellowish with deeper

median band; anther short and broad, the spurs about as

long as the pollen- -sacs and not much spreading laterally.

This species was described by Roxburgh from a plant

said to have been introduced to Calcutta from Amboyna.

C. «anthorhiza is well known to Malays as Temu Lawas.

it is the largest species of Curcuma found in Malaya. The

smell of the rhizome is pungent and the taste bitter

(Burkill). It is used extensively in native medicine in

Malaya, and sometimes as food, after rasping and soaking

in water to remove the bitterness.

3. HEDYCHIUM KOENIG

Terrestrial or epiphytic plants. Stems 50 cm. to 2 m.

tall (in Malaya), arising from a fleshy rhizome; roots in

epiphytic species also fleshy. Leaves usually glabrous,

short-stalked ; ligule smail or large. Inflorescence terminal

on leafy stems; bracts broad and densely imbricating (quite

covering the rachis) or narrower, enfolding their flowers,

(the rachis then usually visible between them), flowers

usually 2 or 3 to each bract; bracteoles tubular (at least in

most Malayan species). Calyx tubular, slender, shortly and

unequally toothed at the apex, often hairy. Corolla-tube

slender, usually much longer than the calyx; lobes rather

Gardens Bulletin, S.

long and narrow, reflexed in the flower. Staminodes peta-

loid, usually about as long as the corolla-lobes but wider,

white or coloured. Labellum broader than the staminodes,

sometimes much broader, with narrow basal part and ellip-

tic or obovate blade, more or less deeply bilobed. Filament

long and slender; anther 25-10 mm. long, the bases of the

pollen-sacs free for a short distance, sometimes slightly

diverging. Ovary trilocular, ovules axile, in 2 rows in each

loculus, numerous. Capsule trilocular, loculicidal, splitting

to the apex. Seeds with aril divided deeply into many long

irregular lobes.

Schumann included 38 species in Hedychium, as known

in 1904, and a few more have since been described. The

centre of distribution is the eastern Himalayas; a few

species have been described from southern India on the one

hand and Malaysia on the other. In Malaya we have six

native species (the seventh perhaps escaped from cultiva-

tion) ; two of them are very nearly allied and perhaps should

be united, and two others are known from single collections

only. Only one can be called common and widespread in

Malaya, the epiphytic species H. longicornutum. H. corona-

rium, stated to be native in Burma, has large white fragrant

flowers with a very broad lip and broad staminodes; it is

often cultivated in Malaya.

The characteristic features of the genus are the termi-

nal inflorescence with 2-3 flowers to each bract, the long

staminodes and stamen and deeply bilobed lip. As noted

elsewhere, Hedychium has much in common with Alpinia;

if we could reduce the staminodes and shorten the stamen

we should have something very near some members of the

Alpinia group.

The genus Hedychium has received seme attention

horticulturally, and contains some very beautiful species.

Apart from H. coronarium most of these are not very well

suited to the lowland climate of Malaya. Several garden

hybrids have also been produced; their production appears

to be easy, and attempts might well be made to breed garden

forms suited to the Malayan lowlands.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF HEDYCHIUM

Bracts broad and overlapping, quite hiding the rachis, the

lowest bracts c. 4 cm. wide

Lip c. 3-5 em. wide, staminodes 1:2 cm. wide

1. H. chrysoleucum.

Lip and staminodes much narrower

2. H. malayanum.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

Bracts much narrower, all or nearly all folded to enclose

their flowers, leaving the rachis visible (except in H

longicornutum where they are very densely crowded)

Anther about 3 mm. long; bracts not densely crowded

Bracts glabrous 3. H. colnum.

Bracts hairy

Calyx tube 2:5 cm. long, hairy towards base only

4. H. macrorhizum.

Calyx tube 4 cm. long, fay throughout

Leaves to 45 by 12 cm.; ligule hairy

5. H. hirsutissimum.

Leaves to 28 by 7-5 cm.; ligule glabrous

6. H. paludosum.

Anther 7-10 mm. long; bracts densely crowded;

epiphyte 7. H. longicornutum.

1. Hedychium chrysoleucum Hook., Bot. Mag. t. 4516.

1850. HAH. coronarium var. chrysoleucum Bak., F.B. I.

6: 226. 1892.

Plant about 100 cm. tall. Leaves to about 40 by 8 ecm.,

with narrow tip c. 3 em. long and narrowly cuneate base,

hardly stalked, hairy on midrib beneath and.sparsely so on

sheath; ligule to 4 em. long, hairy. Inflorescence erect;

peduncle short; rachis and bracts together to 12 cm. long;

lower bracts imbricating, about 5 cm. long, very broad, bluntly

pointed; hairy towards apex and on the upper edge; upper

bracts folded round their flowers. Ovary hairy. Calyx tube

narrow, c. 3-7 cm. long, glabrous except for a few hairs at

the top. Corolla-tube projecting 4 cm. beyond the end of the

calyx tube; lobes nearly 4 cm. long, narrow, pale yellow.

Staminodes and lip white, flushed orange-yellow or salmon

towards base; staminodes as long as petals, 1:2 cm. wide.

Labellum as long as staminodes, 3-5 cm. wide, bilobed, lobes

rounded, the cleft between them 8 mm. deep. Filament about

as long as lip, orange or salmon; anther 1 cm. long, the -free

basal lobes of the pollen-sacs 3 mm, long.

This species was originally described from plants taken

to Europe and there cultivated. Its distribution is un-

certain. Plants have been found on Penang Hill and in

Kelantan; it is possible that they are escapes from cultiva-

tion.

H. chrysoleucum is certainly very closely allied to H.

coronarwum, and has been ranked as a variety of that

species; but H. coronarium has a lip 5 cm. wide, staminodes

2:2 ecm. wide and a shorter filament. The bracts are

identical in both, though Schumann says not.

SPECIMENS. Penang Hill, 2,500 feet, S.F.N. 2571

(Burkill). Kelantan. Kampong Parit, S.F.N. 10232 (Haniff

and Nur).

Gardens Bulletin, S.

2. Hedychium malayanum Ridl., Flora M. Penin. 4: 241.

1924.

Height of stems not recorded. Leaves to 35 cm, long,

longest leaves 8-11 cm. wide, glabrous, widest 1/4-1/3 from

the apex, apex in lowest leaves broadly pointed, in upper

leaves shortly tipped, basal 2/3 gradually narrowed, base very

narrowly cuneate; petiole to about 4 cm. long; ligule broad,

to 4 em. long, hairy; sheath and midrib of leaf sparsely hairy.

Peduncle short, stout, curved, short-hairy. Inflorescence from

base of lowest bract to tip of apical one c. 14 cm. long. Bracts

very broad, overlapping, glabrous, lowest about 6 cm. long

and 4 cm. wide, apex broadly rounded with a very small

thickened tip; each bract enclosing 3 or more flowers; bracteole

broad, hairy, 3 cm. long, tubular at base only. Flowers white.

Calyx tube slender, 6-5 cm. long, widening a little in the distal

half, glabrous except for a few hairs on the short teeth, cleft

to a depth of 3 mm. Corolla-tube slender, 4 cm. longer than

the calyx; lobes’ 4-4-5 em. long, narrow. Staminodes 5-5-5 cm.

long, 8 mm. wide, widest near blunt apex. Labellum 3-8-4:8

em. long, basal 1-1-5 cm. narrow, blade of lip obovate, c. 1-6

wide, cleft to a depth of 1-5 em., inner edges of lobes nearly

straight and close together, outer edges curved, tips shortly

pointed. Filament 5 em. long beyond tube of flower; anther

9 mm. long, the free; basal ends of the pollen-sacs 3 mm. long;

not diverging. Stigma densely hairy, hairs nearly 1 mm. long.

The species has been found several times both at

Fraser’s Hill and at Cameron Highlands, and is to be

expected at other places on the Main Range. There is much

variation in the size of the parts of the flower, though the

proportion of the parts is naturally constant. The size of

labella of different flowers on the same inflorescence may

vary. The relative depth of the cleft of the lip varies a

little. Ridley states that the calyx is half an inch long, but

the calyces he saw were broken.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Fraser’s Hill, Mrs. Ferguson-

Davie, October 1921 (type); Upper Tras Valley, S.F.N. 7875

(Burkill and Holttum). Cameron Highlands, 4,800 feet,

Henderson s.n. 3.4.1930; Batten-Pooll s.n., November 1939;

Boh Plantations, 4,000 feet, S.F.N. 32581 (Md. Nur). Telom,

Ridley s.n. November 1908. .

3. Hedychium collinum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 103. 1899.

Flora 4: 241.

Plant to c. 100 cm. tall. Leaves to 30 by 6-5 cm., narrowly

elliptical, acuminate, glabrous; stalk to about 1 cm. long;

ligule to 2 cm. long, glabrous. Inflorescence usually bent at

an angle to the leaf-stem; rachis to 12 cm. long, glabrous;

peduncle 2-3 cm., curved. Bracts to 3-3 cm. long, broadly

pointed, glabrous, embracing the flowers, each with 2 or 3

flowers; bracteoles tubular rather sparsely hairy, the hairs

straight, to about 2 mm. long. Calyx hairy throughout, more

densely towards base, 3-5-4 cm. long, teeth blunt, cleft 3—4mm.

Corolla-tube protruding 2 cm. beyond calyx, slender; segments

c. 3-5 em. long, 2 mm. wide near apex, white or very pale

greenish. Staminodes as long, and 3 mm. wide, colour as

petals. Lip white, deeply cleft, the halves with one straight

and one rounded edge, bluntly pointed, each c. 8-10 mm. wide.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

Stamen: filament red, slender, c. 5-5 cm. long. Anther 3 mm.

long, the short basal lobes slightly diverging. Stigma with

hairs on edges.

Ridley states that the inflorescence is nodding; but it

is more probably erect from a partially decumbent stem,

as in some other species.

SPECIMENS. Kedah. Kedah Peak, 4,000 feet, Ridley s.n.

June 1893 (type); Robinson and Kloss, 6027 (F.M.S. Mus.).

Pahang. G. Tahan, Ridley 15945; Wray and Robinson 5513;

4,500 feet, S.F.N. 20781 (Holttum).

4. Hedychium macrorhizum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 102.

1899; ° Wiora’4?' 242.

Epiphyte: roots stout. Stems ec. 30 cm. long below

inflorescence (Ridley). Leaves 20 by 6 to 23 by 5 cm,

narrowly elliptic-oblong, apex apparently short-pointed, gla-

brous, stalk under 1 cm. long, ligule c. 3 mm. long, short-hairy.

Inflorescence bent at an angle to the leaf-stem; scape short;

rachis slender, 20 cm. long, sparsely hairy. Bracts 1-5-8 cm.

apart, to 2-5 cm. long and 7 cm. wide, hairy at base, apex

broadly rounded, hardly pointed, each with 3 flowers; bracteoles

much shorter, similarly hairy. Flowers white. Calyx tube

slender, to 2-5 cm. long, hairy in basal part, teeth rather broad,

blunt, cleft only 1-5 ecm. Corolla-tube about 1-5 cm. longer

than calyx: corolla-lobes c. 2-2 em. long, under 2 mm. wide.

Staminodes little shorter and wider than corolla-lobes. Lip

deeply bifid, c. 2 cm. long, lobes narrowed to tips, each 3 mm.

wide at base. Stamen filament 3-5 cm. long. Anther 3 mm.

long.

SPECIMENS. 15th mile Pahang Track, Selangor, Ridl.,

July 1897, 8477 (Type).

Ridley states that the inflorescence is deflexed; but it

seems more likely that the inflorescence is erect; the stem

being horizontal or obliquely ascending (as it often is in the

common epiphytic species H. longicornutum), the inflores-

cence bends at an angle to the stem to assume an upright

position.

5. Hedychium hirsutissimum Holtt., sp. nov.

Lamina fol ad 45 em. longa et 12 cm. lata, elliptica,

apice breviter acuta, basi late cuneata (?); ligula dense

hirsuta; vagina sparse hirsuta. Pedunculus curvatus, appresso-

hirsutus, 2 cm. longus; rachis inflorescentiae c. 10 cm. longa,

hirsuta; bracteae primariae 5-10 mm. dissitae, ad 2-5 cm.

longae et 8 mm. latae, obtusae, dorso hirsutissimae, flores 3

foventes. Bracteolae ad 2 cm. longae, hirsutissimae; calyx

4 cm. longus, capillis 155 mm. longis brunneis satis rigidis

vestitus, ad 3 mm. fissus, lobi parvi, conferti; corollae tubus

quam calycem 10 mm. longior, lobi c. 2-5 cm. longi, 2-5 mm.

lati, acuti; staminodia 2 cm. longa, obtusa; labellum angustum,

staminodiis aequilongum, bilobatum; filamentum lobos corollae

haud superans (?); anthera 3 mm. longa, thecis basi liberis,

obtusis, haud divergentibus.

TYPUS: Perak, Taiping Hill, 4,300 feet, leg. Berwick,

no. 215, 12.12.1939.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

This species is nearly allied to H. paludosum, but has

longer leaves and a hairy ligule. Unfortunately only a

single leaf and inflorescence are available, so that the habit

of the plant is unknown. It may possibly be an epiphyte.

The very large leaf and very hairy inflorescence are striking

characters. When better material is available it is prob-

able that more distinctions from H. paludoswm will be found.

It is remarkable that this species was found on Taiping

Hills, an area which has been visited by many botanists in

the last 60 years and of which the flora is better known than

that of most parts of Malaya.

6. Hedychium paludosum Hend., Journ. M.B.R.A.S. 5: 278.

1927.

Terrestrial, in sphagnum bogs. Height of stems ec. 120-

150 cm. Leaves: blade glabrous, to 28 by 7-5 cm., narrowly

elliptic, apical 2-3 cm. very narrow, petiole under 1 cm. long,

ligule 2-3 cm. long, glabrous. Inflorescence erect, to about

18 cm. long; peduncle 2-10 cm., rachis more or less clothed

with appressed straight hairs 2-3 mm. long. Bracts to 2-5 cm.

long, hairy on back, broadly pointed, enclosing 2 or 3 flowers,

upper bracts somewhat smaller than lower. Bracteoles hairy,

tubular. Calyx tube 4 em. long, densely hairy, slender, cleft

about 3 cm. on one side only. Corolla-tube slender, protruding

about 2-5 cm. beyond calyx; lobes 3 cm. long, widest near

acute apex, 2 mm. wide, white. Stamnodes as long as petals,

thinner and a little wider, more narrowly pointed. Lip white,

as long as staminodes, deeply cleft, the halves pointed, each

about 7 mm. wide. Stamen: filament red, slender, 6 cm. long:

anther hardly 3 mm. long, the pollen-sacs diverging a little

at the base, bluntly rounded, the free parts little over 4% mm.

long. Stigma small cup-shaped, edges short-hairy. Fruits

said to be deep orange: not seen.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Cameron Highlands, 4,800 feet,

S.F.N. 17844 leg. Henderson (Type); Batten-Pooil s.n.

November 1939; F.D. 20834 (Symington); 4,800 feet, S.F.N.

23280 (Henderson).

This species occurs at Cameron Highlands in Sphagnum

bogs in open places, associated with Dilochia Cantley,

Nepenthes sanguinea and other interesting plants. Where

it occurs, it is abundant, and flowers freely. It is very

nearly related to H. collinum Ridl. but seems to be larger

and has the bracts and rachis of the inflorescence hairy. It

may perhaps be specially adapted to the sphagnum-bog

habitat while H. collinum grows under different conditions.

7. Hedychium longicornutum Bak., F.B. I. 6: 228. 1892.

Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 100. 1899. Flora 4: 242. H.

crassifollum Bak., F.B. I. 6: 228. 1892. Fig. 6, 7.

Epiphyte with fleshy roots. Stems to about 60 cm. long.

Leaves: texture very firm, to about 32 em. long; width of

leaves 30 cm. long varies from 5 to 8 cm., narrowed gradually

to base, usually widest 1/3 from apex, apex shortly narrow-

acuminate, edges hairy on the lower surface, especially towards

Vol. XIII. (1950).

apex, and midrib below sparsely hairy; ligule 2-6 cm. long,

longest on upper leaves. Inflorescence erect (peduncle usually

curved), peduncle and rachis together to c. 10 cm., bracts

and flowers densely packed: size of inflorescence varies much

with size of shoot bearing it; base of inflorescence covered with

imbricating hairy sheaths. Bracts rather densely brown-hairy,

2-5-3 cm. long, 5 mm. or more wide. Bracteoles c. 1:7 cm.

long, finely hairy, tubular. Calyx tubular, slender, with ovary

4 em. long, hairy, pale salmon, with 38 short points close

together, cleft on opposite side 5 mm. Corolla-tube little

longer than calyx, lobes in bud bright red, when expanded

duller, the edges much inrolled, 4-6 em. long, ec. 5 mm. wide

when flattened. Staminodes curled backwards, slightly fleshy

with shining surface, light orange-scarlet, yellow towards base,

about 3-2 em. long and 5 mm. wide. Lip 2-4 cm. long, divided

almost to the base, the two halves curled backwards, long-

pointed, each about 2-5 mm. wide near the base, colour as

staminodes. Stamen: filament 5—7 cm. long beyond corolla-

tube, apex cream, base pale salmon, anther slightly curved,

1-1-2 cm. long, yellow to orange, free basal lobes 2 mm. long,

not diverging. Stylodes 2 mm. long, fleshy, blunt, not sur-

rounding the style, pale yellow. Ovary 5 mm. long, densely

hairy. Fruit strongly angled, slightly hairy, 2-2-5 em. long,

orange; seeds 10-12 in each loculus, ellipsoid, 4-5 mm. long,

with red aril divided into many narrow flat ribbons longer

than the seed, their ends intertwined; dehisced fruit bright

orange within.

There are many collections of this species, from al)

parts of Malaya except Singapore. The plants grow in low

country or at moderate altitudes, as epiphytes in forest, in

shady places, often not far above the ground. The width

of leaves varies much on different shoots of the same plant,

but is fairly uniform on each shoot; the lowest leaves are

always shortest. Narrow leaves are about equally narroy’-

ed to base and apex, wider leaves widest near apex, on the

same plant.

. The species H. crassifolium Bak. is described as differ-

ing from H. longicornutum as follows: leaves narrower

(thev are very variable), flowers bright yellow (the colour

varies), bracts glabrous, corolla-lobes and lip a little longer.

The differences are thus hardly definable, and the two

species are most probably identical. They were described

simultaneously, and were first united by Ridley, who chose

the name H. longicornutum.

4. CAMPTANDRA RIDLEY

Leafy stems usually close together, slender, each bear-

ing 2-6 leaves on the upper half, the lower part covered by

bladeless sheaths. Leaf blade elliptic, asymmetric, acute,

petiole short to fairly long. Inflorescence terminal on the

leafv stem, consisting of a single cincinnus in the axil of a

large concave bract, the axis of the inflorescence continued

Gardens Bulletin, S.

for a short distance only beyond the bract; rarely the axis

is continued further and bears a second bract. Bracteoles

thin, broad, with inflexed sides, each in turn completely

enclosing the remaining parts of the cincinnus, the sides

quite free, not tubular. Ovary 3-locular, with many ovules.

Calyx short, narrowly funnel-shaped, the lobes short and

broad. Corolla-tube slender, somewhat longer than the

bract; lobes broad, subequal, the apical one concave with a

short point at the tip. Staminodes nearly circular, spread-

ing, white or lilac-mauve. Lip broad, spreading, 2-lobed,

the lobes round, coloured like the staminodes, with or with-

out yellow or crimson marks near the base; base slightly

grooved, leading to the tube of the flower. Filament very

short and broad; anther with parallel poillen-sacs which are

separately prolonged at the base into parallel blunt sterile

appendages set at an obtuse angle to the fertile part and

nearly as long; apex of connective not prolonged into a

crest. Stigma spherical, much wider than the style, with a

narrow elliptic mouth. Stylodes absent. Fruit ellipsoid,

thin-walled, containing many seeds, covered with translu-

cent arils.

Camptandra is a small genus, only known to occur in

Malaya and Borneo; it may be expected also in Sumatra.

It is closely allied to Stahlianthus of Indo-China, and the

two might perhaps be united; but the published details

concerning the inflorescence of Stahlianthus are not ade-

quate to decide the question.

The inflorescence of Camptandra has always been called

terminal, and so in a sense it is; but the flowers are all part

of a cincinnus in the axil of a bract, and so are on a lateral

branch-system. The terminal part of the inflorescence is

a short slender tip extending just above the insertion of

the bract, and has not been mentioned by any author; it

sometimes extends and bears another bract containing a

cincinnus of fiowers. The structure of the inflorescence is

like that of Scaphochlamys malaccana if cut off just above

the first bract. The habit of the plant, with slender stem

bearing a few leaves in its apical part, is very unlike any

Scaphochlamys, though quite like Boesenbergia pulcherrima.

The structure of the flowers is very like Kaempferia, except

for the basal sterile extensions of the pollen-sacs and the

lack of anther-crest. The complete absence of stylodes

occurs also in Kaempferia cuneata Gagnep. (from descrip-

tion, not seen). The base of the anther is very much like

that found in Roscoea. The genus is in fact one of the

Kaempferia group but distinct in its habit, its peculiar

inflorescence combined with the anther-structure. The

seeds also are very numerous, and Ridley reports that fruits

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

are freely produced. In contrast to Scaphochlamys, the

species are not highly localized; C. parvula is one of the

most widespread forest plants in Malaya, and often

abundant.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF CAMPTANDRA

Leaves about 6-8 by 2:5-3-5 cm., base narrowly rounded to

cuneate 1. C. parwula.

Leaves larger, base cordate or subcordate

Stems 30-50 cm. long to top of bract, with 4-6 leaves

2. C. latifolia

Stems 10-20 cm. long to top of bract, with 2 (rarely 3)

leaves d. C. ovata.

1. Camptandra parvula (King ex Bak.) Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S.

o2: 104. 1899. Flora 4: 243. Kaempferia parvula King

ex Bak... (FB. To 6: 2235 see

Stems growing in a tuft, close together, slender, about

10-20 em. long from base to top of inflorescence, bearing 3-5

leaves. Leaves usually 6-8 cm. (exceptionally to 10 em.) long

and 2-5-3-5 em. wide, asymmetric with a curved midrib, elliptic,

apex shortly acuminate, base rather narrowly rounded to

cuneate; petiole usually 5-10 mm. long, exceptionally to 2 cm.;

sheath to about 2 cm. long; ligule-lobes narrowly triangular,

about 5 mm. long; lower surface of leaf and petiole, also

ligule and sheath short-hairy; young leaves pinkish, sheaths

and petioles sometimes red. Peduncle shorter than the upper-

most leaf-sheath. Bract 1, or rarely 2, fleshy, when flattened

ovate, the sides infolded towards the base, spreading near

the acute apex; length about 3-3-8 cm., width 2-4-3 cm. when

fattened, slightly hairy near apex only; base adnate to the

axis for a height of about 5 mm., the slender axis-tip extending

about 4 mm. beyond this. About 4 flowers in each bract.

First bracteole about 8 mm. long, nearly 1 cm. wide at base;

second about 6 mm. long. Ovary at flowering about 4 mm.

long. Calyx (without ovary) 6 mm. long; narrowly funnel-

shaped, lobes unequal, short, truncate, fringed with a few hairs.

Corolla-tube 1-3 em. long, widening slightly towards the open-

ing; lobes white, about 8 mm. long and 7 mm. wide, the

dorsal one concave with a short tip, all oblong with broad apex.

Staminodes about 1-2 cm. long and 1-0 cm. wide, spreading,

nearly circular, white. Labellum about 1-4 cm. long and 1-5

cm. wide, 2-lobed about half-way to the base, the lobes rounded

and overlapping, grooved towards the base, white with an

orange-yellow spot in the middle at the base, with a pink to

crimson band and short rays on either side of it. Anther

4 mm. long from attachment to apex of pollen-sacs; basal

appendages 3 mm. long.

The species is found in lowland forest and to medium

elevations on the mountains in almost all parts of Malaya

(not Singapore Island), being often quite abundant. It

appears sometimes to occur as high as 3,000 feet; above this

the other species are found. Of his collection at Ulu

Gardens Bulletin, S..

Bendong, Kemaman (700 feet alt.) Corner notes “common

in the forest, on stream sides and on rocks in streams and

waterfalls.”

Corner’s S.F.N. 30874 from Ulu Segun (G. Panti) had

the stem and peticles red, the leaves only slightly hairy

beneath, and pink markings on the lip. It is more slender

in habit than some other collections. Whether it is a

distinct variety is unknown, as such colour-notes are lacking

in the case of other specimens. Of this collection Corner

states “growing on the big rocks in the river and riverside,

in flood zone, common.”

2. Camptandra latifolia Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 105. 1899.

Flora 4: 248. Fig. 8.

Stems 30-50 em. tall, bearing 4-6 leaves. Leaf-blade 10

by 4 to 20 by 8 cm. (exceptionally to 10 cm. wide), slightly

asymmetric, ovate to elliptic with rather abruptly caudate

apex (the cauda to 2-5 cm. long, narrow), base slightly cordate,

main veins numerous, close, usually glabrous except for the

base of the midrib beneath and the upper part of the petiole;

petiole and sheaths usually purplish; petiole 2-3 cm. long;

ligule lobes short, broad and rounded, 2-3 mm. long. Pedunele

shorter than uppermost sheath. Bract solitary, about 3-3-5

em. long, to about 5 cm. wide (when flattened), green. Calyx

about 8 mm. long. Corolla-tube 2-5-3-5 em. long; lobes

1-5-2:0 cm. long, white. Staminodes to about 2-5 cm. long,

white or violet. Lip 2-5-3 cm. long, wider than long, white

or violet, the ridges at the base yellow.

This is the largest species of the genus. It has been

found only on the Main Range in Perak and just over the

border on the Pahang side at 3,000-5,000 feet elevation. It

is very common at Cameron Highlands where it seems

always to have white flowers. It has not been found on

Taiping Hills nor G. Tahan.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Butjong Malacca, Ridley 9523, Curtis

3315 (flowers violet). Kinta, 3,500—4,000 feet, King’s Collector

7219 (flowers violet). G. Batu Puteh, 4,500 feet, Wray 207.

Pahang. Cameron Highlands: G. Berumban, Ridley s.n.

November 1908; near Tanah Rata, 4,800 feet, S.F.N. 17727,

flowers white (Henderson); 5,000 feet, S.F.N. 20983 (Syming-

ton); 5,000 feet, Henderson 11180 (F.M.S. Mus.); path to

Telom, 5,000 feet, Holttum s.n. 10.4.1930; Batten-Pooll s.n.

November 1939—January 1940; Rhododendron Hill, 5,000 feet,

Henderson 11061 (F.M.S. Mus.).

3. Camptandra ovata Ridl., Mat. Fl. M.P. 2: 12. 1907.

Flora 4: 244. Camptandra tahanensis Ridl., Journ.

F.M.S. Mus. 6: 184. 1915.

Stems usually 10-20 cm. long from base to the apex of

the floral bract, with 2 or rarely 3 leaves; bladeless sheaths

dull red. Leaf-blade variable, to about 12 cm. long and 4-5 to

about 10 cm. wide, shaped as in C. latifolia but the apex less

narrowly caudate and usually with fewer main veins, the lower

surface quite glabrous; petiole 1-5-4 cm. long; ligule short

and rounded as in C. latifolia; sheath glabrous, flushed with

Vol. XIII. (1950).

dull red. Peduncle as long as or a little longer than the

uppermost leaf-sheath (to 1-5 cm. longer). Bract 2-3 cm. long,

wider than long. Flowers usually white (sometimes pale

violet?) ; corolla-lobes about 1-1 em. long and rest of flower

in proportion.

This species has been found on G. Tahan, and on the

Main Range at and near Fraser’s Hill. Ridley described a

specimen from G. Tahan as a new species, but I see no clear

distinction between his type of C. tahanensis and that of

C. ovata. He said the corolla-tube in C. tahanensis was

much longer than the bract, but this is not shown by the

specimen; and in any case the length of the corolla-tube is

probably variable. C. ovata differs constantly from C. lati-

folia in having much shorter stems with two (or rarely 3)

leaves, leaves usually rather smaller and glabrous beneath,

bract rather smaller and flowers smaller; also in the

peduncle being usually a little longer than the uppermost

leaf-sheath. There are in the Singapore Herbarium two

specimens from Fraser’s Hill which are rather different and

may perhaps represent an undescribed species, but the

flowers are not well preserved. Their stems are stouter

than usual in C. ovata, the leaves to 11 by 6:2 cm., more

narrowly caudate than usual, the petioles are only 5-8 mm.

long and the sheaths very broad, the bracts to 3:5 em. long,

and the peduncle much shorter than the uppermost leaf-

sheath. There are however other specimens intermediate

in some of these characters.

SPECIMENS. Selangor. Semangkok Pass, 4,000 feet,

Burn-Murdoch s.n. February 1904 (Type). Ulu Semangkok,

Ridley s.n. August 1904. G. Semangkok, Ridley 15573. G.

Mengkuang Lebah, Robinson s.n. 22.1.1913. Pahang. Fraser’s

Hill, S.F.N. 10542 (Md. Nur). Fraser’s Hill, Corner s.n.

17.8.1937. G. Tahan: Ridley 15944 (type of C. tahanensis) ;

5,000 feet, S.F.N. 20942 (Holttum); 5,500-7,000 feet, S.F.N.

7951 (Haniff and Nur). DOUBTFUL SPECIMENS. Fraser’s Hill:

S.F.N. 8639 (Burkill and Holttum); Henderson 11235 (Herb.

F.M.S. Mus.).

5. SCAPHOCHLAMYS BAKER

Rhizome creeping, or ascending obliquely and supported

on stilt-roots, or almost erect, of long or short elements,

each bearing bladeless sheaths and one or more leaves

and ending in an inflorescence, the next rhizome-element

arising as an axillary bud. Roots relatively slender,

not bearing tubers. JLeaf-blade almost always a little

asymmetric, usually elliptic, sometimes purple beneath but

more usually green, often slightly hairy beneath, especially

on the midrib but never densely so; petiole long or short;

ligule consisting of two lobes, usually triangular, small

to large, with a very narrow connecting ridge across

the base of the petiole; sheath short or long, usually

Gardens Bulletin, S.

with broad thin edges connected with the ligule. Scape

very short or up to nearly 20 cm. long. Inflorescence

compact and ovoid or ellipsoid, or lax, with the bracts

spirally arranged, sometimes spreading and showing the

rachis, the lowest ones maturing and flowering first. Bracts

usually 2-5 em. long, firm to thin, hairy or nearly glabrous,

green or flushed with purple, not joined together laterally.

Flowers 1-7 in the axil of each bract, each with a bracteole.

Outer bracteole facing the bract and nearly always consider-

ably shorter, not tubular at the base, but its edges infolded

to enclose all the flower-buds and their bracteoles, usually

with two conspicuous slightly keeled nerves, sometimes

3-lobed at the apex; either one or two flowers in the axil of

this bracteole. Inner bracteoles usually much shorter,

sometimes nearly as long as the first, 2-ranked, each with

a flower in its axil, the flowers (where many) in 2 alternate

rows both towards one side of the axis. Ovary often unilo-

cular with a small basal group of ovules (sometimes reduced

to one) or trilocular; where unilocular, the rudiments of

septa often present as longitudinal ridges inside the ovary.

Calyx usually shorter than the first bracteole, the teeth near

together and short, split about 14, or more down the other

side. Corolla-tube about as long as bract, or longer, the

basal part slender, the apical nart widening to a narrow

funne!; lobes relatively narrow, the dorsal one somewhat

wider than the others, all spreading obliquely, nearly always

white. Staminodes oblong, usually about as long and wide

as the dorsal corolla-lobe but with rounded not acute apex,

spreading obliquely. Labellum never saccate, the sides

little inflexed, usually obovate and more or less deeply

bilobed with rounded overlapping lobes, white with a median

yellow band, the band often bordered with a purple or violet

line and sometimes with crimson marks near the base,

slightly grooved in the middle towards the base, this groove

+ hairy. Filament broad, not longer than the anther and

usually a little shorter. Anther bent forward so as to be

parallel and near to the base of the lip, the pollen-sacs with

free acute basal tips (not diverging), the connective pro-

longed at the apex into a (usually 3-lobed) reflexed crest

which is usually but not always wider than the rest of the

anther and conspicuous in the throat of the flower. Stigma

shorter than the anther-crest, small, wider than the style,

with transverse elliptic mouth. Stylodes two, free to the

base, very slender and tapering to the apex. Frwit ellipsoid,

thin-walled, enclosed by the persistent bracts, at least some-

times unilocular. Seeds 1-3, ellipsoid, black, with a white

aril lacerate to the base. Type species: Scaphochlamys

malaccana Bak., F.B. I. 6: 252. 1892.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

The main distinguishing feature of this genus is the

inflorescence. The bracts are spirally arranged (sometimes

on a steep spiral), not laterally joined, each with a cincinnus

of several flowers in its axil. This cincinnus is entirely

enclosed by a more or less two-keeled bract which almost

symmetrically faces the primary bract, its edges free to the

base. The cincinnus is of normal structure, but the axes

are hardly elongated, so that the whole is very condensed

and its structure not very easy to distinguish. The secon-

dary bracts of the cincinnus are usually all much smaller

than the first 2-keeled one, but in a few cases nearly as long.

They are quite open to the base, never tubular. The whole

inflorescence develops in the normal way from base to apex,

not the reverse as in Boesenbergia.

This inflorescence is distinguished from Curcuma by

the primary bracts being entirely free from each other (not

joined to form pouches as in Curcuma) and by the presence

of the 2-keeled bract facing the primary bract. Apart from

this there are differences in flower-structure discussed by

Valeton. The board faux with a hairy ring is not present

in Scaphochlamys and the parts of the flower always spread

widely. The two genera agree in having the bases of the

pollen-sacs free, but in Scaphochlamys the basal sterile

spurs of most Curcumas are absent.

Relationships with Kaempferia are discussed under

that genus. The two genera are very closely allied, and a

good case for their union can be argued, but I consider it

preferable at present to maintain them separate. The

distinction that in Scaphochlamys there are several flowers

to a primary bract and in Kaempferia only one breaks down

at Scaphochlamys biloba which has only one flower. Sca-

phochlamys biloba also shows an interesting relationship

with Zingiber; the structure and relative positions of bract

and bracteole (i.e. the 2-keeled bract which alone remains

of the secondary bracts) are exactly as in an inflorescence

of Zingiber, and indicate the relationship of Zingiber to this

group of genera, not to Amomum with which it was placed

by Schumann. Another character in common between S.

biloba (and other species of Scaphochlamys and Boesen-

bergia) and Zingiber is the presence (in dried specimens)

of very dark violet linear spots in the tissue of the thin

translucent edges of the bracts and sometimes in calyx and

corolla also.

Vegetatively, Scaphochlamys is fairly uniform. The

rhizome is never so fleshy as in Kaempferia or some species

of Boesenbergia, nor (so far as known) does it have root-

tubers as in many species of Kaempferia, Boesenbergia

and Curcuma. The branches of the sympodium are either

Gardens Bulletin, S.

short or fairly long; their length, their position (whether

creeping or obliquely ascending) and the number of leaves

on each are characteristic. The inflorescence is always

terminal, and there is no distinction between vegetative and

fertile shoots (some shoots may fail to produce an inflores-

cence, as in such a genus as Alpinia, but they are otherwise

.dentical with those which do). It is quite incorrect to

speak of the inflorescence as lateral, as Ridley has done.

When there is only one foliage leaf on each branch, there

are also bladeless sheaths, and the young inflorescence is

protected by the longest sheath, imbricating with the sheath

of the foliage leaf.

Owing to lack of information about inflorescence-

characters, it is impossible to say how widely the genus

Scaphochlamys, as here limited, is distributed. It is cer-

tainly distributed throughout Western Malaysia and pro-

bably into Burma. In Malaya it is one of the most

polymorphic groups of the family Zingiberaceae, and has

more local species than any other. I have been obliged to

describe eight new species, and certainly still more exist.

It seems likely that every district of Malaya has its peculiar

group of species. More field study is needed to test their

uniformity of character and to find the limits of their

distribution. One would suspect hybridization, except that

the plants in one neighbourhood appear to be very uniform.

The genus Scaphochlamys was established by Baker,

who described only the one species S. malaccana. He did

not see the staminodes, and placed the genus near Elettaria.

He did not regard the structure of the inflorescence as

important, and placed in Kaempferia the only other Malayan

species which he described (S. concinna), just as he placed

one Malayan Boesenbergia in Gastrochilus and another in

Kaempferia.

Ridley transferred S. malaccana to Gastrochilus (as

Gastrochilus scaphochlamys), and included in Gastrochilus

also most of the other Malayan species of Scaphochlamys,

(though he got them thoroughly mixed up among species of

Boesenbergia), but for no apparant reason excluded three

of them as Hitcheniopsis. Ridley had no understanding of

the vegetative structure of the plants nor of the inflores-

cence. His work is too full of errors and confusions to

warrant discussion. Schumann’s conception of the genera

Gastrochilus and Kaempferia was also confused, as shown

by Valeton, partly owing to inaccurate information in

Ridley’s published descriptions. Schumann has species of

both Boesenbergia and Scaphochlamys in his genus

Kaempferia and also in his genus Gastrochilus, and some

Scaphochlamys also in Curcuma.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

- Valeton was the first person to show clearly the

difference between the group of Gastrochilus pulcherrimus

Wall. (now Boesenbergia pulcherrima) and that of Scapho-

chlamys malaccana, as regards the inflorescence. He still

however included all in the genus Gastrochilus Wall. (=

Boesenbergia O. Ktze). As far as flower-structure is con-

cerned, Scaphochlamys is somewhat intermediate between

Boesenbergia and Kaempferia, perhaps inclining more to

the latter, though its species never (so far as known) show

the very broad staminodes resembling the halves of the lip,

giving an almost flat quadrate flower, as seen in typical

Kaempferia. But in inflorescence-characters Boesenbergia

and Scaphochlamys are so distinct that, if they were

merged, the only rational procedure would be to include

Kaempferia also. Accepting inflorescence-structure as the

basic criterion for generic distinction, Boesenbergia and

Scaphochlamys are as distinct as any genera in the family

Zingiberaceae.

Loesener, in the second edition of the Pflanzenfamilien,

is little in advance of Schumann. He quotes Valeton’s

proposal to sub-divide the genus Gastrochilus (in the broad

sense) on inflorescence-characters, but, having inadequate

information is unable to apply the scheme to a number of

species, and so retains Schumann’s unsatisfactory divisions.

He adopts the name Boesenbergia instead of Gastrochilus,

but includes in it uncritically a great variety of species.

The structure of the partial inflorescences of Scapho-

chlamys (i.e. the groups of flowers which are enclosed by

each bract) was not quite accurately described by Valeton.

For his Gastrochilus laxiflorum (very closely allied to S.

malaccana) he stated that “each flower is semi-involute by

a small bract (12 mm. long) and accompanied by two very

small bracteoles.”” I have dissected many inflorescences of

different species of Scaphochlamys and have never seen

these two bracteoles; I suspect the statement is due to an

error of observation. Valeton also (following Ridley)

speaks of the inflorescence as lateral, from the rhizome;

but it is always terminal on a branch of the Sympodium, as

above stated.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF

SCAPHOCHLAMYS

Each new branch of the sympodium bearing one leaf only

Bracts about 5 cm. long 1. Scaphochlamys sp.

Bracts to about 3-5 cm. long

One flower in the axil of each bract; bracteole

longer than bract

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Upper surface of leaf with broad irregular

pale longitudinal band in each half

2. 8S. biloba.

Upper surface without such band

3. S. longifolia.

More than one flower in the axil of each bract;

bracteoles shorter than bract

Leaves purple beneath

Scape about 15 cm. long

4. S. sylvestris.

Scape much shorter

Corolla-lobes 1:55 cm. long; bracts

2-7-3:5 cm. long

5. S. oculata (see also

S. concinna).

Corolla-lobes 8 mm. long; bracts

1:3 em. long 6. S. pennipicta.

Leaves not purple beneath

Inflorescence lax, of 47 well-spaced

bracts 7. S. atroviridis.

Inflorescence compact, of many bracts

which are closely imbricating and hide

the rachis entirely

Lip with two crimson patches at the

base; anther-crest small

8. S. concinna.

Lip with violet lines on either side of

the yellow band and rather large

violet anther-crest

9. S. breviscapa.

At least some branches of the sympodium, and usually all,

bearing more than one leaf

Bracts about 3 cm. long, as wide as long, or wider

aa . S. Kunstleri.

Bracts much longer than wide

Scape 7-18 cm. long, much longer than the com-

pact inflorescence 11. S. perakensis.

Scape usually less than 7 cm. long, always shorter

than the inflorescence

Inflorescence 15-23 cm. long; bracts 1-5-2 cm.

apart, narrow, closely appressed to rachis

S. tenuis.

Inflorescence shorter, bracts arranged other-

wise

Leaf-blade to 12 by 3-5 em., with white

bars; inflorescence short, with about

5 spreading bracts 13. S. lanceolata.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

Leaf-blade of largest leaves much larger,

without white bars; inflorescence

usually with more than 5 bracts

Inflorescence compact, the bracts

imbricating so as to hide the rachis

completely

Bracts glabrous except at tip;

rhizome erect, bearing 8-10

or more leaves on a single

branch 14. S. erecta.

Bracts hairy almost all over, at

least when young; shoots not

erect, with fewer leaves

Edges of bracts conspicu-

ously crisped

15....S: Kilossee

Edges of bracts not or very

slightly crisped

Leaves to 50 cm. long

16. S. grandis.

Leaves to 20 cm. long

17. S. Burkillu.

Inflorescence lax, showing the rachis

between the bracts

Bracts with crisped edges

Bracts almost glabrous,

edges spreading near

apex; rhizome _ erect,

bearing 8-10 or more

leaves on a single branch

14. S. erecta.

Bracts hairy almost all

over at least when young,

edges incurved to apex;

rhizome creeping or as-

cending obliquely, bran-

ches with fewer leaves

15. S. Klossi.

Edges of bracts not crisped

Corolla-lobes 8 mm. long;

lip with 2 red spots at

base

18. S. rubromaculata

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Corolla-lobes longer; lip

without red spots

Ends of bracts broad

and flattened, giving

‘a spathulate appear-

ance

19. S. malaccana.

Ends of bracts with

edges inflexed to the

apex, apex acute

20. S. sub-biloba.

Scaphochiamys sp.

Rhizome c. 6 mm. thick when dry; intervals between

leaf-shoots 6 cm. or longer. Leaf-shoots 1-leaved, with a few

broad thin bladeless sheaths, the longest c. 8 cm. long. Leaf-

blade c. 28 by 15 cm., slightly asymmetric, elliptic, apex broad

and hardly pointed, base broadly cuneate, lower surface

sparsely hairy throughout, rather densely so on the midrib;

petiole with sheath c. 25 em. long; sheath apparently very short

(not seen). Scape c. 3 em. long, hairy. Inflorescence apparently

rather obovoid in outline owing to the spreading of the ends

of the bracts, c. 6 cm. long and 5 cm. wide. Bracts about 5

by 1-6 cm., the basal half or more nearly oblong, the apical

1/3 tapering to an acute point which is curved slightly out-

wards, almost glabrous except for a few hairs at the apex,

thin, with thinner not crisped edges; about 3 flowers in each

bract-axil. Bracteoles: 1st about 2-7 cm. long, 3-lobed; 2nd

about 2:7 cm. long; 3rd about 2-5 cm. long; “all very thin.

Calyx with ovary ec. 1-8 cm. long (?).

In its broad long-stalked leaves, short scape, long

bracts, and bracteoles all rather long and nearly the same

length, this species is near S. oculata (Ridl.), and is pro-

bably allied. It has however much larger bracts, leaves with

very broad blunt apex and hairy beneath, and the flowers

are perhaps larger. I think it must be a quite distinct

species, but in the absence of flowers do not name it at

present.

SPECIMEN. Pahang. Karak Forest Reserve, Bentong,

‘S.F.N. 13882 (Best).

2. Scaphochlamys biloba (Ridl.) Holtt., comb.

Gastrochilus bilobus Ridl., Trans. Linn. Soc. 3:

iOS. oats. Del. oc? 116.°3892.. Flora 4:

G. calophylla, Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 115. 1899.

nov.

579.

251.

Rhizome long-creeping, slender, 3 mm. thick when dry;

leaf-shoots about 5-14 cm. apart. Leaf-shoots each bearing

one bladed leaf and several bladeless sheaths; longest sheath

to 9 cm. long. Leaf-blade 21 by 6-8 cm. in type (in other

specimens to 10-5 cm. wide and sometimes both shorter and

wider than in the type), dark green above with a diffuse rather

broad pale band on each side of the midrib about half-way

towards the edge, purplish beneath and hairy on the midrib,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

apex bluntly pointed, base rounded to broadly cuneate and

somewhat decurrent; petiole purplish (always?), 18 cm. long

in type (in other specimens down to 3 cm.), more or less hairy;

sheath 2-3 cm. long. Scape of inflorescence 1-5 cm. long,

slender, slightly hairy. Inflorescence of many closely imbricating

bracts, ovoid-ellipsoid, to about 4 cm. long and 2-2-5 em. wide.

Bracts reddish, about 2 cm. long and 5 mm. wide, elliptic,

thin, glabrous, each with one flower. Bracteole a little longer

than bract, to about 2-3 cm. long, with inflexed edges. Calyx

with ovary about 1-8 cm. long. Corolla-tube about 3 cm.

long, widening towards the apex; dorsal lobe 2 cm. long,

laterals somewhat shorter, white (or pale cream?). Staminodes

white, about 1:5 cm. long and 5 mm. wide, oblong, blunt.

Labellum 2:5 em. long, about 1-8 em. wide, obovate, bilobea

to a depth of about 7 mm., the lobes rounded, white with a

central yellow patch and finely mottled with crimson or pink

near the base. Filament about 3 mm. long, broad, flushed or

spotted with red on the back; anther bent forwards, about

6 mm. long, white or faintly pinkish; crest reflexed and erect

in the mouth of the flower, not much wider than anther, almost

circular, white.

This species was described by Ridley from a dried

specimen collected near the Tahan river, and from a culti-

vated plant which he brought to Singapore. There is a

good coloured drawing of the latter. The wild plant had a

long-creeping rhizome, but the drawing (presumably of a

plant in a pot) does not show this. The drawing shows

short-petioled leaves, whereas the dried specimen has a long

petiole. There are dried specimens from S. Keteh with

short-petioled leaves exactly as those of the drawing and

cthers with long petioles; it seems certain therefore that

the length of petiole can vary considerably with change of

environment. There are also colour notes on S.F.N. 8048

and 19663 which agree with the coloured drawing mentioned

above.

The inflorescence of the type is in a poor condition.

The information that the bracts each have one flower is

obtained from S.F.N. 8048. obtained near the type locality.

Ridley says there are two bracteoles, but there is only one

to each bract in 8048. With the reduction to a single

bracteole, the arrangement of flowers is as in Zingiber, and

the appearance of the bracteole, thin with inflexed edges and

linear dark purplish spots when dry, is just as in Zingiber.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Kuala Tenok, Ridley s.n., 26.7.1891

(Type). Teku River, G. Tahan, S.F.N. 8048 (Haniff and

Nur). Kelantan. Ulu Sungei Ketih (Ketil), S.F.N. 12098

(Md. Nur). Sungei Ketil, S.F.N. 19663 (Henderson).

var. lanceolata Ridl. Gastrochilus bilobus var. lanceolata

Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 57: 102. 1910. Gastrochilus minor

quoad Ridl., Flora 4: 252, not of Baker. ~

Differs from the typical form of the species: 1. rhizome

elements shorter (always?), commonly 2-3 em. long; 2. leaf-

blade 12 by 2-7 to 16 by 4-5 em., distinctly pointed at apex

Gardens Bulletin, S.

and decurrent at base, texture rather tough when dry: petiole

and sheath together 5-10 cm. long.

Perak. Temango, Ridley 14422. This agrees very closely

with the Pahang specimen in inflorescences and flowers. I

think Ridley was right in ranking it a variety; but quite wrong

in identifying it with G. minor Bak., which from descriptions

must be quite different.

3. Scaphochlamys longifolia (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Gastrochilus longifolius Ridl., Flora Mal. Pen. 4: 252.

1924.

Rhizome slender, creeping. Leaf-shoots with one leaf and

a few biadeless sheaths. Leaf-blade to about 23 by 7-5 cm.,

slightly asymmetric, elliptic, with shortly acuminate apex and

cuneate base slightly decurrent, hairy on the midrib beneath;

petiole slender, about 15 cm. long, hairy; sheath about 5 cm.

long. Scape of inflorescence slender, to 7 cm. long, hairy.

Inflorescence ovoid, about 3-5 cm, long and 2 cm. wide. Bracts

to about 2-5 cm. long and to about 8 mm. wide near base,

tapering to acute apex, thin, ribbed when dry, short hairy

throuchout, each with one flower. Bracteoles c. 5 mm. longer

than bracts, also hairy, with inflexed edges. Flower white,

rather small, lip bilobed with rounded lobes.

The type of this species was collected at Ulu Gombak

in Selangor by Ridley and is not represented in Singapore.

Another collection from Ulu Gombak (Hume 9115, Herb.

F.M.S. Mus.) agrees well with the description so far as

vegetative parts go and has been stated by Ridley to be

probably this species. The dimensions and details of the

inflorescence are taken from this specimen, which however

does not show details as clearly as one could wish.

If my observations are correct, this species agrees with

S. biloba in its narrow one-flowered bracts with longer

bracteoles but differs in the proportionately narrower leaves

which have no white bands on the upper surface and pro-

bably in smaller flowers. Pending more information the

two should be kept separate.

4. Scaphochlamys sylvestris (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Curcuma sylvestris Ridl. Trans. Linn. Soc. 3: 378. 1893.

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 121. 1899. Hitcheniopsis sylvestris

Ridl., Flora M. P. 4: 253. 1924.

Rhizome creeping, about 6 mm. thick when dry; intervals

between leaf-shoots about 3-5 em. Leaf-shoots short, each

usually bearing one leaf and a few bladeless sheaths, the

longest sheaths to about 14 cm. long. Leaf-blade purple be-

neath, green above, to about 26 by 12 em., narrowly ovate, very

shortly acuminate, base rounded to subcordate, hairy on the

midrib beneath; petioles to about 45 cm. long, slender; sheath

about 3 em. long; ligule-lobes hardly raised above attachment of

sheath. Scape slender, about 15 em. long. Inflorescence ovoid

or ellipsoid, to about 5 cm. long and 2-5-3 em. wide, of many

imbricating bracts, slightly squarrose. Bracts glabrous, to

about 2-5 em. long and 1:5 cm. wide, elliptic, the mucronate

apex tinged with red, curved outwards, the edges thin but not

Vol. XIII. (1950).

crisped, folded almost together near the apex; each bract with

c. 3 flowers. First bracteole 1-8 cm. long, 1 cm. wide when

flattened; second 1-4 cm., 5 mm. wide when flattened. Calyx

with ovary 1-1 cm. long. Corolla-tube somewhat shorter than

bract; lobes white, about 1:2 cm. long. Staminodes white,

about as long as corolla-lobes, oblong with rounded ends.

Labellum a little longer than corolla-lobes, oblong-oboVate with

bilobed apex, white with yellow median patch with violet

streaks on either side of it. Filament short; anther 3 mm.

long; pollen-sacs with short acute free basal ends; crest broad,

recurved, violet.

This species has been only found in Pahang, near the

Tahan River and its tributary the Teku, and on G. Tapis.

It is distinct in its long-stalked short inflorescence with

broadly elliptic shortly. reflexed acute bracts, and small

flowers with violet markings on lip and violet anther-crest.

The G. Tapis specimen is similar vegetatively and in

inflorescence to the others, but the only colour notes are

“flowers pale yellow.” It might be a colour variety.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Tahan River woods, Ridley 2400

(type). Teku River, 1,500 feet, S.F.N. 8104 (Haniff and

Nur); S.F.N. 31707 (Kiah). G. Tapis ridge, near Kuantan,

2,700 feet, S.F.N. 28813 (Symington and Kiah).

Scaphochlamys oculata (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Gastrochilus oculata Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 117. 1899.

Flora: 42 251:

Rhizome slender, long-creeping, up to about 10 cm. between

leaf-shoots. Leaf-shoots each with one leaf and a few blade-

less sheaths; longest sheath about 10 cm. long, glabrous or

slightly hairy. Leaf-blade to 23 by 12 cm. or to 25 by 8 cm.,

practically glabrous, flushed with purple on the lower surface,

usually widest near the base, base rounded to cordate and

somewhat decurrent on the petiole, apex broadly pointed, not

or slightly acuminate; petiole to about 28 cm. long, glabrous;

sheath about 5 cm. long. Scape of inflorescence 2—5 cm. long,

slender, short-hairy towards apex. Inflorescence ovoid, com-

pact, to about 5 cm. long and 2-5 cm. wide, with about 15

closely imbricating bracts. Bracts about 2-7-3-5 em. long, to

about 1-5 cm. wide, ovate, blunt, almost glabrous, with narrow

thin smooth edges, the apex slightly spreading but not

recurved; each bract containing about 3 flowers. Bracteoles:

first to 2-5 em. long and 1-2 cm. wide, 3-lobed; 2nd to 2-2 cm.;

3rd to 18cm. Calyx with ovary ¢. 1-5 em. long. Corolla-tube

about 3 cm. long; lobes 1-5 em. long, dorsal one 6 mm. wide

at base, white. Staminodes white, as long as corolla-lobes,

5 mm. wide, with rounded ends. Labellum about 2-2 cm. long,

bilobed nearly half-way to the base, 1-5 cm. or rather more

wide, white with yellow centre and two crimson patches at

the base. Filament 3 mm. long, broad; anther hardly 5 mm.

long, bent forwards, pollen-sacs free at base; crest short,

hardly refiexed, not wider than rest of anther.

This species is based on a specimen of Ridley’s collected

on the Pahang Track, Selangor, in 1897. A collection made

in 1937 (S.F.N. 34353), also in Selangor, agrees well with

the type, and includes alcohol material from which the above

Gardens Bulletin, S.

measurements of the parts of the flower are taken. It is

possible that the red spots on the lip may sometimes be

absent.

S. oculata agrees with S. biloba in creeping habit with

usually long-stalked single leaves, small short-stalked inflo-

rescence, small anther-crest and flower-colouring. It differs

however in the broader base to the leaf, and much wider

bracts each containing 3 flowers. All specimens are from

Selangor except one from north-western Johore.

It is possible that S. concinna (Bak.) and the present

species should be united (see remarks under S. concinna),

in which case concinna is the older name and should be used.

SPECIMENS. Selangor. Pahang Track, 1,500 feet, Ridley

8484 (type). Bukit Batu Berinding, Kanching, 800 feet,

S.F.N. 34353 (Md. Nur). Pahang Track, Machado s.n.

Semenyih, Hume 7900 (Herb. F.M.S. Mus.). Johore. G.

Janeng, Lake and Kelsall s.n. 20.10.1892.

6. Secaphochlamys pennipicta Holtt., sp. nov.

Rhizoma tenuis, repens; caules erecti unifoliati, 3-10 cm.

dissiti, vaginis paucis maximis 6 cm. longis obtecti; folii lamina

ad 18 cm. longa et 7 cm. lata, vel ad 15 cm. longa et 7-5 cm.

lata, leviter asymmetrica, elliptica, apice latissima brevissime

acuta, basi cuneata-decurrens, supra atroviridis striis albis

penniforme ornata, subtus rubro-purpurea, glabra; petiolus

cum vagina 7-10 cm. longus; vagina verisimiliter brevis;

scapus 4-6 cm. longus, tenuis; inflorescentia ovoidea, compacta,

ec. 1-8 em. longa et 1-2 cm. lata; bracteae primariae tenues,

apice excepta glabrae, c. 1-3:cm. longae, fere ad 1 cm. latae,

ovatae, brevissime apiculatae, apicem versus leviter recurvatae,

flores duos (vel unum ?) complectentes; bractea secundaria

prima 12 mm. longa, tenuissima; calyx cum ovario c. 10 mm.

longus; tubus corollae quam calycem 3 mm. longior, lobi 8 mm.

longi, albi, lobus dorsalis latus; staminodia quam lobum dor-

salem corollae breviora et angustiora, alba; labellum album

(fascia lutea medio ornatum ?), 10 mm. longum vel paulum

longius; flamentum brevissimum; anthera 3 mm. longa, crista

parva, reflexa, quam antheram haud vel paulum _ latior.

meas Pahang, Fraser’s Hill, 4,000 feet, S.F.N. 11181, leg.

Md. Nur.

In habit and in colour of leaves (with their feather-like

white markings), this species resembles S. biloba, but it has

much smaller bracts and flowers, the outer bracts at least

have two flowers each in their axils, and the bracteole is not

longer than the bract. The only known collection is the

type.

7. Seaphochlamys atroviridis Holtt., sp. nov.

Rhizoma repens; caules erectt 1-5 cm. vel minus taaltz,

unifoliati, vaginis pluribus maxima 4-5 cm. longa breviter

pilosis plus minusve purpureo-sufflectis obtecti; lamina foli

tenuis, supra atroviridis, infra pallidior et sparse pilosa, c.

14-20 cm. longa et 6-9 cm. lata, apice rotundata, basi late

cuneata et leviter decurrens; petiolus cum vagina 6-10 cm.

” longus, vagina plerumque 1-5 cm. longa; scapus 3-5 em. longus,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

glaber vel subglaber; rachis 2-5 cm. longa, plus minusve

flexuosa, bracteas 4-7 ferens; bracteae primariae virides vel

basin versus rubro-sufflectae, patentes, angulo axillare c. 45°,

basi concavae, alabastra florum 2-5 complectentes, apicem

versus fere planae, marginibus firmis late undulatis non

crispatis, c. 3-3-5 cm. longae, ad 1-5 cm. latae, explicatae

ellipticae, apice rotundatae vel obtusae apiculo minuto hirsuto

instructae, cetera fere glabrae; flores odorati, labello excepto

albi: bractea secundaria prima c. 1 cm. longa, ceterae ad

5 mm. longae, late obliquae, apiculatae; calyx cum ovario

1-3 cm. longus; ovarium glabrum; corollae tubus ad 2-5 cm.

longus, lobi 14-15 mm. longi, subaequales, basi 4 mm. lati;

staminodia lobis corollae aequilonga, fere oblonga, e basi fere

ad apicem rotundatum leviter dilatata, 5 mm. lata; labellum

ec. 18 mm. longum, 15 mm. latum, dimidio bilobum, lobis

rotundatis imbricatis, medio fascia pallide lutea utroque latere

striis lilacinis instructa ornatum, basi macula pallida lilacina

utrinqgue prope filamentum instructum; filamentum 3 mm.

longum; thecae 3 mm. longae; crista connectivi reflexa

rotundata, leviter trilobata, lobo intermedio maximo, explanata

c. 4 mm. longa et lata; fructus ellipsoideus, 12 mm. longus,

7 mm. latus. TYPUS: Trengganu, Kemaman, Bukit Kajang,

500 feet, S.F.N. 30240, leg. Corner 4.11.1935.

This species is closely allied to S. malaccana but distinct

in its broad blunt short-stalked leaves, very dark green,

cne on each branch of the sympodium, and in shorter inflo-

rescences. A specimen from Bukit Kedondong, Malacca,

collected by Derry in 1890 and cultivated in Singapore, is

almost exactly similar to the Kemaman plants; a coloured

drawing of it was made from a potted plant.

The above description is prepared from the type collec-

tion (dried plants and flowers in alcohol) and Corner’s fiel

notes. 7

8. Scaphochlamys concinna (Bak.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Kaempferia concinna Bak., F.B. I. 6: 221. 1890. Boe-

senbergia concinna Schltr. Fed. Rep. 12: 316. 1913.

Gastrochilus concinnus Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 116.

1899. Flora 4: 251,

Rhizome slender, creeping, the leafy shoots at least some-

times close together. Leaf-shoots 1-leaved, with a few bladeless

sheaths, the longest 8 cm. long. Leaf-blade to 15 by 5 em.,

widest near more or less cordate base, apex short-acuminate

short-hairy on the midrib beneath; petiole slender, about 20 cm.

long; sheath short. Scape 2-5-4 cm. long, slender, glabrescent.

Inflorescence ellipsoid, compact, about 4 cm. long and hardly

2 wide (sometimes wider ?). Bracts red, 2-5-3 cm. long, to

about 1 cm. wide at the base, narrowed gradually to acute apex,

thin, with very thin edges, almost or quite glabrous, enclosing

2 flowers. First bracteole 2-2 em. long, thin, about 7 mm. wide;

second 1-5 cm. long. Calyx with ovary c. 1-2 cm. long. ‘Flower

white, with dark red stripes inside” (probably on lip). Anther-

crest small, entire (Baker).

The only known collection of this species is the type,

from Ulu Bubong, Perak (King’s Collector 10135) It is

Gardens Bulletin, S.

very nearly related to S. oculata (Ridl.) but has unusually

narrow leaves (apparently not purple beneath, but this is

not certain) and narrower more acute bracts. I have not

seen a flower, but the red markings agree with S. oculata

and the short anther-crest. If further collections from

Perak show the flower identical with Selangor specimens of

S. oculata, and also leaves purple beneath with variation in

width, I think the two species should be united, under the

older name concinna.

9. Scaphochlamys breviscapa Holtt., sp. nov.

Rhizoma in sicco c. 4 mm. diametro, repens; caules erecti

unifoliati, fere 2-3 cm. dissiti, vaginis obtecti, vagina maxima

14 cm. longa; lamina folii ad 26 cm. longa et 12-5 cm. lata,

ovato-acuta, brevissime acuminata, basi rotundata et leviter

decurrens, nunquam cordata, supra viridis, subtus pallidior

nunquam purpurea, costa subtus plus minusve hirsuta; petiolus

ad 35 cm. longus; vagina 2-3 cm. longa; lobi ligulae late

triangulares, 4 mm. alti, adpresso-hirsuti; scapus 1-3-5 cm.

longus, in juventute vaginis obtectus; inflorescentia compacta,

ad 6 em. longa et 2:5 cm. lata, ea S. sylvestris similis sed

apices bractearum minus patentes; bracteae primariae brevis-

sime hirsutae praesertim prope basin et margines, plus minusve

rubro-tinctae, 2-5-3 cm. longae, ad 1-5 cm. latae, dense

imbricatae, apicem versus leviter patentes marginibus inflexis,

explicatae apice obtusissimae, marginibus tenuibus leviter

erispatis; bractea secundaria prima c. 2-1 cm. longa, 8 mm.

lata, ceterae fere aequilonga; flores 3 (vel 4 ?) pro bractea;

ovarium breviter pilosum; calyx cum ovario 1-6 cm. longus,

profunde fissus, apicibus propinquis haud distinctis; corollae

tubus quam bracteam fere 8 mm. longior, lobi albi, 12 mm.

" longi, lobus dorsalis basi 5-6 mm. latus, lobi laterales

angustiores; staminodia lobis corollae fere aequilonga, oblonga,

apice rotundata, 5 mm. lata; labellum quam lobos corollae

6 mm. longius, obovatum, 1/3 basin versus bilobum, lobi

rotundati imbricati, fascia pallide lutea utroque latere stria

lilacina instructa, et striis lilacinis paucis patentibus, ornatum;

filamentum 3 mm. longum; anthera 5 mm. longa, thecae basi

acutae liberae, crista connectivi reflexa 4 mm. lata. TYPUS:

Trengganu, Kemaman, Ulu Bendong, 700 feet, S.F.N. 30021,

leg. Corner 29.11.1935. “Very common on all hillsides but

mostly sterile’.

This species is known only from the type collection and

is probably quite local in distribution, like its near ally S.

sylvestris. It differs from S. sylvestris in the leaves being

green beneath, with less broadly rounded and never sub-

cordate base, in its short scape, somewhat narrower

inflorescence, hairy bracts with less spreading and less acute

tips and slightly crisped edges. The flowers appear to be

practically identical; but I have seen only dried flowers of

S. sylvestris. S. breviscapa is also nearly allied to S.

oculata, but differs in the lilac (pale violet) lines on the lip

(which has two red patches at the base in S. oculata) and

the wider anther-crest which is also lilac.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

10. Scaphochlamys Kunstleri (Bak.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Curcuma Kunstleri Bak., F.B. I. 6: 214. 1890. Ridl.,

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 120. 1899. Hitcheniopsis Kunstleri

Ridl., Flora 4: 252. 1924. Gastrochilus ? Kunstleri

Valet., Bull. Buitenz. 2nd Ser. XX VII: 104, pl. 14. 1918.

Fig. 9, 10.

Rhizome fleshy, underground; intervals between leaf-shoots

to about 8 cm. Leaf-shoots with 2 large leaves and a few

bladeless sheaths outside them; sheaths more or less flushed

with purple, longest to 20 cm. long. Leaf-blade thin, more

or less flushed with purple beneath (sometimes green), to about

45 by 18 cm., widest rather above the middle, apex rounded

with an abrupt triangular tip 1 cm. long, base cuneate-

decurrent, lower surface more or less hairy, the hairs fine,

appressed and rather sparse; petiole and sheath together about

20 cm. long, petiole shorter than sheath. Scape c. 6-10 cm.

long, glabrous. Inflorescence 6-10 cm. long, about 4 cm. wide,

cylindric, the bracts with their broad upper edge spreading

slightly, thus forming open pouches with the aspect of

Curcuma. Bracts almost white or faintly greenish, edged

with red or almost entirely flushed with crimson, about 2-8—3-3

cm. long, in the larger inflorescences wider than long, in the

smaller almost or quite as wide as long, attached by a very

broad base, sides imbricating closely near the base but not

adnate, the apex very broadly rounded, the median line slightly

outcurved so that each bract forms an open pouch. Flowers

3 to 6 in the axil of each bract. Bracteoles: first to 2-2 cm.

long, rest gradually shorter. Ovary sometimes unilocular, with

a basal group of c. 8 ovules, sometimes trilocular (fide

Valeton). Calyx with ovary 1:5 cm. long. Corolla-tube a

little longer than bract; lobes translucent white or pale buff,

about 1-5-1-8 cm. long, the dorsal one 7 mm. wide at the base,

narrowed to apex. Staminodes very pale orange buff, shorter

and narrower than upper petal, puberulous, with translucent

veins. Labellum about 2-2-3 cm. long, bilobed to about 1/3

of its length, very pale orange buff with a clear lemon yellow

median band and sometimes pink streaks near the base on

each side, the base rather deeply channelled, glabrous, the

blade with translucent veins. Filament white, 3-4 mm. long;

anther pale yellow or slightly suffused with pink, 6 mm. long,

puberulous, crest very short, fleshy, emarginate, hardly

reflexed. a

This spécies appears to be common in some parts of

Perak and has been many times collected. It was fully

described for the first time by Valeton, from plants culti-

vated at Buitenzorg. His floral dimensions are larger than

those given above, which are taken from Corner’s specimen

S.F.N. 31674; Valeton gives dorsal sepal 2 cm. long, lip 2:5

cm. There is variation in the amount of purple on the

under-side of leaves, on sheaths and bracts, and in the pink

veins of the lip (which are sometimes absent). Ridley

gives a colour-variety rubra, as noted below. Valeton notes

that some flowers examined by him had a trilocular ovary,

some unilocular; all those examined by me (on one plant

only) were unilocular.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Waterloo, 1,500 feet, common, Curtis

2719. Kinta, Curtis s.n. December 1895. Temango, Ridley

14425. Lenggong (cult. H.B. Singapore) Henderson s.n. June

1936. Upper Perak, 300 feet, Wray 3388, 3662, 3702. Lubok

Merbau, S.F.N. 13592 (Burkill and Haniff). Sungei Siput,

S.F.N. 6323 (Burkill). Larut, within 100 feet, King’s Collector

2542. Gunong Tungul, Ridley 2778. Base of Gua Badak,

Lenggong, S.F.N. 23840 (Henderson).

var. rubra Ridl., Flora, l.c. Staminodes, lip and anther dark

red. Kuala Dipang, abundant, Curtis s.n. Oct. 1894.

Tapah, Wray 198.

Scaphochlamys perakensis Holtt., nom. nov. Curcuma

lanceolata Ridl., Mat. Fl. M.P. 2: 22. 1907. (Not

Gastrochilus lanceolatus Ridl.). Hitcheniopsis lancco-

lata Ridl., Flora M.P. 4: 258. 1924.

Rhizome creeping, about 5 mm. thick when dry, bearing

scale leaves c. 1-5 cm. apart; interval between leafy shoots up

to 12 cm. or more. Leafy shoots with short stem bearing

two leaves and sheaths outside them, and terminal infiorescence.

Leaf-blade 25-45 cm. long, to 11 cm. wide (longest leaves not

always widest), slightly asymmetric, widest above the middle,

rather dark green above and paler beneath, apex acute but

hardly acuminate, base very gradually narrowed and decur-

rent; petiole 10-30 cm. long, rather slender; sheath 10-15 cm.

long; ligule-lobes broad, about 5 mm. long; thin. Scape 7-i8

em. long, slender, finely hairy when young, more or less

glabrescent when old. Inflorescence ovoid when young, more

or less cylindric when old; to 8 cm. long and 4 cm. wide,

the bracts closely overlapping in their basal halves, the apices

spreading. Bracts shaped exactly as in S. Klossii, green,

sometimes with pinkish edges, 2-5-3 cm. long, to 1-4 cm. wide

near the base, tapering to acute shortly apiculate apex, with

thin much crisped edges 2-3 mm. wide, rather sparsely hairy

(especially near edges and apex) when young, more or less

glabrescent when old; each bract holding about 3 or 4 flowers.

First bracteole 1-3 to 2 cm. long; others about 7 mm. (possibly

more). Calyx with ovary 1-2 em. long. Covolia-tube slender,

2 cm. or. more long (apparently shorter than bract); lobes

about 8 mm. long, white. Staminodes shorter than corolla-

lobes, white, apparently refiexed. Lip a little longer than

corolla-lobes, obovate, white. with pink markings on either

side of the midline near the base and a median yellow patch

near the apex; or sometimes without the pink markings.

Filament short; anther 4 mm. long, the pollen-sacs with short

free acute tips at the base; crest not much wider than anther,

ovate-acute, short.

This species was described by Ridley from a collection

made by Curtis on G. Bujong Malacca, accompanied by a

pencil sketch and colour-notes. Curtis’s specimens had

only rather small ovoid inflorescences, the largest 4 cm.

long. The bracts had pinkish edges. Other collections

made later in the lowlands of Perak have exactly similar

leaves and bracts but the inflorescences when fully grown

are elongate to 8 cm.; and there is no further report of

Vol. XIII. (1950).

pink-edged bracts. Ridley noted of his 14031 that the

flowers were pure white. ° I think that: all specimens repre-

sent one species, which is thus only known from Perak and

is perhaps there localized. The dimensions of the flower

given above are from a dried specimen (Ridley 14031), and

from Curtis’s drawing which shows the relative size of the

parts. Ridley’s name lanceolatus is already occupied in

Scaphochlamys; a new one is therefore necessary.

SPECIMENS. Perak. G. Bujong Malacca, Curtis 2522

(type). Tapah, Ridley 14031. Without locality, Scortechini.

S. Gepai, Bidur, S.F.N. 31690 (Corner).

12. Scaphochlamys tenuis Holtt.,sp. nov. Fig. 11, B-F.

Rhizoma supra terram, ascendens, radicibus brevibus gral-

liformibus sustentus; caules erecti conferti, fere contingentes,

bifoliati (raro unifoliati), vaginis obtectis, vagina maxima

9-10 cm. longa; lamina folii 15-19 cm. longa, 5—7 ecm. lata,

omnino viridis, glabra vel subglabra, leviter asymmetrica,

elliptica, apice acuta, leviter acuminata, basi rotundata vel

cuneata, leviter decurrens; petiolus tenuis, 15-20 em. longus;

vagina 3 em. longa; lobi ligulae triangulares, paulum elevati;

scapus c. 4 em. longus, tenuis, glaber; inflorescentia 15-23

em. longa, tenuis, bracteis 1-5-2 cm. dissitis, ad rachin ap-

pressis; rachis glabra leviter flexuosa; bracteae primariae

virides, marginibus tenuibus brunneis non crispatis, 2-3 cm.

longae, explanatae prope basin ad 1 cm. latae, apicem acutum

versus angustatae, basi rachin amplectentes, 3-5 flores

foventes; bractea secundaria prima 17 mm. longa, 6 mm. lata;

flores leviter odorati, albi; ovariwm glabrum, uniloculare,

nonnunquam ovulum unicum donatum; calyx cum ovario 12-13

mm. longus; corollae tubus quam bracteam primariam c. 7 mm.

longior, lobi 10 mm. longi; staminodia 3 mm. lata, lobis corollae

paulum breviora; /abellum album, fascia pallide lutea (non

lilacino-marginata) ornata, 13 mm. longum, haud ad medium

bilobatum, lobis rotundatis, imbricatis; filamentum 2 mm.

longum; anthera 4 mm. longa; crista connectivi reflexa, 3 mm.

lata, brevis, leviter trilobata, leviter lilacino-tincta; stylodia

tenuia, acuta, 2-5 mm. longa; fructus ellipsoideus, 13 mm.

longus, unilocularis, nonnunquam semen unicum fovens; semen

11 mm, longum, ellipsoideum. TYPUS: Trengganu, Kemaman

Sungei Nipa, S.F.N. 30548, leg. Corner, 22.11.1985. “Common

on the hillside by the camp, not seen elsewhere”’.

The above description was compiled from dried

specimens, flower in alcohol, and Corner’s field notes. The

species is distinguished from all others by its very slender

inflorescence with distant appressed bracts. It is nearly

allied to S. malaccana, but has a much longer rachis and

bracts that do not spread. The flowers also appear to be

smaller than in S. malaccana, and the lip perhaps more

deeply bilobed. The bracts of S. tenuis sometimes appear

to be regularly two-ranked, but in other specimens are

distinctly spiral in arrangement. Young leaves of S. tenwis

may be flushed with purple on the lower surface.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

13. Scaphochlamys lanceolata (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov.

~ Gastrochilus lanceolatus Ridl., Mat. Fl. M.P. 2: 16.

1907. Flora 4: 250.

Rhizome creeping, of short elements (usually about 1 cm.)

between successive leaf-shoots. Leaf-shoots short, of 1-3

leaves. Leaf-blade to 12 by 3-5 em., slightly asymmetric,

elliptic, apex blunt, upper surface light green barred with

white, slightly hairy beneath; petiole to 2 cm. sheath to 5 cm.

long, ligule-lobes triangular. Inflorescence: peduncle little over

1 em. long; rachis very short, bearing about 5 overlapping

sub-erect bracts. Bracts about 2-5 cm. long, almost glabrous,

shaped as in S. lancifolius, the edges firm and not crisped, the

apex apiculate. Calyx with ovary about 1-2 cm. long. Corolla-

tube 2-7 cm. long. Rest of flower shaped as in S. malaccana,

the petals about 1:3 (possibly 1-5 cm.) long and other parts

in proportion; depth of lobing of lip uncertain; no information

about colours on lip.

This species is only known from the type collection

from G. Panti, Johore (Ridley s.n. Dec. 1892). It is

nearly related to S. malaccana; whether the dwarf size and

sessile inflorescences of the type collection are found

commonly, or are only due to conditions of soil and exposure,

is unknown. If the dwarf condition is characteristic, it is

certainly a good species; if not, it may rank as a variety of

S. malaccana. At present it is best kept as a distinct

species.

14. Scaphochlamys erecta Holtt., sp. nov. Fig. 12.

Rhizoma erectus vel suberectus, in inflorescentia termi-

natus, folia disticha plurima c. 15 mm. utroque latere dissita,

plerumque 8-10 simul expansa, ferens; ramus novus rhizomatis

in axilla folii prope inflorescentiam oriens, primo vaginis

obtectus, vagina maxima ad 10 em. longa; lamina folw viridis,

infra pallidior, 20-32 (-50) ecm. longa, 3-8-5-5 (-7) cm. lata

(folia breviora interdum 5 cm. lata), asymmetrica, anguste

elliptica, apicem acutum (non acuminatum) versus sensim

angustata, basi sensim angustata decurrens; petiolus 1-3 cm.

longus; ligula cum marginibus vaginae tenuissima, ligula ut

videtur longa sed plerumque rupta; vagina 6-9 (-15) cm.

longa, basi breviter amplexicaulis; scapus plerumque 4—5 cm.

(interdum ad 15 em.) longus, subglaber; sachis inflorescentiae

4-5 em. longa, 10-12 (interdum ad 25) bracteas imbricatas

ferens; bracteae primariae 3-4 cm. longae, ad 14 mm. latae,

ovatae, apice late acutae et breviter apiculatae, dorso fere

glabrae, apiculo excepto, marginibus tenuibus, haud scariosis,

minute crispatis, 2/3 basin versus inflexis, apicem versus solum

patentibus, flores 2—4 foventes; bractea secundaria prima 2 cm.

longa, ceterae 9 mm. longae; flores non odorati, albi; ovariwm

uniloculare, ovulis 3 basalibus donatum; calyx cum ovario 12

mm. longus, leviter infiatus, apice breviter dentatus, glaber;

corollae tubus 2-8 cm. longus, tenuis, apicem versus leviter

dilatatus, lobi 1 cm. longi, lobus dorsalis basi 4 mm. latus,

apice acutus, lobi laterales leviter angustiores; staminodia 8

mm. longa, oblonga, apice rotundata, 4 mm. lata, patentia;

labellum 18 mm. longum, 12 mm. latum, obovatum, tertia

parte bilobatum (lobis rotundatis imbricatis), album, medio

Vol. XIII. (1950).

100

fascia lutea basin versus lilacino-marginata ornatum; filamen-

tum 2-5 mm. longum; anthera 3 mm. longa, thecae basi liberae,

acutae, crista connectivi reflexa, rotundata, 3 mm. lata, haud

2 mm. longa; stylodia tenuissima, ad basin libera, 4:5 mm.

longa; fructus unilocularis; semina 1-3, ellipsoidea. TYPUS:

Johore. Sungei Sedili, Mersing Road, S.F.N. 31941, leg. Corner

30.8.1936.

Plants of this species grow erect in the thick and

constantly renewed layer of decaying leaves on the forest

floor; they appear to differ from S. malaccana and S. Klossvi

in having longer intervals of vegetative growth between

successive inflorescences. The result is that the new

element of the sympodium arises in the axil of a foliage leat,

not of a scale or sheath at the base of the previous leaf-

shoot. The number of flowers in the axil of each bract

appears to be less than in S. Klossii, and the hairiness of

the bracts much less. The flowers are very similar to those

of S. Klossi. The leaves are proportionately narrower than

in S. Klossu, with long-decurrent bases as in S. grandis.

15. Scaphochlamys Klossi (Ridl.) MHoltt., comb. nov.

Gastrochilus Klossu Ridl., Mat. Fl. M.P. 2: 16. 1907.

Flora 4: 248. Boesenbergia Klossiw Loes., Pflanzen-

fam. Ed. 2.,15A+ 571, 19380. Fis. 1a:

Rhizome creeping or somewhat ascending, elements short;

successive shoots rather close together, each with 4-6 or more

leaves and a terminal inflorescence. Leaves: blade slightly

fleshy, dark green above, pale green and more or less hairy

beneath, 20 by 5 to 30 by 10 em., elliptic or widest above

the middle, often somewhat asymmetric, narrowed gradually

to the decurrent base and more abruptly to the shortly pointed

apex; petiole 1-10 em. long, more or less winged and grooved,

more or less hairy beneath; ligule lobes broad, triangular,

6-10 mm. long; sheaths with broad thin appressed-hairy edges,.

to 15 cm. long. Scape of inflorescence about 2-6 em. long,

finely hairy. Inflorescence ovoid to ellipsoid, acute, commonly

to about 9 cm. long and 2-5-3 ecm. in greatest thickness,

exceptionally to 8 cm. long; bracts closely imbricating, usually

quite obscuring the rachis, but more lax in the long inflores-

cences. Bracts green, more or less densely hairy all over but

especially on the thin edges, (the hairs fine, appressed)

narrowly ovate, acute, 2-7-3-5 cm. long, 1-1-4 cm. wide, the

marginal 2-4 mm. thin and finely crisped; edges inflexed to

the apex. Flowers about 3-8 in the axil of each bract,

arranged in a 2-ranked partial inflorescence, the whole enclosed

by a second bract 1-8-2-2 em. long with inflexed edges which

just meet at the base, and each flower with a much shorter

bracteole. Bracteoles usually 6-8 mm. long, oblong-mucronate,

with one or two prominent costae and smaller veins, more

or less hairy; in some specimens with few-flowered partial

inflorescences the bracteoles may be up to 1-2 cm. long. Ovary

finely hairy; calyx with ovary 0-8-1-2 cm. long, calyx thin,

tubular, irregularly toothed. Corolla-tube slender, about 1-8

em. long; lobes white, about 7 mm. long and 4 mm. wide, the

dorsal one with an acute apex. Staminodes about as long as

corolla-lobes, 5 mm. wide, the rounded ends slightly reflexed, —

Gardens Bulletin, S.

101

white. Lip about 1-2 em. long and wide, almost round, slightly

bilobed with rounded reflexed hardly crisped lobes, white with

pale lilac lines especially near the top of the throat and a

median longitudinal pale lemon yellow band. Filament very

broad, about 2 mm. long; anther about 3 mm. long, the

pollen-sacs free and pointed at the base, the connective pro-

longed at the apex to a reflexed crisped and slightly lobed

crest 3 mm. wide and 2 mm. long. Fruit ellipsoid, about 1-2

-em. long, containing 1-3 seeds; seeds ellipsoid with aril laciniate

to the base.

This is a variable species, found only in the S. Sedili

and G. Panti district of S.E. Johore. The typical form

(i.e. that of the type specimen) grows rather large, always

with several leaves on each new shoot, the sheaths broad

and long and very hairy (appressed hairs) and the petiole

never very long. The bracts are very hairy and the inflo-

rescence fairly large, ovoid and very compact when young.

Corner notes on his no. 28965 “common in the swampy

forest round the Sedili and tributaries, generally gregarious

in damp hollows.”

SPECIMENS OF TYPICAL Form. Johore. Near G. Panti,

Kloss s.n. 1905 (type). S. Kayu (S. Sediliy S.F.N. 319638

(Ngadiman) Without exact locality, S.F.N. 29983 (Corner).

S. Berassau, Mawai-Jemaluang Road, S.F.N. 28965 (Corner).

14th mile Mawai-Jemaluang Road, Corner s.n. 14.5.1935.

G. Muntahak, 600 feet, S.F.N. 19952 (Holttum).

var. glomerata Holtt., var. nov.

Caules paucifoliati, conferti; lamina folii ad 20 « 7 cm.;

vagina folii 5-8 em. longa; bracteae subglabrae, flores c. 7

foventes, marginibus bractearum leviter crispatis; folia inter-

dum linea argentea prope marginem ornata. Type. G. Panti,

West, low elevation, S.F.N. 30952 (with silver band on leaf,

type of var.), S.F.N. 30951 (leaves pale green), both coll.

Corner, 14.4.1936. This variety appears very distinct in habit,

but this might be due in part to somewhat dry conditions

of growth.

var. minor Holtt., var. nov.

Planta omnino parva; lamina folii ad 20 * 5 cm.;

petiolus tenuis; inflorescentia laxa, ad 8 cm. longa (scapo

incluso); bracteae paucae, 2-3 flores foventes. This variety

appears fairly distinct, but the series is evidently variable

and this might be only an extreme form. Mr. Corner

notes “common, often gregarious, in the swamp or on the

hillsides. The flowers exactly as the large-leaved G. Klossii

but always smaller inflorescences.” Type. Ulu Segun, G.

Panti, low to 800 feet, S.F.N. 30743 (Corner). Also Bukit

Tinjau Laut, Ngadiman s.n. 5.8.1937.

16. Scaphochlamys grandis Holtt., sp. nov.

Rhizoma validus, in sicco ad 1 cm. vel ultra diametro,

oblique ascendens, radicibus gralliformibus ad 30 ecm. longis

sustentus; rami rhizomatis utrinque folia 5 (vel ultra) et

inflorescentiam terminalem ferentes; rami novi in axillo folii

secundi vel tertii infra inflorescentiam orientes, primo vaginis

Vol. XIII. (1950).

This very fine species is nearly allied to S. Klossw in

the form of its inflorescence and bracts, but is much larger

vegetatively and has larger flowers with a much larger

anther-crest. It is the largest species of Scaphochlamys so

far known, and has only been found at Kemaman. The

description is made from dried specimens, flowers in alcohol,

and Corner’s field notes.

102

hirsutis ad 18 cm. longis obtecti; lamina folii ad 50 cm. longa

et 10 cm. lata, supra viridis, subtus pallide viridis et in costam

hirsuta, asymmetrica, latitudine maxima supra medium, apicem

leviter acuminatum et basin versus sensim angustata, basi

decurrens; petiolus brevis vel nullus; ligulae lobi lati, 10 mm.

vel ultra alti, triangulares; vagina ad 18 em. longa, marginibus

latis tenuibus, breviter hirsuta; scapus ad 7 cm. longus, c.

4 mm. diametro, breviter lanato-hirsutus; inflorescentia 7-12

cm. longa, bracteis arcte imbricatis; bracteae primariae multi,

in juventute virides, mox rubicundae, omnino breviter lanato-

hirsutae, dimidio apicale patentes, marginibus tenuibus haud

crispatis, 3-5-4-5 cm. longae, prope basin 12-16 mm. latae,

apicem obtusum versus sensim angustatae, plerumque flores

duos (interdum plurimos ?) foventes; bractea secundaria

prima 2-2-2 cm. longa, dense hirsuta, secunda 8 mm. longa;

ovarium hirsutum; calyx cum ovario 17-20 mm. longus;

corollae tubus 4 cm. longus, lobi albi 16 mm. longi, lobus

dorsalis haud 4 mm. latus; staminodia alba, lobo dorsale

corollae aequilonga, 5 mm. lata; labellum 2-2 cm. longum, fere

ad medium bilobum, lobis plerumque irregulariter crenato-

incisis, medio fascia lata flava basin versus atrolilacina-

marginata cum striis paucis lilacinis patentibus ornatum;

filamentum 3 mm. longum; anthera (crista excepta) 5 mm.

longa, crista pallide lilacina, valide reflexa (apice fere dorsum

antherae attingente), marginibus erectis, 6 mm. lata; stylodia

tenuia acuta, 45 mm. longa; fructus ellipsoideus, 16 mm.

longus, nitens; semina 2 vel 3, nigra, ellipsoidea. TYPUS:

Trengganu, Kemaman, Ulu Bendong, 700 feet, S.F.N. 30030,

leg. Corner 30.10.1985. ‘Very abundant in swamps in stream

valleys, the whole plant to nearly 100 cm. high”.

Scaphochlamys Burkillii Holtt., sp. nov.

Rhizoma in sicco 6 mm. diametro, interdum ascendens et

radicibus gralliformibus sustentus; caules foliati conferti, 1-3 —

folia ferentes, vaginis purpureis obtecti; lamina folii 15-20 —

em. longa, 4—7-5 cm. lata, leviter asymmetrica, basin et apicem

versus aequaliter angustata, apice acuta (non acuminata),

basi cuneata-decurrens, subtus viridis (in juventute pallide

purpurea) et leviter hirsuta; petiolus purpurascens, 2—5 cm.

longus, canaliculatus; lobi ligulae breves, lati; vagina 6-10

cm. longa, marginibus latis tenuibus leviter hirsutis; scapus

validus, hirsutus, 1 em. longus, vaginis foliorum obtectus;

inflorescentia 5-6 cm. longa, 2 cm. diametro, ellipsoidea, vaginis

foliorum fere aequilonga; bracteae primariae confertae, imbri-

catae, apice leviter hiantes, non recurvatae, 2-5-3-5 cm. longae,

ad 15 mm. latae, purpurascens, extus fere omnino hirsutae,

capillis appressis tenuibus sparsis, medio crassae, marginibus

tenuibus non crispatis, 4—5 flores foventes; bractea secundaria

prima ad 2-8 em. longa, firma, valide 2-carinata, triloba, lobo

intermedio apiculo hirsuto 2 mm. longo donato; bracteae

secundariae ceterae 11-12 mm. longae; calyx cum ovario 16

Gardens Bulletin, S.

103

mm. longus, fissus 5 mm., déentibus brevibus, hirsutis, confertis;

corollae tubus quam bracteam 10-15 mm. longior, lobi albi,

16-18 mm. longi, basi 4 mm. lati; staminodia quam lobos

corollae breviora, eis aequilata, obtusa, alba; labellum c. 2-0

ecm longum et latum, obovatum, usque dimidium bilobum,

album, medio fascia pallide lutea, utroque latere lineis rubro-

purpureis marginata, ornatum; filamentum 3 mm. longum;

anthera (crista exclusa) 3-5 mm. longa; crista connectivi 4

mm. lata, reflexa, alba vel leviter ’purpurascens, rotundata.

TYPUS: Pahang, Barlok, Bukit Kapis, 200 feet, S.F.N. 210,

leg. Burn-Murdoch 21.6.1913. Also collected at Beserah,

Pahang (S.F.N. 16133, Burkill and Haniff).

Plants of this species (probably collected at Kemaman

by Corner) are in cultivation at Singapore, and the dimen-

sions of the floral parts, and colour of leaves and bracts

given above are taken from the living plants. The latter

are smaller than the dried ones, with shorter leaf-sheaths

and fewer bracts in the inflorescence, but agree otherwise.

In its habit and in the appressed hairs on the bracts, S.

Burkillui resembles S. Klossvi, but the smooth-edged bracts

are very different, and also the colour of the flowers.

18. Scaphochlamys rubromaculata Holtt., sp. nov. Fig.

11, A.

Rhizoma oblique ascendens, radicibus’ gralliformibus

sustentus; caules erecti breves, conferti (nonnunquam haud 1

em. dissiti), folia 1 vel 2 et vaginas plurimas ferentes, vaginae

maximae ad 12 em. longae, glabrae; lamina folti 15-20 cm.

longa, 4-5-5 cm. lata, pallide viridis, infra pallidior, fere glabra,

apice acuta non acuminata, basi cuneata et leviter decurrens;

petiolus cum vagina 6-10 cm. longus; scapus 4-6 cm. longus,

sparse hirsutus; rachis 4 cm. longa, glabra vel subglabra,

leviter flexuosa, bracteas 6-8 ferens; bracteae primariae

virides, patentes, angulo axillare c. 45°, 2-5-3 em. longae, 12

mm. latae, explanatae ellipticae, marginibus basi inflexis, non

tenerrimis, haud crispatis, apicem versus patentibus (lamina

hine fere plana), apice rotundata brevissime apiculata, flores 4

(vel plurimos) foventes; bractea secundaria prima 8 mm.

longa, ceterae breviores; corollae tubus haud 2 cm. longus,

lobi 8 mm. longi, angusti, albi; staminodia alba, 6 mm. longa

et 2 mm. lata, patentia, leviter reflexa; labellum 11 mm. longum

et 8 mm. latum, haud ad medium bilobatum, lobis rotundatis

imbricatis, album, medio fascia pallide flava et basi utroque

latere macula sanguinea ornatum; filamentwm cum anthera

c. 3-5 mm. longum, crista connectivi reflexa, rotundata, 2-5 mm.

lata; fructus 12 mm. longus, ellipsoideus, pericarpio tenui;

semina 10 mm. longa. TYPUS: Trengganu, Kemaman, Ulu

Bendong, 700 feet, S.F.N. 30031, leg. Corner, 29.10.1935. Also

same locality and date, S.F.N. 30011.

This species is closely allied to S. malaccana, but has

shorter inflorescences and much smaller flowers with a red

spot on each side of the yellow band at the base of the lip.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

104

19. Secaphochlamys malaceana Bak., F.B.I. 6: 252. 1892.

Kaempferia malaccana K. Schum., Pfizr. Zingib. 1904.

Gastrochilus scaphochlamys Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32:

112. 1899. Flora 4: 250. Boesenbergia scaphoch-

lamys Schltr, Fed. Rep. 12: 317. 1913. Gastrochilus

lancifolus Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 112. Flora 4: 250. |

Boesenbergia lancifolia Schltr, l.c. 316. Kaempferia

lancifolia K. Schum., l.c. 80.

Rhizome obliquely ascending and supported on sti!t-roots,

of elements c. 2 cm. long between the leafy shoots. Leafy

shoots short, usually 2-leaved and with a terminal inflorescence;

outer sheaths purplish (always ?). Leaf-blade usually about

20 by 4:5 em. (to 6 em.), slightly asymmetric, elliptic, narrowed

to acute (not acuminate) apex and cuneate base, slightly

hairy beneath towards the base; petiole to about 10 cm. long,

rather slender; ligule small; sheath to about 6 cm. long,

narrow. Inflorescence with slender and + hairy scape 5-12

cm. long and 6-8 large bracts about 0-7-2-5 cm. apart, arranged

spirally on a more or less flexuous slender rachis 8-10 cm. long

which is exposed by the spreading bracts, each bract bearing

3-7 flowers in its axil. Bracts green, 3—5 cm. long, 1-2-1-7 em.

wide, elliptic when flattened, with rounded slightly apiculate

apex and edges involute towards the base, of firm texture,

softly hairy beneath at least near base and apex, glabrescent

when old. First bracteole about 1-2 cm. long; rest much

shorter. Flowers fragrant. Calyx with ovary c. 1-0 em. long,

tubular, slightly swollen, the teeth close together, split 3 mm.

down the other side. Corolla-tube white, slender at base,

widening towards the apex, c. 2:5 cm. long. Lobes white,

about 1-3 cm. long, acute, 4-5 mm. wide at the base, edges

inflexed towards apex. Staminodes white, as long as corolla-

lobes, oblong with rounded tips, about 4 mm. wide. Lip white

with a yellow median band, sometimes with a pale lilac or

purple line on either side of it towards the base, obovate,

deeply (nearly half-way) bilobed, the lobes rounded and

slightly overlapping, to about 1-8 cm. long and 1-4 cm, wide.

Stamen: filament barely 3 mm. long, broad; pollen-sacs about

3 mm. long, their basal ends free and acute; connective pro-

duced at the apex into a reflexed crest nearly 4 mm. wide

and about 2:5 mm. long, rounded ard slightly 3-lobed, the

edge somewhat crisped.

This species is the type-species of the genus Scaphoch- —

lamys. It was described by Baker from specimens, in the ~

Kew herbarium, collected on Mt. Ophir by Cuming, Griffith,

Maingay and Hullett, none of which collections are repre-

sented in Singapore. We have however a collection by

Ridley from the same locality (no. 3141) which agrees with —

Baker’s description and from it the above description has

been prepared. The bracts appear spathulate because of

the inflexed edges in the basal part, but are really elliptic.

Gastrochilus lancifolius Ridl. is so nearly related to

S. malaccana that I cannot see a clear distinction; the type

has narrower acute bracts, but there are intermediates in

Gardens Bulletin, S.

105

this character. I prefer at present to regard all as S.

malaccana, noting that there is variation, and distinct

varieties may later be recognized.

SPECIMENS. Malacca. Mt. Ophir, Woods below G. Mering,

Ridley 3141. Johore. Bukit Muar, Fielding s.n. October 1892.

Kuala Sembrong, Lake and Kelsall s.n. 1892 (type of lanci-

folia). Negri Sembilan. G. Angsi: Ridley s.n. February 1904;

S.F.N. 9895 (Holttum); 2,600 feet, S.F.N. 11690 (Md. Nur).

Senaling-Inas F.R., S.F.N. 9783 (Holttum).

20. Scaphochlamys sub-biloba (Burk. ex Ridl.) Holtt.,

comb. nov. Gastrochilus sub-bilobus Burk. ex Ridl.,

Flora M.P. 4: 250. 1924. Valet., Bull. Buitenz. 2nd

Ser. XXVII: 87. 1918.

Rhizome creeping; successive elements very short, the

leaf-shoots close together, touching. Leaf-shoots each with

one or two leaves and several bladeless sheaths, the longest

sheath to about 10 cm. long; sheaths apparently tinged with

red. Leaf-blade 15-20 cm. long, 4-6 cm. wide (longest leaves

not always widest), slightly asymmetric, elliptic, apex acute,

rarely slightly acuminate, base cuneate and slightly decurrent,.

lower surface glabrous; petiole about 3-6 cm. long; sheath

to 6 cm. long, rather narrow, glabrous. Scape about 3-7

em. long, rather slender, short-hairy. Rachis 6-10 cm. long,

more or less flexuous, hairy like the scape, bearing up to 12

spreading bracts which are about 6-12 mm. apart. Bracts

2-2-2-8 cm. long, 6-8 mm. wide when flattened, stiffly boat-

shaped with the edges inflexed throughout, (not spreading

towards the apex as in S. malaccana), elliptic, acute, hairy

when young, sometimes glabrescent when old, edges thin but

not crisped nor hairy; each bract with a group of several

flowers in its axil. First bracteole about 1-3 cm. long; others.

shorter. Corolla-tube c. 2-5 em. long; lobes about 1 cm. long,

white. Staminodes about same length as dorsal corolla-lobe

and about as wide, oblong, white. Lip a little longer, shortly

bilobed, white with a median pale yellow band and no

other colour.

This species is only known from Pulau Tioman. It is

very closely related to S. tenuis of Kemaman but has a

shorter inflorescence and spreading bracts. It differs from

S. malaccana in its bracts being stiff and narrow, with

inflexed edges throughout, and in having a less deeply lobed

lip. The specimens are not all very satisfactory, and there

is not a single well-preserved flower; the floral dimensions

are therefore a little doubtful. Perhaps later collections

will show that this species should be united to S. tenuis.

As with S. tenuis, the bracts are brown when dry, not green

like those of S. malaccana.

SPECIMENS. Pulau Tioman. Joara Bay, 0-1,000 feet, in

deep shade, S.F.N. 1002, 1143 (Burkill). Ayer Surin, 1,000—-

2,000 feet, in rocky jungle, S.F.N. 21701 (Henderson). Near

Tanah Runto, 1,200 feet, S.F.N. 18380 (Henderson).

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

106

6. BOESENBERGIA O. KUNTZE °

Rhizome usually fleshy, of short elements between leaf-

shoots. Leaf-shoots usually consisting of a short erect

stem (rarely over 15 cm. tall) bearing 1 to 4 or occasionally

more leaves with a few bladeless sheaths outside them at

the base, and a terminal inflorescence. Leaves of moderate

size, green, sometimes with purple sheaths; petiole (bet-

ween blade and sheath) short or fairly long; ligule 2-lobed,

the lobes usually about 5-10 mm. long, rounded or

triangular. Inflorescence on a short peduncle above the

insertion of the highest leaf, enclosed when young, or

throughout, by the two uppermost sheaths; axis of inflores-

cence short or fairly long, bearing 2-ranked alternate bracts

which overlap at the base on one face of the axis and not

on the other. Bracts relatively long and narrow (about

2-6 cm. long), boat-shaped, each (except one or two at the

apex) enclosing a single bracteole and a single flower;

apical bracts maturing first, the others in succession from

apex to base, the axis in some cases elongating during the

process. Bracteoles nearly as long as bracts, with inflexed

sides enfolding the flower, either narrower or wider than

the bract. Ovary 3-locular with a few ovules in each loculus

(in B. Curtisu six), or incompletely 3-locular with a basal

group of ovules, or a group on a raised axile placenta.

Calyx short, tubular, rarely almost as long as bracteole.

Corolla-tube slender, usually a little longer than the bracts;

lobes subequal, spreading obliquely or the lateral ones

curved upwards. Staminodes more or less oblong, a little

shorter to a little longer than corolla-lobes and of about the

same width, their ends usually broadly rounded and slightly

reflexed, white, pink or yellow. Labellum longer than

corolla-lobes and staminodes, sometimes basin-shaped, some-

times not very concave, rarely if ever bilobed, the apical

margin more or less crisped, white or variously marked

with red and/or yellow. Stamen with relatively narrow

filament about as long as anther; anther with parallel

pollen-sacs not free at the base, opening by slits or in B.

Curtisti by apical pores; connective either produced into a

short narrow crest or not at all produced apically. Stylodes

slender, of moderate length. Fruit ellipsoid, thin-walled,

sometimes unilocular; seeds relatively large, ellipsoid, black,

with a white aril as long as, or longer than the seed,

laciniate to the base. mes

Type species: Gastrochilus pulcherrima Wall.

Wallich established a genus Gastrochilus in his Plantae

_ Asiaticae Rariores (1828), though he noted at the time the

prior existence of another genus (family Orchidaceae) of

the same name, published by Don in 1825. Don’s genus

Gardens Bulletin, S.

107

was ignored by later botanists, his species being usually

included in Saccolabium Bl. But when Schlechter and

Smith came to study the wealth of species in the Saccola-

bium group and defined a number of distinct genera, they

found the necessity of reviving Don’s name, as his species

belonged to one of the genera in question, not to Saccolabium

Bl. In any case, Gastrachilus Wall. is by the present rules

invalid, being a later homonym, a fact which had been noted

by O. Kuntze, who proposed the name Boesenbergia in its

place. In transferring certain orchids to Gastrochilus Don,

Schlechter pointed out the necessity of using Boesenbergia

for Wallich’s Zingiberaceous genus, and transferred to

Boesenbergia all species then included in Gastrochilus Wall.

Loesener and other botanists subsequently transferred other

species.

But until Valeton’s paper of 1918, no botanist had made

any satisfactory comparative study of Kaempferia and allied

genera, and no two authors had agreed about the limits of

Gastrochilus Wall. Indeed, many species were so inade-

quately described that, when Valeton had prepared his new

diagnosis of Gastrochilus Wall., it was in many cases.

uncertain whether a species belonged to it or not, and

Loesener could not use Valeton’s definition effectively. The

substitution of the name Boesenbergia for the name Gastro-

chilus did nothing to clarify the situation, and only involved

the publication of a certain number of quite unnecessary

new binomials.

Wallich’s original species of Gastrochilus were G.

pulcherrima and G. longiflora, both illustrated by coloured

plates. The former has rather tall leafy stems with a

terminal inflorescence of 2-ranked bracts, having the pecu-

liar character of maturing from the apex downwards. This

structure is well shown by Wallich’s plate and has been

clearly described by Valeton. It is very peculiar, and is

shared by a number of other species. I take G. pulcherrima

as the type of the genus Boesenbergia. Some other species

have a much more condensed inflorescence, but of the same

structure.

Wallich’s second species has been less clearly described.

He stated that there were one or two flowers to each bract;

but his drawing of part of the inflorescence does not show

the arrangement at all clearly. The inflorescences are

shown as separate leafless branches, outside the group of

leaves, a character not shown by any Malayan species allied

to B. pulcherrima. The inflorescences also appear to have

spirally arranged bracts. In the Botanical Magazine t-

4010, is an illustration which does not agree very well with

Wallich’s. The bracts appear to be arranged in two ranks,

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

108

like those of B. pulcherrima, but are on separate shoots,

enclosed by green sheaths, not by the sheaths of foliage

leaves; the number of flowers to each bract is not stated.

In view of this lack of information, the status of Gastro-

chilus longiflora must remain uncertain. If Wallich’s

information should prove inaccurate, it may yet prove to

belong to Boesenbergia as now defined; or it may have to

be transferred to another genus.

Boesenbergia, as here limited, is a genus of Indo-Malay-

sia, probably having its greatest abundance of species in

Western Malaysia. As noted above, owing to inadequate

descriptions of the inflorescence, the number of species

named in herbaria is uncertain. The genus is much less

polymorphic in Malaya than Scaphochlamys, and the species

are In several cases widely distributed, in contrast to the

very local occurrence of most Scaphochlamys. B. pandu-

rata is widely cultivated and used as a flavouring for food.

KEY TO MALAYAN SPECIES OF BOESENBERGIA

Stem slender, 30 cm. or more from base to top of upper-

most sheath; leaves about 6, spaced on upper part of

stem; petioles 1-1-5 cm. long 1. B. pulcherrima.

Stem shorter (usually much shorter) ; petioles longer

Inflorescence elongating and much exserted when fully

grown, not completely enclosed by the leaf-sheaths

Bracts 5-6 cm. long; lip not basin-shaped

2. B. plicata.

Bracts 2:5-3-5 cm. long; lip basin-shaped

B. Prainiana.

Inflorescence hardly elongating, the bracts not or

hardly projecting beyond the protecting leaf-sheaths

Anther dehiscing by terminal pores

4. B. Curtisir.

Anther dehiscing by slits along whole length of

pollen-sacs

Anther-crest small, more or less rounded,

slightly retuse or with a short single tip

Petals 2—2:5 cm. long, yellow

5. B. flava.

Petals about 1cm.long 6. B. longipes.

Anther-crest bilobed, lobes short, acute

Petals and staminodes pink; lip not

yellow 7. B. pandurata,

Petals and staminodes white; lip with ©

yellow centre 8. B. clivalis.

Gardens Bulletin, S. —

109

1. Boesenbergia pulcherrima (Wall.) O. Ktze. Rev. Gen.

Pl]. 685. 1891. Gastrochilus pulcherrima Wall., Pl.

eee, Pte tee. 1520. . bot. Mag... 3930.

Fadl.’ Flora 4: 247.

Stem slender, 30 cm. or more from base to top of upper-

most leaf-sheath. Leaves about 6, spaced along the stem

except near base; blade about 14 by 3-5 em., elliptic, shortly

acuminate, base cuneate and decurrent; petiole 1-1-5 cm. long;

ligule-lobes about 4 mm. long. Inflorescence terminal, bracts

close together, at first almost entirely enclosed by the last

leaf-sheaths, somewhat exserted later as rachis elongates.

Bracts 3 em. (3-5 em. ?) long. Corolla-tube as long as bracts;

lobes subequal, straight, about 1 cm. long, the laterals on either

side of the base of the lip, white. Staminodes about 3 mm.

longer than dorsal corolla-lobe, about 4 mm. wide, their apices

not or little reflexed, white. Lip c. 1-5 cm. long, strongly

basin-shaped with edges refiexed and crinkled towards the

apex, white flushed with red in the middle at the apex, the

red area extending, narrowed, towards the base. Filament

about 6 mm. long; anther about 5 mm., with parallel pollen-

sacs and a very short crest.

Government Hill, Penang, cult. in Waterfall Gardens,

flowered September 1898, leg. C. Curtis, with drawing.

This specimen was labelled Gastrochilus albo-sanguinea

Ridl., but differs entirely from that species in its vegetative

habit, with slender stem, smaller short-stalked leaves, and

in its much smaller flowers with the lateral petals not up-

curved nor the upper one incurved.

The drawing and specimen agree very closely with

B. pulcherrima as illustrated in Bot. Mag. t. 3930. The

specimen shows the bracts little exserted from between the

uppermost leaf-sheaths, but it would probably elongate later,

as shown in Wallich’s original figure, in the same way as

the inflorescence of B. plicata and B. Prainiana. The species

is probably at the southern limit of its range on Penang

Hill (as some other northern plants) and is evidently not

common, as it has never been collected again.

2. Boesenbergia plicata Holtt., comb. nov. Gastrochilus

plicatus Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 44: 196. 1905. Flora 4:

2AT.

Erect stem very short, bearing 3-5 leaves. Leaf-blade

green, plicate, to about 40 by 14 cm., ovate, apex shortly

pointed, base broady cuneate to subcordate; petiole above

sheath to about 12 cm.; sheath 10-15 em. long, ligule conspi-

cuously bilobed, thin, lobes rounded; old sheaths red-brown.

Inflorescence from stem apex, emerging from between the

leaf-sheaths and elongating to nearly 30 cm. in all; scape

slender, about 3-7 cm. Primary bracts alternate 2-ranked,

the bracts in each rank about 1 cm. apart, all facing one

way, 5-6 cm. long and hardly 1 cm. wide, acute, green,

minutely hairy, each with a single bracteole and a single

flower. Bracteoles as long as bracts, with the edges much

infolded, when flattened 1-7 cm. wide, glabrous, firmly papery

Vol. XIII. (1950).

110

when dry. Ovary glabrous, cylindric, 5 mm. long at flowering,

incompletely 3-locular, with c. 10 ovules. Calyx (not including

ovary) 1 cm. long, very thin, lobes short and broad. Corolla-tube

slender, 3-5 cm. long (thus shorter than bract); the flower

emerging below the apex of the bract and bracteole. Corolla-

lobes cream with red streaks, dorsal 2-3 by 1-0 ecm., lateral

2:1 by 0-8 ecm. Staminodes cream, narrowly obovate, about

1 cm. longer than the dorsal corolla-lobe and 1-3 cm. wide,

joined to the stamen and lip in a funnel-shaped faux 7-8 mm.

deep beyond the insertion of the corolla-lobes. Labellum about

3-2 em. long and nearly 2 cm. wide, obovate, the basal part

with sides upcurved and overlapping the staminodes, the broad

apex spreading, with crinkled edges, cream to pale greenish

yellow with deep crimson patch at the base, extending forwards

more or less continuously to the middle of the lip. Fvlament

narrow, 1-2 em. long’; anther cream, 1-1 cm. long, the connective

not extending beyond the tips of the pollen-sacs. Stigma

small, the aperture broadly elliptic. Stylodes 6 mm. long.

Fruit not known.

This species is apparently not uncommon in lowland

forest in Malaya, at least on the eastern side of the country.

There seems to be some variation in the colour of the flower

and the distribution of red on the lip. There may also be

variation in the length of the connective at the apex of the

anther. The species is no doubt closely allied to B. pandu-

rata (Roxb.) Schl. (native of Sumatra) but B. pandurata

never has an elongate inflorescence and the staminodes are

shorter than the corolla-lobes. The Langkawi specimen

referred to B. pandurata by Ridley has a long inflorescence ;

I think there is no doubt it is B. plicata var. lurida (see

helow).

SPECIMENS. Trengganu. Ulu Brang, 350 feet, S.F.N.

33864 (Moysey). Kelantan. Kuala Lebir, Gimlette s.n. 1904

(type, with coloured drawing from cult. plant). Bukit Batu

Papan, S. Lebir, S.F.N. 29558 (Henderson). S. Ketil at Gua

Musang, S.F.N. 22658 (Henderson). Sungei Keteh, S.F.N.

12035 (Md. Nur). Kuala Krai, S.F.N. 10119 (Haniff and

Nur). Perak. Temango, Ridley 14424. Pahang. Sungei Sat,

Ulu Tembeling, S.F.N. 21988 (Henderson). P. Tioman, G.

Rokam, 2,700 feet, S.F.N. 18800 (Md. Nur); Sungei Tawar,

Joara Bay, S.F.N. 1009 (Burkill). Johore. Base of G. Panti,

Ridley s.n. December 1892.

var. lurida (Ridl.) Holtt. stat. nov. Gastrochilus luridus

Ridl., Mat. 2: 17. 1907. Flora 4: 248. Boesenbergia

lurida Loes., Pflanzenfam. Ed. 2, 15A: 570. 1930.

Leaves somewhat smaller than in typical form. Bracts

flushed with red or purple. Flowers almost completely flushed

with red, from a light pink to orange-scarlet, paler towards

the base of lip and staminodes.

This variety is only known to occur in Langkawi. It

was described by Ridley from a drawing made at Penang

from a cultivated plant. The colour of the flower there

shown is a dull pink whence the name lurida, but the Penang

drawings were often inaccurately coloured. The bracts are

Gardens Bulletin, S.

111

shown as dull dark purplish. Holttum’s specimen has the

field note “flowers bright orange red, petals paler at base’.

(petals here indicate lip and staminodes). The shape of

the flowers seems identical with typical B. plicata, but the

Terutau specimen was said by Ridley to have had a linear

crest to the anther, shown in his sketch as half the length

of the pollen-sacs.

SPECIMENS. Langkawi. S.F.N. 17410 (Holttum). Curtis

2677. Haniff sn. September 1900. Kuala Kuah, S.F.N. 7071

(Haniff and Nur). Hamad s.n. July 1892. Terutaw. Curtis

sn. July 1889.

3. Boesenbergia Prainiana (Bak.) Schltr., Fed. Rep. 12:

316. 1913. Kaempferia Prainiana Bak., F.B.1. 6: 220.

1892. Gastrochilus Prainiana Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32:

115.1899. Flora 4: 248. Gastrochilus albo-sanguincea

Mids.) Suscbaeae. (of: 2b. 1899s" Plora’ 4: 247.

Boesenbergia albo-sanguinea Schltr. l.c. 315.

Stem short (rarely 10 cm. to base of last leaf), bearing

1-3 leaves or rarely more (usually one only) and a few

bladeless sheaths; sheaths finely mottled with red. Leaves:

blade to about 25 by 12 cm., nearly elliptic, apex shortly

pointed, base cuneate to rounded and ‘slightly decurrent, lower

surface purplish towards apex and bearing rather sparse very

fine hairs; petiole to about 9 cm. long; ligule-lobes about 2

mm. long; sheath 5-10 cm. long or rarely longer. Inflorescence

apical, appearing from within the innermost leaf-sheaths,

elongating when fully grown to about 18 cm., the scape to

about 8 cm. Bracts in 2 alternating rows, folded down the

middle, pale green more or less mottled with fine dull red

spots like the outer sheaths, 2-5-3-5 cm. long, 1 cm. wide when

flattened, thin, acute, those in each row about 2 cm. apart when

the inflorescence is mature. Bracteoles 3-5 mm. shorter than

bracts, about 5 mm. wide when flattened. Ovary containing

few ovules on an erect basal placenta, not completely 3-locular.

Ovary c. 3 mm., calyx c. 6 mm. long at flowering. Corolla-tube

as long as bract, or nearly as long, slender; lobes about

1:5 em. long, subequal, white, the lateral ones curved upwards

towards the dorsal, not beneath the lip. Staminodes white

or slightly pink-tinged, about same length as dorsal corolla-

lobe, about 5 mm. wide, apex broad and slightly retuse. Lip

about 2-5 cm. long, 1-2 cm. wide in natural position, basin-shaped

with crinkled reflexed rounded apical margin, white, the front

edge blood-red with faint whitish stripes, the midline of the

throat red-speckled, with a deep red spot near base of stamen.

Filament 7 mm. long, anther 6 mm. long, without anther-crest.

' Fruit 2 em. long, narrowly ellipsoid, surrounded by persistent

bract and bracteole, glabrous, thin-walled when dry, unilocular,

containing 1-3 seeds. Seeds narrowly ellipsoid, 1-3 cm. long

and 0-3 cm. thick; aril about % as long as seed, lacerate to

the base in many narrow lobes.

This species was originally collected in Perak by

Kunstler, and no other Malayan collections were recognized

as such by Ridley, who however (in my opinion) re-des-

cribed it as G. albo-marginata. Ridley also stated that

Vol. XII. (1950).

112

B. Prainiana occurs in Sumatra, upon what evidence I do

mot know. B. Prainiana has a habit closely similar to B.

plicata, but shorter wider bracts more widely spaced, much

narrower bracteoles, smaller flowers with relatively shorter

staminodes, and deeply basin-shaped lip. It has been

collected at several lowland localities on the east side of the

Peninsula, twice in Perak and once in Langkawi (probably).

Ridley described Gastrochilus albo-marginatus from a

plant cultivated at Penang, sent from Maxwell’s Hill, Perak,

by T. A. Wooldridge. There is a pencil drawing made

from the living plant (dated September 1894), and colour

notes by Curtis. Curtis also wrote “plant 12-18 inches

high”, which Ridley altered to “‘stem 12-18 inches tall’,

which the drawing shows to be a quite inaccurate statement.

The dried specimen was cut off above the base, but by

comparison with the drawing it is certain that the top of

the longest leaf-sheath cannot have been more than 20 cm.

above the base of the plant. It is likely that the extra

length of stem and sheaths may have been due to conditions

of cultivation. There is no other clear distinction from

B. Prainiana, the inflorescence and flowers being identical

with that species in everv way.

There is also a Specimen, accompanied by drawings, of

a plant from Langkawi cultivated at Penang. This has

leaves of similar shape, but with larger ligule-lobes (trian-

gular, 5 mm. long) and shorter sheaths (longest apparently

10 em.). It shows red bracts and a flower of similar

appearance, with the corolla-lobes in the same curious

arrangement, but the lip less distinctly saccate. The inflo-

rescence is at an early stage and the ‘Spacing of the bracts

cannot be judged.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Gopeng, King’s Collector 726 (Type).

Maxwell’s Hill, per Wooldridge, cult. Penang (type of G. albo

marginata). Trengganu. Bukit Kajang, Kemaman, 500 feet,

S.F.N. 30209 (Corner). Ulu Brang, 350 feet, S.F.N. 33852

(Moysey). Pahang. Baloh, Bukit Kapis, 300 feet, S.F.N.

212 (Burn-Murdoch). Johore. S. Kayu Ara, Mawai-Jema-

luang Road, Corner s.n. October 1935 (cult. H.B.S.). S. Buloh

Kasap, Mawai-Jemaluang Road, Corner s.n. 5.1.1936. Bukit

Tinjau Laut, S.F.N. 37052 (Ngadiman).

4. Boesenbergia Curtisii (Bak.) Schl., Fed. Rep. 12: 516.

1913. Gastrochilus Curtisu Bak., Bot. Mag. t. 7363.

1894. Ridl., J.S.B.R.A‘S. 32: 1899. , Fiore 4: 2a0.

Valet., Bull. Buitenz. 2nd Ser. XXVII: 938 (sub G.

javanum). G. acuta Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 59: 202. 1911.

Flora 4: 249. G. javanus K. Schum., Pflanzenr. Zingib.

95. 1904. Valet. lc.

Leafy stems short, each with about 4 leaves, the highest

attached at 2-7 cm. above ground level. Leaf blade to 40

by 12 em., slightly asymmetric, elliptic, shortly acuminate, the

Gardens Bulletin, S.

115

base cuneate and more or less decurrent, the lower surface-

sparsely hairy, entirely green; petiole 5-15 cm. long, winged

and grooved; ligule-lobes rather small; sheaths flushed or-

mottled with red-purple, very broad, at least in the basal part.

Inflorescence when young completely enclosed by the upper two.

leaf-sheaths as in B. pandurata, when old swollen and separat-

ing the sheaths but not elongating, the axis very short, the.

bracts numerous and crowded. Bracts 4-5 em. or rather more

long, narrow; bracteoles of nearly equal size. Ovary 3-locular,

with about 6 ovules in each loculus. Calyx with ovary

narrowly tubular, about 3 cm. long. Corolla-tube slender, 6—7

cm. long; lobes 2-2-2 cm. long, subequal, spreading, narrowed

to apex, white. Staminodes white with or without a bright

red patch at the base, spreading, about 1-6 by 0-6 em., the.

apex either narrowed or broadly rounded. Labellum about

as long as corolla-lobes or a little longer, more or less elliptic,

not at all concave, the sides spreading, sometimes refiexed

towards the apex, apex somewhat reflexed, the whole white-

with a yellow patch at the apex and irregular red markings

at the sides about the middle and towards the base, or without

such marks. Stamen short, filament about 4 mm. long, anther-

4 mm. long, bent forwards, the pollen-sacs opening by terminal

pores; crest short, recurved, bilobed, the lobes ending in short

teeth. Stigma raised well above the anther.

This species has been collected several times on lime-.

stone in the Langkawi Islands and Perlis, and once in

Pahang. G. javanum (Schum.) Val., found in teak forests.

in Java, is evidently the same species. Valeton notes that

the differences between G. javanus and G. Curtis are few

and not very important; and some of them prove non-exis--

tent upon examination of specimens of B. Curtisii. The

calyx of the latter is not over 34, as long as the bract in the

specimen collected by me, and the shape of the staminodes

is shown by three different drawings (made at Penang) to

be variable, sometimes nearly pointed and sometimes with

broad apex; the crest of the stamen is shown with sharp

teeth as indicated in Valeton’s figure. The only differences

remaining are in the colour of the lip, which is stated by

Ridley to be variable in Langkawi plants. I think therefore

we may safely reduce Schuman’s species to B. Curtisii. The

occurrence in Pahang is interesting, and leads me to suspect

that the species occurs also in Borneo. G. acuta Ridl. from

Perlis is evidently the same species, only differing in the-

distribution of red on the lip.

SPECIMENS. Perlis. Batu Bunga, cult. H.B.S., Ridley s.n..

1910 (type of G. acuta Ridl.). Bukit Rajah Wang, Ridl. s.n.

1910. Besih Hangat, S.F.N. 22874 (Henderson). Bukit Lagi,

Henderson s.n. November 1929. Langkawi. Cult. Penang,

September 1890, Curtis 2678, 2876. Telok Apam, S.F.N. 7494

(Haniff and Nur). Among limestone rocks near sea, S.F.N.

15094 (Holttum). Terutau. Curtis 1675. Pahang. Base of

Bukit Sagu, S.F.N. 25086 (Henderson).

5. Boesenbergia flava (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov. Gastro-

chilus flavus Ridl., Flora Mal. Pen. 4: 248. 1924. @G..

Vol. XIII. (1950).

114

minor quoad Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 111 and Mat. 2: 17

(not of Baker). ta | —

Leafy stems short, each with-about 4 leaves and red

sheaths at the base. Leaf. blade to 20 by 6 cm., somewhat

asymmetric, elliptic, shortly. pointed, base cuneate-decurrent,

green with a median silvery band. (the midrib and a band on

either side of it); petiole 2-4 cm. long; ligule-lobes 1 cm.

long, acute, thin, pinkish; sheath flushed or mottled with

red almost throughout. Inflorescence entirely hidden by leaves,

as in B. pandurata and apparently of similar construction.

Bracts about 5 em. long, flushed with pink. ‘Corolla-tube 1-1-5

cm. longer than bract, slender; lobes yellow, 2-2-5 cm. long.

Staminodes yellow with a red spot at the base of each, oblong,

about as long as the petals. Lip 2-5-3 cm. long, to nearly 2

cm. wide, ohlong-obovate, nearly flat, yellow with a deeper

yellow patch near the apex and a band of red blotches on either

side of the midline towards the base. Filament nearly 1-5 cm.

long, pale yellowish + flushed with pink, narrow; anther

about 5 mm. long, the pollen-sacs somewhat diverging towards

the apex; connective prolonged into a crest about 1 mm. long,

not wider than the anther, slightly reflexed, with a very

short tip.

This species was originally described by Ridley from a

plant cultivated at Penang, brought from Batang Padang

district (Perak); a coloured drawing exists in Singapore

and also a dried specimen prepared from the plant drawn.

Though describing this plant (as is clearly shown by

comparison with the drawing), Ridley used the name

Gastrochilus minor Bak., and repeated this also in his

Materials (vol. 2, p. 17). When preparing his Flora how-

ever he realized that Baker’s species was different and

published a new name, G. flavus, for the Batang Padang

plant. The specimens are such that it is impossible to see

the inflorescence-structure clearly without destroying them ;

I think however that I am correct in stating that this is

similar to the structure of B. pandurata. The flower of

B. flava is large, and its yellow colour with red markings

distinctive.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Batang Padang, cult. Penang, Curtis

(type). Bukit Kepayang, Ridley s.n. February 1904. Bujong

Malacca, Ridl. sn. September 1898.

6. Boesenbergia longipes (King & Prain) Schltr., Fed. Rep.

12: 316. 1913. Gastrochilus longipes K. & P. ex Ridl.,

J.S.B.R.A.8. 32: 113. 1899.. Flora 4: 250.

Rhizome underground; intervals between leaf-shoots about

4-5 em. or longer; roots bearing tubers. Leaf-shoots bearing

2 or 3 leaves and several sheaths; longest sheath about 12 cm.

long, reddish. Leaf-blade to about 30 by 10 cm., widest above

the middle, apex broadly pointed, base gradually narrowed,

midrib slightly hairy beneath, upper surface dark green; ~

petiole to 18 cm. long; ligule-lobes 1-5-2 em. long; sheath to

12 em. long, more or less flushed with red. Inflorescence

enclosed by leaf-sheaths as: in B. pandurata; flowers not

Gardens Bulletin, S.

115

fragrant. Bracts 3-4 cm. long. Calyx with ovary about 1-7

em. long. Corolla-tube about 4-5 cm. long; dorsal lobe about

15 cm. long and 7 mm, wide, elliptic, acute, laterals a little

narrower, all white. Staminodes about 1 cm. long and 7 mm.

wide, white with very pale yellowish tips and a small reddish

mark at the base. Lip about 2 cm. long, obovate, the basal

part slightly concave,.the apical part with thin crinkled

reflexed edges, not lobed, white, with a yellow median band

widening towards the apex, and on either side of it in the basal

2/3 an irregular band of crimson. Stamen white; filament

about 4 mm., anther 4 mm. long; pollen-sacs dehiscing by slits;

anther-crest small, fleshy, not wider than rest of anther,

rounded, slightly retuse.

This species was based on a single collection made by

Wray at Briah, Larut, without colour notes. The specimen

in the Singapore herbarium (presumably that seen by

Ridley when he described the species) has only a single

partly brokén dried flower, lacking the corolla-tube and

calyx. I have examined this flower, soaked in water, and

find the following dimensions of parts: corolla-lobes about

1 em. long; staminodes about 6 mm. long; lip little over

1 cm. long; filament 2-5 mm., anther 255 mm. long, with

small rounded crest (certainly not 2-lobed with acute lobes

as in B. pandurata). Ridley’s statement that the stami-

nodes are longer than the lip is certainly wrong. His

further statement that the inflorescence resembles that of

G. lancifolius is also incorrect.

In 1936 Corner collected at Kuala Kangsar a specimen

(including a flower in alcohol) which agrees exactly in leaf

and inflorescence with Wray’s type of B. longipes. The

flower, including anther, has a similar shape (so far as one

can judge from the incomplete dried specimen) but is about

50 per cent larger. In view of the uncertainty of exact

dimensions of Wray’s flower, I give above measurements

taken from Corner’s specimen. Further collections are

needed to show whether one or two species exist. The

specimens are: Briah, Larut, Wray 4220. Kuala Kangsar,

in forest by stream, S.F.N. 31673 (Corner).

7. Boesenbergia pandurata (Roxb.) Schltr., Fed. Rep. 12:

516. 1913. Kaempferia pandurata Roxb., Asiat. Res.

11: 328, t. 2. 1810. Fl. Ind. 1: 18. 1820. Bot. Reg. t.

173. 1816. Gastrochilus panduratus Ridl., J.S.B.R.AS.

o2: 114. 1899. Flora 4: 249. Valet., Bull. Btzg. 2nd

Ser. XXVII: 91.

Leafy shoots short, each with 3 or 4 leaves, with bladeless

red sheaths at the base. Leaf-blades to about 28 by 10 cm.

(the outer shorter ones often wider than the inner longer

ones), slightly asymmetric, elliptic, shortly pointed, base

cuneate, the midrib at least slightly hairy beneath; petioles

5-12 cm. long, slightly winged, channelled; ligule-lobes broadly

triangular, about 5 mm. long; sheaths with thin edge decurrent

Vol. XIII. (1950).

116

from the ligule, the longest sheath about 12-15 ecm. long.

Inflorescence completely enclosed by the leaf-sheaths except

the extreme tips of the bracts, constructed as in B. plicata

but with very short rachis and crowded bracts. Bracts about

4-2 cm. long, green, about 4 mm. wide. Bracteoles about as

long as bracts and about as wide. Calyx with ovary about

1:8 em. long. Corolla-tube about 1-5 cm. longer than bracts;

lobes 1:5 em. long, pink. Staminodes a little shorter and

broader than corolla-lobes, pink. Lip about 2-5 cm. long, not

deeply saccate, apex reflexed and slightly bilobed, coloured a

deeper pink than the petals and staminodes, (pale towards

edges and base ?). Stamen in all about 1 cm. long. Anther

about 5 mm., with short narrow reflexed bilobed crest.

This species was originally described by Roxburgh

from a cultivated plant brought to Calcutta from Sumatra.

It is probably native in both Java and Sumatra and widely

cultivated in Malaysia and India for its rhizome, which is

used as a flavouring for food and as medicine. The Malay

name is Temu Kunchi. The only Malayan specimens in the

Singapore herbarium which seem referable to B. pandurata

are from Penang, above the Waterfall, where perhaps they

may have been a relic of former cultivation, and a doubtful

one from Sungei Siput in Perak. Roxburgh’s description

of the structure of the inflorescence is very complete and

there is no doubt of the status of the species. The dimen-

sions given above are taken from dried Penang specimens

and the parts of the flower may perhaps be somewhat larger.

SPECIMENS. Penang. Top of waterfall, near the Bun-

galow, 750 feet, Fox s.n. 25 July 1899. Waterfall Valley,

S.F.N. 1180 (Burkill). Perak. Sungei Siput, S.F.N. 6984

(Haniff and Nur); anther-crest not distinct, but habit of

plant and size of flowers agree with B. pandurata.

8. Boesenbergia clivalis (Ridl.) Schltr., Fed. Rep. 12: 316.

1913. Gastrochilus clivalis Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 114.

1899. Flora 4: 249. G. puberulus Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S.

57: 102. 1910. Flora 4: 251.

The type of this species differs from B. pandurata in

smaller size of inflorescence and flowers as follows: Bracts

about 3-5 cm. long. Calyx with ovary about 1-7 cm. long

(dried). Corolla-tube 4-2 cm. long, lobes little over 1 cm. long.

Staminodes slightly shorter than corolla-lobes. Lip apparently

about 1-5 cm. long.

The type is Ridley s.n. 1897, from 15th mile Pahang

Track, Selangor. No colours of the parts of the flower are

recorded. Ridley’s statement that each bract contains 4

or 5 flowers is incorrect; the arrangement of bracts and

bracteoles is typical of Boesenbergia. The shape of the

anther-crest of the single flower agrees with B. pandurata.

Recent collections from near Labis in Johore (S.F.N.

38265, Henderson) are plants of larger size than the type

Gardens Bulletin, S.

117

of B. ciivalis but agree in essentials. Details are as

follows:

Leaves on each shoot about 6; largest leaf-blade to 52

by 13-5 cm., medium green, pale beneath, main veins raised

on upper surface; petiole to 20 cm. long; sheath 9 ecm. long,

very broad, slightly purplish, ligule-lobes rather narrowly

triangular, to 2-5 em. long. IJnflorescence.enclosed by sheaths

of uppermost two leaves. Bracts pale green or the outer ones

flushed with purple, 4-5-5 cm. long, 15 mm. wide. Bracteoles

nearly as long as bracts and a little narrower, thin and

translucent. Calyx 18 mm. long. Corolla-tube nearly 6 cm.

long, dorsal lobe 20 mm. long and 10 mm. wide, white.

Staminodes white. Lip a little longer than corolla-lobes, with

translucent purple veins laterally and central yellow patch.

Anther 7 mm. long (excluding crest), filament 4 mm.; crest

refiexed, 2 mm. long, bilobed, almost 4-lobed, the outer lobules

narrow and acute. Fruit 27 mm. long, 8 mm. wide, containing

several seeds; calyx persistent at fruiting.

Ridley’s Gastrochilus puberulus (type from Temango,

Perak, no. 14423) is similar vegetatively except that it has

narrower leaves (to 30 by 6 cm.), and the flowers agree in

essential structure; Ridley states that the lip is yellow with

a red line on each side of the central ridge.

Accepting the Labis and Temango specimens as B.

clivalis, the chief distinction from B. pandurata would seem

to be the yellow colour of the lip. Further information

about both species is needed.

Other specimens are: Pahang. Kuala Teku, Seimund

398. Selangor. Ulu Gombak, 10th mile, 1,000 feet, Md

Nur s.n., 24.10.1937.

Another collection from Johore (S.F.N. 10296, Holttum,

from north of G. Blumut), has similar flowers of similar

colour, but only one broader leaf on each shoot; it is pro-

bably a distinct species.

7. KAEMPFERIA LINNAEUS

Rhizome fieshy, usually of short elements each bearing

one to a few leaves with a terminal inflorescence, or in a

few cases leaves and flowers on separate shoots, not simul-

taneous. Roots often bearing small tubers. Lrect stems

usually short. Leaf-blade usually broad, sometimes varie-

gated or purple beneath; petiole short; sheath often short;

ligule usually small. Inflorescence usually enclosed by the

imbricating leaf-sheaths, or by blade-less sheaths when it

appears on non-leafy shoots; in K. elegans the peduncle

elongates so that the whole inflorescence is free from the

sheaths. Flowers few to many, spirally arranged, usually

on a flat or convex receptacle, each solitary in the axil of a

bract and accompanied by a small thin bidentate or bifid

bracteole. Bracts much longer than wide, their bases

encircling a large part of the axis, their edges involute,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

118

closely imbricating. Calyx tubular, split for a short dis-

tance and unequally toothed, usually much shorter than the

corolla-tube (as long in K. rotunda). Corolla-tube long;

lobes subequal, relatively long and narrow, spreading or

reflexed. Staminodes petaloid, flat, spreading, basal part

often narrow, widened abruptly to an elliptic, oblong or

nearly round blade, often similar to the halves of the lip,

usually white or lilac. Lip nearly flat, often wider than

long, base sometimes narrow, blade deeply bilobed, the two

halves often of similar shape and size to the staminodes,

usually white or lilac, sometimes marked with a different

colour towards the base. Stamen: filament none or very

short; anther hardly exserted beyond the throat of the

flower; pollen-sacs parallel, dehiscing longitudinally, not

produced into free tips at the base; crest of connective

usually large, entire or lobed, usually reflexed and filling the

throat of the flower. Ovary trilocular (or apparently in

some species unilocular) with few to numerous seeds; fruit

usually thin-walled, dehiscent (always?) ; seeds ellipsoid to

nearly round with lacerate aril.

The genus Kaempferia dates from Linnaeus, who

included K. rotunda and K. galanga in the first edition of

his Species Plantarum. But though these species, and a

few others, have been several times described and illustra-

ted, and have been cultivated so that botanists could examine

them in the living state, the first description of the inflores-

cence was given by Valeton in 1918. Valeton was in fact

the first botanist to write a satisfactory generic diagnosis;

the above statement is taken from his work.

Kaempferia, Scaphochlamys and Boesenbergia are all

nearly related. Boesenbergia seems distinct enough in its

peculiar inflorescence and in the lip being entire, often very

concave and often red towards the apex; but the line of

distinction between Scaphochlamys and Kaempferia is much

less easy to draw. Valeton only saw good and complete

material of two species of Scaphochlamys (Gastrochilus

laxiflorum Valet., Scaphochlamys Kunstleri (Bak.) Holtt.);

he included both in Gastrochilus, though recognizing them

as aberrant. But the present collection of specimens from

Malaya extend the range of our knowledge of Scaphochla-

mys very greatly ; they indicate clearly its distinction from

Gastrochilus Wall. and also its closer approach to Kaemp-

feria. On the other hand, Kaempferia, as represented by

species of close alliance to Linnaeus’s two, is only found in

the extreme north of Malaya, and our collections are small.

I have seen cultivated plants of three of our species, but

take some information from Valeton, whose work fortu-

nately supplies many of the deficiencies of mine.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

119

Kaempferia has a short compact inflorescence, one

flower to each bract, the flower accompanied by a more or

less deeply 2-lobed bracteole or by two narrow separate

bracteoles; the lip is deeply bilobed, the staminodes rather

broad and spreading, the filament very short, and the

anther-crest usually large. Scaphochlamys has a compact

to very elongated inflorescence with several flowers to each

bract (except in S. biloba), the bracteoles sometimes 2-

nerved but never (to my knowledge) bilobed. Scapho-

chlamys has almost always relatively narrower staminodes

and lip than in Kaempferia, the lip never so deeply bilobed,

and the filament always present (though never long), the

pollen-sacs always free at the base (not free in Kaemp-

feria?). The aberrant species S. biloba has a long narrow

entire bracteole very unlike the bracteoles of Kaempferia.

If we take the distinction of one flower to one bract as

against several flowers to one bract, it breaks down at

S. biloba; but here the bracteole-character and general

flower-shape puts S. biloba into Scaphochlamys. The

flower-colour also, with the invariable yellow median band

of the lip, is not found (or not constant) in Kaempferia.

The habit of Kaempferia, with rhizome of short fleshy

elements and fleshy tuber-bearing roots is also different

from the less fleshy, often long-creeping rhizome of

Scaphochlamys with rather wiry roots which sometimes

develop into stilts and support the rhizome above ground

level. Kaempferia species also are usually adapted to a

seasonal climate, resting leafless in the dry season; Scapho-

chlamys are evergreen, native in shady forests in a country

with no prolonged drought. The genus Kaempferia is

widely distributed in Africa and Asia, and the species also

are In many cases of wide distribution.

An interesting feature is the presence in all three

genera of some species with unilocular ovaries, but appa-

rently not in all species of any one genus, as here constituted.

Schumann was so impressed by the importance of this

character that he made a special genus Haplochorema

founded especially upon it. His H. uniflorum, considered by

Valeton to be identical with Kaempferia decus-sylvae Hall.,

is described in detail by Valeton and judged by every other

character * it is a species of Kaempferia. Haplochorema

sumatranum Burk. is equally clearly a Boesenbergia.

Scaphochlamys tenuis and S. erecta have also unilocular

ovaries, with one and three ovules respectively. S. Kunst-

leri is reported by Valeton to have sometimes unilocular

and sometimes trilocular ovaries. The character is thus

* Except that the flowers are said to develop from apex to base

of the inflorescence as in Boesenbergia.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

120

an unstable one, and cannot reasonably be used as the basis

for a genus. Schumann’s species probably all belong to

Boesenbergia or Kaempferia but his descriptions of the

inflorescence leave their individual status in doubt.

If we assume here, as throughout the rest of the family

Zingiberaceae, that the primitive inflorescence is one with

a cincinnus of several flowers in the axil of each bract, then

Scaphochlamys has the most primitive inflorescence of the

three genera. That is not to say that the other two genera

have been derived directly from Scaphochlamys; but

Scaphochlamys has preserved that particular primitive

form. It also has a much more restricted distribution than

Kaempferia, and at the same time has produced a relatively

large number of species, most of them apparently local, in

the forests of Malaya. Kaempferia, in adapting itself to

life in more open places and in seasonal climates, extended

greatly the possible range of its distribution, and has

travelled right across Africa, being the only genus of this

branch of the family Zingiberaceae which has done so.

There can be little doubt that the headquarters of this

branch is in Asia, and probably in Burma, where all the

ear (except perhaps Scaphochlamys) are now repre-

sented.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF KAEMPFERIA

Flowers and leaves borne on separate branches of the

rhizome, not simultaneous; staminodes erect, about 5 cm.

long 1. K. rotunda.

Flowers produced at apex of leaf-bearing stem, the inflores-

cence sometimes entirely enclosed by the innermost leaf-

sheaths; staminodes much smaller

Flowers white, with purple on lip only 2. K. galanga.

Flowers lilac, white at base of lip only

Petiole and sheath to about 6 cm. long; leaf-blade

horizontal; scape enclosed by leaf-sheaths;

anther-crest narrow, spathulate 3. K. pulchra.

Petiole and sheath longer; leaf-blade more or less

erect; scape exserted beyond leaf-sheaths;

anther-crest as wide as long, or nearly so

4. kK. elegans.

1. Kaempferia rotunda Linn., Sp. Pl. ed. 1, 3. 1753. Ridl.,

Flora 4: 246. Valeton, Bull. Buitenz. 2nd Ser. XXVII:

169. Bot. Mag. t. 6054. Fig. 14.

Rhizome consisting of subglobose tubercles; roots bearing

tubers. Leaves 2, erect, stalked; blade to about 45 by 11 cm.

(commonly smaller), purple beneath and usually variegated on

the upper surface. Inflorescence appearing from the leafless

rhizome, sessile or shortly stalked, surrounded by a few sheaths,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

121

the outer ones purple-tinged, the longest to 8 cm. long. Flowers

about 10, borne on the almost flat apex of the axis of the

_ inflorescence. Flowering bracts diminishing in size towards

- centre of intlorescence, the largest to 3-5 em. long; bracteo!les

binerved and bidentate, to 2-3 cm. long. Calyx 3-6 cm. long,

- faintly greenish, split down one side, apex shortly 3-toothed.

- Corolla-tube as long as calyx; lobes very narrow, as long as

the tube, white. Staminodes erect, oblong with rounded or

acute apex, about 5 cm. long, white. Labellum lilac (paler

towards edges, and with white veins in basal part), about

as long as the staminodes, deeply bilobed, the lobes curved

downwards. Anther-crest longer than rest of anther, relatively

narrow, 2- to 4-lobed, the outer lobes narrow and elongate.

This species is widely cultivated in south eastern Asia,

and is used medicinally. It is said also to be used as a

flavouring for food. Its country of origin is not certainly

known; possibly Indo-China. Valeton reports that it is

apparently wild in East Java, but he considers that it may

have escaped from cultivation. It is not mentioned by

Rumphius in the Herbarium Amboinense (late 17th cen-

tury). In Malaya it is perhaps not uncommon in the north,

but can only be kept alive in cultivation in the south. In

Singapore the plants rest after the leaves die, and then need

some protection from rain,

2. Kaempferia galanga Linn. Spec. Pl. Ed. 1.2.1753.

Bot. Mag. t. 805. Ridl. Flora 4: 245. Valet. Bull.

Buitenz. 2nd Ser. XX VII: 108. K. Schum. Pflanzenr.

Zingib. 77.

Leaves 2 or 3, almost horizontal and near the ground,

to about 15 by 10 cm., apex rather broadly pointed, green

with (often at least) a narrow reddish edge, much paler

beneath; petiole and sheath about 3 cm. long, broadly chan-

nelled. Inflorescence sessile, enclosed by the imbricating leaf-

sheaths, constructed as in K. pulchra, without any sterile

involucral bracts; flowers 12 or more. Bracts about 4 by 1 cm.

(outer ones) down to 2-5 cm. long near the centre. Bracteoles

two to each flower, narrow, facing the bract, to about 3-5

cm. long. Calyx about 3 cm. long. Corolla-tube 4-5-5 cm.

long; lobes 2:5 em. long, white, narrow, spreading. Staminodes

spreading, obovate, about 2:2 by 1-4 em., white. Lip about

2-3 em. long and 2-5 cm. wide, divided 2/3 to the base, the

lobes entire or somewhat lobed, the whole lip white with two

longitudinal violet bands in the basal half. Anther white,

sessile with a white bilobed reflexed crest, the lobes rounded.

This species is said to be native in India. It is widely

cultivated throughout south-eastern Asia and used both to

flavour food and medicinally. The Malay name Chéku» is

well known. It seems to be a common village plant in

Malaya, at least in the north, and the rhizomes are sold in

all parts of the country. Like K. pulchra, it does not main-

tain itself in Singapore, except in cultivation. It flowers

occasionally in Singapore; I have induced flowering by

drying a plant for a few weeks.

Vol. XIII. (1950) ¢

122

5. Kaempferia pulchra Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 107. 1899.

Flora 4: 245. Valet., Bull. Buitenz. 2nd Ser: XXVII:

113. Fig. 15. |

Leaves 2 or 3; blade horizontal, close to the ground,

commonly about 8-14 cm. long and 4-5-8 cm. wide, asymmetric,

elliptic, broadly pointed, base rounded, dark green above,

variegated with pale grey-green; petiole and sheath broad,

3-6 cm. long, more or less hairy; petiole to 1 cm. long; ligule-

lobes rounded, small; sheaths closely imbricating and enclosing

the inflorescence. Scape quite enclosed by the leaf-sheaths,

sometimes nearly as long as the sheaths. Inflorescence bearing

10 or more flowers on a somewhat convex (not elongated)

receptacle, each flower protected by a bract and bracteole, the

outer bracts longest, all fertile. Bracts pale green, narrow,

2:5-3-5 em. long, closely imbricate, thin, outermost spotted with

purple. Bracteoles about 1 cm. long, bifid to the base, the

segments very narrow. Corolla-tube about 4 cm. long; lobes

about 1-2 cm. long and 3 mm. wide, white, rolled backwards

and inconspicuous. Staminodes lilac; basal claw narrow, 6

mm. long, blade rounded, a little longer than wide, about

1:9 cm. long. Ip coloured as the staminodes except for a

small white and yellow area at the base, bilobed to the base of

the blade, the halves of the blade a little longer and narrower

than the staminodes, spreading in the same plane as the

staminodes and forming a quadrate flower, the basal 7 mm. nar-

row with inflexed sides, almost forming a tube and completely

embracing the stamen except for the broad apex of the crest.

Anther 3 mm. long, sessile, hidden in the throat of the flower,

shorter than the spathulate crest (7 mm. long) which has a

long narrow basal part, its obovate tip showing in the mouth

of the flower, the apical part lilac, rest white. Stylodes very

slender, c. 6 mm. long. Stigma with long hairs on the front

margin. Fruit 1-2 cm. long, oblong or ovoid, smooth, with a

thin wall, 3-locular, each loculus commonly with 4 seeds. Seeds

globose, irregularly compressed, 3 mm. long, the aril with

many segments, some longer than the seed.

This species occurs on limestone in Langkawi and

Lower Siam. It is cultivated in the Waterfall Gardens,

Penang, where it maintains itself in sandy ground in shade-

rockeries, but does not flourish so well nor flower so

regularly or freely in Singapore. In a strongly seasonal

climate the leaves die in the dry season. The flowers appear

with the new leaves after rains begin, and are produced

throughout the rainy season. In Singapore the plants are

almost evergreen. The fullest account of the species

(especially of the inflorescence) is that of Valeton, from

which data on bracts and fruits are taken. Gagnepain says

the staminodes are 2:5 cm. long and 2 cm. wide, but I have

not seen any so large. The size of the leaves varies much;

I have seen none as large as the 7 by 5 inches given by

Ridley. The species is very attractive and floriferous under

suitable conditions, and well worth cultivating for orna-

mental purposes. In Singapore, under moist shady condi-

tions, the leaves are larger, on longer petioles and more erect

Gardens Bulletin, S.

123

than in more open conditions in sandy ground at Penang.

The basal parts of the corolla-lobes, staminodes and lip

are all parallel to the axis of the flower and (without being

joined together) form a tube c. 6 mm. long which completely

encloses the stamen. The staminodes and lip are bent

abruptly at right angles at the apex of this tube and form

a nearly flat flower.

4. Kaempferia elegans (Wall.) Bak., F.B.1. 6: 222. 1890.

Ridi., Flora 4: 245. Monolophon elegans Wall., Pl.

Beat nar.. bs 2405.20. 1830.

Leaves 1 or 2, erect or suberect; blade green, sometimes

with greyish spots, 12-15 cm. long, to about 7 cm. wide,

asymmetric, elliptic, broadly pointed; petiole and sheath 8-12

em. long, the petiole about 1-5 em.; lzgule-lobes small, rounded.

Inflorescence shortly exserted from the sheath on a slender

peduncle to about 4 cm. long beyond the top of the leaf-sheath;

whole infiorescence about 4 cm. long and about 7 mm. wide,

the two outer bracts sterile, pale green more or less spotted

with purple; inner bracts shorter. Calyx shorter than bracts.

Corolla-tube about 5 cm. long; lobes about 1-5 cm. long, narrow.

Staminodes lilac, obovate, about 1-8 cm. long. Labellum as

long as staminodes and similarly coloured (apparently not

white at the base), bilobed nearly to the base, anther sessile;

crest broad, entire, reflexed, rounded, hardly longer than wide.

“ear garain Tenasserim; said to occur in Langkawi and

Kedah.

This species and K. pulchra Ridl. are very nearly allied.

According to Wallich’s drawing, K. elegans has larger plain

green leaves on longer stalks, peduncle of inflorescence much

longer than leaf-sheath and a short broad anther-crest. As

regards size of leaves and length of petiole, K. pulchra

varies much. Specimens from Langkawi and Kedah

certainly agree vegetatively more nearly with K. elegans as

illustrated by Wallich than with most specimens of K.

pulchra. I cannot see the anther-crest distinctly in any of

them; their flowers are exactly like K. pulchra in shape

and size of other parts. ;

I think it very probable that all specimens referred by

Ridley to K. elegans are really only unusually large plants

of K. pulchra; and it is even possible that the supposed

distinction of the anther-crest is due to an error by Wallich’s

artist. If it should prove that the two species are identical,

Wallich’s name naturally should stand.

8. HANIFFIA Holttum, gen. nov.

_ _ Rhizoma repens, caules 1- vel pluri-foliatos ferens;

inflorescentia basi caulis foliati enata, pedunculus tenuis

brevis vaginis biseriatis vestitus, rachis brevis pauciflora,

bracteae involucrantes nullae; bracteae primariae tenues

flores singulos amplectentes ; bracteolae nullae; calyx longus,

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

124

tubulosus; corollae lobi inaequales; staminodia lobis latera-

libus corollae fere aequalia; ovarium basi solum triloculare,

ovula pauca.

Species typica: Elettariopsis cyanescens Ridley.

This genus is probably most nearly allied to Roscoea,

differing in the separate inflorescence and leaf-shoot and in

the lack of basal appendages to the anther. Apart from

its separate inflorescence and leaf-shoot, it appears to differ

from Kaempferia secunda in lacking bracteoles, in its

narrower staminodes and lip and in its longer stamen with

very short crest. From typical species of Kaempferia it

differs in the leafy stem, which in H. cyanescens resembles.

exactly that of a small Zingiber, in the elongate relatively

slender rachis of the inflorescence, lack of bracteoles,

narrow staminodes, lip not deeply bilobed, and length of

anther-filament.

Two species are known. The second species is undes-

cribed, and is represented by a single specimen in Herb.

Singapore, collected at Bacho in Peninsular Siam, lat. 6° 26’

(S.F.N. 24293, Kiah). The leaf-shoots have each a single

leaf (blade c. 12 by 3 em., petiole and sheath c. 6 cm.) ; the

inflorescence is exactly as in H. cyanescens; the flowers are

smaller, with corolla-lobes 1:5 em. long, the other parts not

well enough preserved to be accurately described but in

general having the same shape and proportions as in H.

cyanescens.

The genus is named to commemorate the late Mohamed

Haniff, who was a member of the staff of the Botanic

Gardens of the Straits Settlements (chiefly in Penang) for

thirtv years. Mr. Haniff had a considerable knowledge of

Malayan plants and his collections added greatly to the

value of the Singapore herbarium. His field notes and

small flower-sketches of Zingiberaceae and Orchids have in

many cases provided useful information not otherwise

available; he collected one of the three known specimens of

Haniffia cyanescens.

Haniffia cyanescens (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov. Elettariopsis

cyanescens Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 41: 31. 1904. Kaemp-

feria cyanescens Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S 86: 308. 1922.

Flora 4: 246.

Leaf-shoots to 5 em. or more apart, 45-80 cm. tall, bearing

4-7 pairs of leaves on the upper half. Leaves to about 18

by 3 cm., narrowly elliptic, acuminate, base narrowly cuneate,

glabrous; petiole lacking; ligule about 3 mm. long, broad, .

hardly lobed, rather sparsely hairy; base of midrib and parts

of sheath near ligule also more or less hairy. Inflorescence

arising from the base of the leaf-shoot; peduncle 1-2-5 cm.

long, covered with alternate thin ovate sheaths the upper

Gardens Bulletin, S.

‘125

ones longest, to 2 em. long; rachis hairy, 1 cm. long or rather

more. Flowers about 5, each in the axil of a bract, without

bracteoles. Bracts thin, to about 2-2 cm. long and 1-0 cm. wide,

elliptic, bluntly pointed. Ovary about 4 mm. long, hairy.

Calyx with ovary 2-7 cm. long, hairy. Corolla-tube about 4

em. long, hairy; lobes white, about 2 em. long, the dorsal

8 mm. wide near the base, laterals 5 mm. wide, all more or

less hairy on the back. Staminodes about 2:5 cm. long and

0-6 em. wide, white. Lip about 2-3 cm. long, obovate, ap-

parently about 1-5 cm. wide, bilobed (not very deeply ?), the

lobes rounded “violet veined with white” (Ridley). Filament

3 mm. long; anther 6 mm. long, pollen-sacs narrow and parallel,

without extended free base; connective prolonged at the apex

to a small crest (apparently 3-lobed) about 1 mm. long, not

wider than rest of anther. Stylodes slender, 4-5 mm. long,

joined together except for short free tips.

This species has been found twice at Bukit Tangga in

Negri Sembilan, once near G. Bintang on the Kedah-Perak

boundary, and once in Peninsular Siam. No material

preserved in alcohol is available, and the above dimensions

may not all be accurate; they are made from rather frag-

mentary dried flowers soaked in water.

SPECIMENS. Negri Sembilan. Bukit Tangga, W.G.

Napier s.n. 1903 (Type); Ridley s.n. December 1920. Kedah.

B. Kuala Bintang, G. Bintang, S.F.N. 21086 (Haniff). Siam.

Bukit, lat. 6° 11’, S.F.N. 24254 (Kiah).

TRIBE ALPINIEAE

This division of the family and the génus Costus

together include almost all the larger species (vegetatively

considered). Some are very large, and the proportion with

leaf-shoots less than one metre tall is very small. The only

genus which has always short leafy stems, the leaves longer

than the stems and few in number, is Elettariopsis; this is

vegetatively much like many members of the Hedychium

tribe.

There is thus less vegetative diversity in the Alpinia

tribe than in the Hedychium tribe, but probably more

diversity in the inflorescence. Assuming as we have done

(p. 7) that the primitive inflorescence in the family is

terminal on a leafy stem, and has a cincinnus of several

flowers in the axil of each bract, Alpinia represents a primi-

tive condition, and it is possible to derive the other forms

of inflorescence from it by various changes. Alpinia (in

the sense here used) also has tubular or cup-shaped secon-

dary bracts, and these may perhaps also represent another

primitive character, which is preserved in many genera of

this tribe though not in the Hedychium tribe.

A character in which Alpinia and its immediate allies

have probably departed from the primitive condition is in

having quite small primary bracts or none at all. This

Vol. XIII. (1950).

126

reduction is explained when we see how the whole

inflorescence is entirely enclosed by two large sheaths

(representing the leaves next below the inflorescence) up to

a very late stage of development; owing to the protection

given by these sheaths, large primary bracts are unneces-

sary.

In constrast to the Hedychium tribe, a number of

genera in the Alpinia tribe have the inflorescence borne

on a non-leafy shoot in all species, and the degree of

specialization is in some cases considerable.

The following are the principal modifications from the

Alpinia type of inflorescence found in this tribe.

(1) Specialization of the flowering shoot. In this, the

2-ranked leaves which would develop blades on a leaf-shoot

are reduced to (relatively small) sheaths only, but in many

cases the rudiment of a blade is seen in a subapical point.

These sheaths usually increase gradually in size from base

to apex of the scape, the upper ones being often large and

embracing the base of the inflorescence, like the upper

sheaths in Alpinia.

(2) Reduction ov increase in size of primary bracts.

In Plagiostachys and Catimbium the primary bracts appear

to have disappeared entirely. In Alpinia, Languas and

Geostachys they are often very small, and sometimes also

in Cenolophon. In Amomum, on the other hand, they are

large, sometimes very large.

(3) Development of an involucre of sterile bracts.

This has occurred in Phaeomeria, Achasma and Hornstedtia.

The uppermost of the two-ranked sheaths take some part

here also in protecting the base of the inflorescence, but the

main protection is by large spirally arranged bracts which

must be regarded as sterilized primary bracts of the inflo-

rescence. These are often gradually smaller inwards and

there is usuallv no sharp transition between them and the

fertile primary bracts. Most of the primary bracts however

are much smaller, their protective function being now

largely dispensed with.

(4) Reduction of number of flowers in the cincinn.

In many genera each cincinnus is reduced to one flower

only. The exceptions are: Alpinia, Geostachys, Elettaria,

Languas, all of which usually have a number of flowers in

each cincinnus. In Catimbium there are almost always at

least two flowers in a cincinnus towards the base of the

inflorescence. In the other genera, one flower is the rule;

the only known normal exceptions are Hornstedtia leonurus

Gardens Bulletin, S.

ti i

127

and Elettariopsis triloba, but Valeton reports that some-

times the bracts of Phaeomeria have two flowers.

In the case of a cincinnus of several flowers, the first

one to open is trulv terminal, and is not in the axil of a

bract. The bract which actually surrounds it in Alpinia

(where the flowering bracts are cup-shaped) has the second

flower in its axil. Thus where the flowers in a cincinnus

are reduced to one, the bracteole is really the bract of the

lacking second flower. That flower is often present as a

rudiment in Catimbium, but is apparently quite suppressed

in Amomum. In the same way, the third flower appears

to be suppressed in Hornstedtia leonurus, though its bract

surrounds the second flower.

(5) Modification of secondary bracts. In most cases

the secondary bracts (or bracteoles) retain their tubular

character, the exceptions being: Hornstedtia (except A.

leonurus), a few species of Amomum, Elettariopsis, Lan-

guas, Catimbium, Cenolophon. In Cenolophon the secondary

bracts have quite disappeared:.in Catimbium they are large

and of peculiar shape, split to the base, and deciduous.

Where the cincinnus is not reduced to a single flower,

and the flowering bracts are not cup-shaped, the cincinnus-

structure is clear, and the first flower is seen to be terminal,

not axillary. If a cincinnus with such bracts is reduced

to one flower, the flowering bracts should logically all

disappear (as in Cenolophon); but in Catimbium (the

upper flowers of which are solitary) the single flowers are

covered with large bracteoles. The second flower here is

usually not entirely suppressed, but present as a rudiment,

and this also occurs in the case of the inner solitary flowers

of Elettariopsis triloba. In the case of paired flowers of

E. triloba, the first has clearly no bracteole; the second has

one, which encloses it only. This is an interesting contrast

to the case of Hornstedtia leonurus.

(6) Shortening of the rachis. This has occurred in

Phaeomeria, Achasma and Hornstedtia, and to a smaller

degree in Amomum and Plagiostachys. In the three former

genera, the inflorescence has become densely crowded, and

the axis is short. In some cases (Achasma, most Horns-

tedtia and some Phaeomeria) the axis is almost flat: in

other cases it is short and denselv covered with flowers.

(7) Shortening of the scape. In Hornstedtia, Ach-

asma, and some species of Amomum, the scape is very

short; so much so that the inflorescence is only just at

ground level, its base often buried in the ground. In a few

Species, only the upper part of each flower is above ground

Vol. XIII. (1950).

128

level. The fruit then ripens underground. This condition

is found also in some species of Elettaria, but not due to

shortening of the scape. The tubes of such flowers are

usually very long.

(8) Decurved or prostrate inflorescences. These are

found in Geostachys, Elettaria and Elettariopsis. In Geos-

tachys some species have erect and some decurved inflores-

-cences. In Elettaria and Elettariopsis the inflorescence its

prostrate, or nearly so, sometimes quite subterranean. In

Elettaria longituba the scape and rachis of the inflorescence

are horizontal and below ground level. There appears to

be no sharp distinction between scape and rachis, the

two-ranked sheaths being similar throughout, all except the

basal ones having axillary cincinni which curve upwards,

the base of their flower-tubes being below ground level.

(9) Plagiostachys. This quite peculiar genus has a

branched inflorescence which is terminal on the erect stem

but pushes its way through the side of the combined

leaf-sheaths instead of growing straight up and emerging

at their apex as in Alpinia. /

Flowers. The flowers in this tribe are more uniform

than in the Hedychium tribe, except for the Hornstedtia

group of genera, where they are modified to suit the condi-

tion of very compact inflorescences with long bracts, and

also are predominantly red in colour. Geocharis also shows

peculiarities, resembling to some extent the Papuasian

genus Riedelia not known in Malaya. Apart from these,

the flowers are fairly uniform in shape, though with a

fair variety in colouring. A good number of species of

Amomum, Elettariopsis and Plagiostachys have a white

lip with yellow median band bordered by red stripes, very

similar to the colour arrangement so common in Scapho-

chlamys. But in these genera of the Alpinia tribe the lip

is not deeply bilobed; it is usually rather distinctly trilobed,

the middle lobe being due presumably to the development

of the rudiment of the outer staminode.

Definition of genera. The genera are in most cases

clearly distinguishable on inflorescence-characters. As in

the Hedychium tribe, it is difficult to base distinction on

flower-character and especially on characters of the anther-

crest.

The genera as at present limited are in most cases easy

to recognize, but there are some species which owing to

specialization do not have the typical aspect of their genus.

This is especially the case with the reduced species of

Achasma with inflorescences quite buried in the ground.

The presence of an invoiucre of sterile bracts is here not

Gardens Bulletin, S.

129

obvious; but in this case the flowers are of very characte-

ristic shape. Elettariopsis and Amomum are also not easy

to discriminate, and I am not altogether satisfied with the

present arrangement. The details are fully discussed

under the genera concerned.

The status of the generic name Alpinia. This name

was used by Linnaeus for the tropical American species

Alpinia racemosa; he described no other. Later the

younger Linnaeus described Renealmia exaltata, also from

tropical America. Asiatic species were subsequently

referred to“both genera, up to the monograph of Horaninow

of 1861; but authors did not agree as to the distinctions

between the two genera. Later authors, including Schu-

mann, considered the tyne species of Alpinia and Renealmia

o belong to one genus, but as meanwhile the name Alpinia

had been mainly used for Asiatic species, the name Reneal-

mia was adopted for those in tropical America (and West

Africa), and Alpinia was used for an assemblage of species

which did not include the type species A. racemosa.

This was obviously an unsatisfactory state of affairs.

American botanists wished to regularize the use of the

name Renealmia, and so its conservation was proposed; this

involved the rejection of Alpinia Linn. The species of

Alpinia in Schumann’s sense then needed a new name. It

was proposed that the next oldest generic name for any of

them should be used, namely Languas Koenig; and accord-

ingly many species of Alpinia were transferred to Languas.

Later, the committee appointed at Amsterdam to consider

further proposals for conservation of generic names

proposed that a new status should be given to the name

Alpinia, namelv that it should be called Alpinia Roxb. (non

Linn.), and should be typified by the species A. galanga

(L.) Sw., which is also the type of Languas Koenig.

Assuming a continuance of the generic concept of Schu-

mann, this proposal would avoid further name-changes.

But Schumann’s Alpinia is an unsatisfactory mixture,

concerning which Ridley expressed the opinion fifty years

ago that it ought to be subdivided. It would have been far

better to have studied the problem of this subdivision before

proposing another type species for Alpinia.. As a result of

my study of the species concerned in Malaya, it seems to

me that they fall clearly into four groups, which are as

distinct as most genera in the family. For two groups the

names Catimbium and Cenolophon are available; a third

group includes A. galanga; the fourth group is Schumann’s

section Dieramalpinia. This fourth group includes many

Species not represented in Malaya, and some among them

have received other generic names. Without studying

Vol. XIII. (1950).

130

these, I do not know what generic name should be used,

in right of priority, for my fourth group, if the name

Alpinia is used’ for that containing A. galanga. I am

therefore continuing to use the name Alpinia for this

fourth group of species, retaining Languas for the group

of A. galanga (all of them have names in Languas). This

is not in accordance with the Amsterdam proposal, but it

involves the fewest changes in nomenclature, and I do not

want to make a series of new names for my fourth group

which may later have to be changed again.

In considering this matter, I was struck by the fact

that Schumann describes the inflorescence of Renealmia as

exactly like that of Alpinia section Dieramalpinia. I

therefore thought that perhaps the Renealmia problem

could be solved by uniting Renealmia with Dieramalpinia;

if this were possible, the name Alpinia would be appropriate

for the whole group. In order to test this idea, I asked

Mr. N. W. Simmonds, of the Imperial College of Tropica!

Agriculture, Trinidad, if he could send me material of

Renealmia for study. This he kindly did, and I have

examined flowers and inflorescences of R. exaltata Linn. f.,

and of Alpinia silvicola Britton (which Mr. Simmonds

regards as a species of Renealmia). My conclusion is that

these species should not be placed in the same genus as any

from Malaya. A brief report on the Trinidad specimens

follows. . |

In R. exaltata, as sent by Mr. Simmonds, each main

inflorescence-bract has in its axil a single flower in a

tubular bracteole, and within the bracteole also a rudiment:

cf a second flower. It is thus similar in arrangement to

Malayan species, but has a cincinnus reduced to a single

flower and a rudiment. The other Trinidad species how-

ever is quite different. It has one flower in the axil of each

main bract, no evidence of a rudimentary second flower,

and the bracteole is not tubular nor cup-shaped. If these

two species were Malayan, I would place them in different

genera; but the striking thing is that they have a lip of

closely similar structure, which is unlike anything I know

in Malaysia. It looks then as if the tropical American (and

presumably also West African) species now called Reneal-

mia show a different series of inflorescence-reductions from

the Malaysian species hitherto called Alpinia; at any rate

the two species I have seen, though differing in form of

inflorescence, have lips which are so similar that they must

surely be more nearly allied together than to any Malaysian .

species. My conclusion then is that Renealmia should —

remain distinct from the Asiatic species generally known

as Alpinia; I think also that the inflorescence-structure’ of.

the tropical American species needs further investigation.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

131

KEY TO THE GENERA OF THE ALPINIA TRIBE.

inflorescence terminal on a leafy stem

Inflorescence bearing single flowers directly on the

main axis: bracts usually small, no bracteoles

1. Cenolophon.

Inflorescence bearing lateral cincinni of 2 or more

flowers, or the apical part with solitary flowers;

primarv bracts none or small, rarely large; bracteo-

ies (or flowering bracts) always present, small or

large

Bracteoles funnel- or cup-shaped 2. Alpinia.

Bracteoles not cup-shaped, split to the base,

sheathing or flat

Primary bracts wanting (sometimes present

near apex of inflorescence); bracteoles

usually large, completely enclosing the

flower-buds to a late stage (except in A.

nuutica) ; calyx deeply split at flowering;

lip large, mainly orange or orange-yellow

with crimson markings 3. Catimbium.

Primary bracts present, usually small; brac-

teoles always small; calyx not deeply split;

lip small, white or white and purplish,

usually deeply bilobed 4. Languas.

inflorescence breaking through the leaf-sheaths at the side

of the aerial pseudo-stem (actually terminal on the stem

proper ) 5. Plagiostachys.

inflorescence on a leafless peduncle from the rhizome or

from the base of a leafy shoot

Inflorescence a compact head, the base or whole sur-

rounded by an involucre of relatively large, usually

coloured, sterile bracts, the floral bracts very much

smaller than those of the involucre

Bracteoles not tubular (except in H. leonwrvs) ;

lip not stiffiy incurved after flowering; stamen

as long as lip (except in H. conica)

6. Hornstedtia.

Bracteoles always tubular; lip (at least the fleshy

basal part) stiffly incurved after flowering;

stamen always much shorter than lip

Inflorescences on a long peduncle raised well

above ground; lip not much longer than

corolla-lobes 7. Phaeomeria.

Inflorescence on short peduncle, always embed-

ded in the ground; lip much longer than

corolla-lobes 8. . Achasmd.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

132

Inflorescence not surrounded by a conspicuous involucre

of sterile bracts which are larger than the flowering

bracts

Inflorescence cone-like, with imbricating bracts;

bracts usually persistent, sometimes decaying

early

Inflorescence embedded in the ground

Bracteoles tubular 9. Amomum.

Bracteoles not tubular

| 10. EHlettariopsis.

Inflorescence raised above the ground

9. Amomum.

Inflorescence lax, not cone-like, the primary bracts

not imbricating

Inflorescence erect or more or less decurved,

not entirely prostrate nor buried in the

ground |

Rachis of inflorescence bearing single

flowers; lip narrow, split to the base

11. Geocharis.

Rachis bearing cincinni of 2-5 flowers

each; lip not split to the base

12. Geostachys.

Inflorescence prostrate, sometimes entirely

underground (except for the tubes of the

flowers)

Flowers in cincinni, the floral bracts

tubular 13. EHlettaria.

Flowers solitary, on creeping axis, the

bracteoles or floral bracts not tubular

3 10. Elettariopsis.

1. CENOLOPHON BLUME

Inflorescence erect or drooping, not branched, bearing

only solitary flowers on short pedicels (a rudimentary

second flower rarely present in C. oxymitra). Primary

bracts usually small, not deciduous from the base, but some-

times breaking off above the base, in one species hooded

over the flower buds. Bracteoles or secondary bracts

absent. Calyx tubular, more or less split on one side.

Corolla-tube a little shorter than calyx; lobes white, cream

or orange. Lip broad and finely crisped, more or less

flushed with orange, with crimson marks; entrance to tube

of flower at base of lip rather broad, not filled with hairs,

a fleshy papillose swelling on either side of base of filament.

Staminodes various, usually present. Anther often deep

Gardens Bulletin, S.—

133

red, the connective usually (but not always) produced to

form a conspicuous crest. Fruit usually ellipsoid, some-

times very much longer than wide, smooth or ribbed.

This genus was founded by Blume in 1827, his only

species being C. rubrum from Celebes. The description is

very brief, and Schumann states that no specimen can be

found in Blume’s herbarium at Leiden. There are however

two significant points in the description; the inflorescence

is racemose and the anther crested. Horaninow is the only

jater author to take up Blume’s genus; he included in it

Amomum vitellinum Lindl. as well as C. rubrum Bl.

Lindley’s species was well illustrated in the Botanical

common on Penang Hill. No other species have later been

added to the genus, but it was used as a section of Alpinia

by Baker, Ridley and Schumann. Schumann did not clearly

recognize the complete absence of bracteoles or secondary

bracts. He included only the Malayan species called Ceno-

jophon by Ridley and one from Ceylon which is altogether

doubtful. On the other hand, he placed in his section

Probolocalyx several species which may well belong to

Cenolophon, but the bracis are not described; some of these

are from Celebes and one of them might duplicate Blume’s

original C. rubrum.

This genus has doubtless originated from Alpinia; but

except. for an occasional rudiment in C. oxymitra it has

completely lost all trace of the cincinni, the inflorescence

having become a simple raceme like that found (for

example) in Orchidaceae.

The Malayan species have flowers of moderate size,

usually close together and always on very short pedicels,

thus forming a rather compact slender inflorescence, except

in C. petiolatum where it is drooping and more lax. C.

oxynutrum is interesting in having cucullate bracts which

break across near the base when the bud within them

elongates. Almost all Malayan species have long petioles.

C. vitellinum typically has short bracts, but the var. canni-

a” which seems a rather inconstant one, has them quite

ong.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF CENOLOPHON

Anther crested; leaf-sheaths at most short-hairy

Bracts hooded 1. C. oxymitrum.

Bracts not hooded

Leaves broadly rounded or cordate at base

Rachis 7-10 cm. long; crest of anther broad,

3—lobed ; calyx with ovary 2 cm. long

_ 2. C. macrostephanum.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

134

Rachis to 25 em. long; crest crescent-shaped,

irregularly toothed; calyx with ovary 3 cm.

long 3. C. pulcherrimum.

Leaves cuneate at base

Calyx with ovary 3 cm. long: inflorescence

drooping; corolla-lobes 2:5 cm. long; lip

buff towards the base; anther-crest cres-

cent-shaped, toothed 4. C. petiolatum.

Calyx with ovary under 2 cm. long; inflores-

cence erect; lip entirely orange-yellow with

crimson veins; anther-crest 3-lobed, middle

lobe largest a CO vitellinum.

Anther not crested; leaf-sheaths rather long-hairy (hairs

2mm. or more long)

Hairs on lower surface of leaves 15-2 mm. long ;

petiole to 3. cm. long; leafy stems without conspicu-

ously ribbed sheaths at base 6. C. mollissimum.

Hairs on lower surface of leaves much shorter; petiole

to 8 cm. long; leafy stems with several conspicuously

ribbed sheaths at the base 7. C. Corner.

1. Cenolophon oxymitrum (K. Schum.) Holtt., comb. nev.

Alpinia oxymitra K. Schum., Bot. Tidsskr. 24: 268.

1902. Pfiznr. Zingib. 336, fig. 40, J, K. Gagnep. FI.

Gen. Indochine 6: 93. <A. comosa Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S.

32: 170. 1899. Flora 4: 286 (non Jacq.).

Stems about 2-3 m. tall, close together, bases whitish, with

brown scale-sheaths. Leaves rather leathery, to about 40 by

5 cm., glabrous except for stiff hairs on edges, apex acuminate-

caudate (cauda to 4 cm. long), base cuneate; petiole 2-5 mm.

long; ligule about 5 mm. long, not bilobed, fringed with short

hairs. Inflorescence vertical, at an angle to the sloping stem.

Rachis to about 17 cm. long, much thickened at fruiting, densely

short-hairy, bearing very numerous close single flowers which

closely overlap each other when in bud; flowers 5 or 6 open

together, in sequence from base to apex of rachis. Bracts about

1-4 ecm. long, densely appressed-hairy, dorsally prolonged up-

wards into a pointed hood 3-4 mm. long beyond the apex of

the lamina-edge, breaking irregularly near the base as the

buds elongate, the persistent base not deciduous. Pedicel

hardly visible at flowering, elongating to 3 mm, at fruiting

and apparently partly joined to the base of the bract. Ovary

and calyx densely appressed-hairy, white, total length about

1-2 cm.; teeth of calyx short, close together, other side of

tube spilt about 5 mm. Corolla-tube about 5 mm. longer than

calyx, tube and lobes white, densely hairy; lobes about 1-4 cm.

long, laterals 4 mm. wide, dorsal a little wider and. hooded.

Lip barely 2 cm. long, broadly obovate, the apex somewhat —

deflexed and bilobed, white flushed with yellow towards the ©

base, with crimson ‘markings on either side of the pe

near the base. Staminodes fan-shaped, 4—5 mm. long, apical

margin 3-4 mm., white with crimson spots at the base.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

135

Filament 1 cm. long, short-hairy; anther 5 mm. long without

the crest, white, hairy; crest 2-5 mm. long, slightly bilobed,

not wider than the anther. Fruit narrowly ellipsoid, 5 cm,

long and barely 1-5 cm. diameter, longitudinally ribbed,

brownish-ochre, short-hairy near base and apex, which carries

the persistent calyx.

This interesting species occurs in Siam and Indochina;

in Malaya it has only been collected in Kedah and is.

evidently at its southern limit. Ridley described the bracts

as ‘“‘cap-shaped”’ in his field notes, but this was printed as

cup-shaped, and so latinized by Schumann as cupulatae,

giving a quite inaccurate impression. The staminodes were

described by Ridley as “inch long’’, with a gap before inch,

evidently intended for the necessary fraction; this again

misled Schumann, who put the species in quite the wrong

place, at the end of his subgenus Autalpinia.

The name given to this species by Ridley, A. comosa,

is pre-occupied by A. comosa Jacq. (Costus comosus) ; the

later name A. oxymitra is available.

Gagnepain evidently mistook the broken bases of the

bracts for primary bracts (which he said were small or

absent) and the upper cucullate part of the bracts for

bracteoles.

Corner reports this species as frequent in secondary

forest near Kota Bahru, Kelantan. In Corner’s Kelantan

specimens there are remains of two rudimentary secondary

flowers: I cannot distinguish the relation of the second

flower to the bract.

SPECIMENS. Cult. in Hort. Bot. Singap., origin Kedah,

Ridley 4443 (type of A. comosa). Kedah. Kedah Peak 1,500

feet, Ridley s.n. June 1893. Bukit Tunjang, 950 feet, S.F.N.

13149 (Haniff). Kelantan. K. Pulai Chondong, S.F.N. 33447

(Corner).

2. Cenolophon macrostephanum (Bak.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Amomum macrostephanum Bak., F.B.I. 6: 248. 1892.

Alpinia macrostephana Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 175.

1899. Flora 4: 284.

Stems 1-2-2-5 em. tall. Leaves to about 60 by 9 em.,

short-hairy on edges and on midrib beneath, apex shortly

caudate, base abruptly and very unequally cordate; petiole to

about 12 cm. long, slender, short-hairy; ligule about 1 em.

long, bilobed, short-hairy; sheaths short-hairy. Rachis of

inflorescence ‘slender, 7-10 em. long. Bracts probably small,

deciduous. Ovary at flowering hairy, c. 3 mm. leng. . Calyx

with ovary about 2 cm. long, shaped as in A. petiolata. Corolla-

tube about as long as calyx; lobes 2 cm. long, short-hairy.

Labellum about 2-5 em. long, “crimson, edged yellow” (Wray).

Filament about 1-2 cm. long; anther without crest 5 mm. long,

-.erest. apparently about 5 mm. long. beyond . the éesnecmaana

broad and crisped, said to be 3-lobed..

Vol. XIII. (1950).

136

This species is only known from the original collection

{Larut, Perak, 500-1,000 feet, King’s Collector 1905), and

one by Wray, also from Larut (no. 3965). It is related to

C. petiolatum, but has smaller flowers with a larger anther-

crest of different shape, and strongly cordate leaves.

Further data are needed to complete the description.

2. Cenolophon pulcherrimum (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Alpinia pulcherrima Ridl., Journ. F.M.S. Mus. 4: 79.

1909. Flora 4: 284.

Habit of C. petiolatum, differing as follows: Leaves broadly

rounded or subcordate at base, very short-hairy on the lower

surface; petioles to 20 cm. long. Inflorescence to 25 cm. long

or even more. Flowers rather larger than in C. petiolatum,

calyx 2-5 cm. long. Labellum less flushed with orange (?).

Fruit 7-5 em. long.

This may ultimately rank as a variety of C. petio-

latum. The only clear distinction is in the shape of the

leaves. Ridley states the anther-crest differs by being

5-lobed, but it appears to be very much the same shape as

in C. petiolatum, where it is irregularly toothed, the teeth

large and lobe-like. The only specimens known are from

the neighbourhood of Cameron Highlands. The Semang-

kok Pass (Sempang Mines) specimen quoted by Ridley is

C. petiolatum.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. _Telom, Ridley 13850 (Type).

Cameron Highlands, Batten-Pooll, s.n. November 1939. Lubok

Tamang, 3,500 feet, Henderson 11102 (Herb. F.M.S. Mus.).

4. Cenolophon petiolatum (Bak.) Holtt., comb. noy.

Alpinia petiolata Bak., F.B.I. 6: 255. 1892. Ridl.,

J.9.B.R.A.S. 32: 175. 1899. Flora 4: 284.

Stems very close together, 1-1-5 m. tall, pinkish towards

the base. Leaves purplish beneath when young, to about 45

by 10 em., widest about 1/3 from apex, glabrous except for

short-hairy edges, apex shortly caudate, base gradually

narrowed; petiole to 10 cm. or more long, rather slender,

glabrous or very short-hairy; ligule bilobed, to about 1-2 cm.

long, edge hairy, surface glabrous or rarely very short-hairy;

sheath glabrous or short-hairy, with the ligule often suffused

with pink near the edges. Inflorescence slender, drooping, to

20 cm. long, with 2 narrow sheaths 10-15 cm. long at the base.

Rachis red, with rather sparse spreading hairs about 1 mm.

long, bearing single flowers 3-10 mm. apart. Bracts about 2

mm. long, hairy, near apex of inflorescence sometimes 1 cm.

or rather more long, narrow. Pedicels 2-4 mm. long. Ovary

at flowering 6 mm. long and 3 mm. wide, covered with soft

spreading hairs 1 mm. long. Calyx white, slightly flushed with

pink, 2-5 cm. long, tubular, with 3 rather broad hairy shortly

pointed lobes 3 mm. long, spilt 1 cm. or more down the other

side. Corolla-tube a little shorter than the calyx; lobes creamy-

white, about 2-5 cm. long, the dorsal 1 cm. wide; laterals 8 mm.

wide, apices of all concave and nearly alike. Lip obovate,

Gardens Bulletin. S.

157

hardly lobed, 4-5 cm. long and 3-5 cm. wide when flattened,

edges finely crisped throughout, buff towards the base, the

distal half flushed with orange with numerous radiating

crimson streaks; a small papillose hump at base of lip on

either side at junction with filament: throat of flower papillose,

rather widely open, not closed by hairs. Staminodes none, or

very small teeth. Filament 1-5 cm. long, white; anther 1-1

em. long without crest, pink towards the apex; crest of anther

pale buff-yellow, crescent-shaped with forward pointing lateral

tips 7 mm. long, the middle 3 mm. long beyond the pollen-sacs,

the edge deeply toothed. Stylodes fleshy, blunt, 3 mm. long,

not enclosing style. Fruit ellipsoid, 5 cm. long, hairy, red

(not seen). .

This species is apparently not uncommon in mountain

forests, and has been collected on the Taiping Hills, the

Main Range at Fraser’s Hill and G. Tampin, and G. Tahan.

As the inflorescence and flowers are pendulous, the lip is

uppermost. The large anther-crest may be of importance

in connection with the visits of pollinating insects. The

length of the bracts is variable among plants of the same

collection.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Larut, 2,500-—4,000 feet, King’s Col-

lector 6357 (Type collection). Maxwell’s Hill, Ridley s.n. June

1893; Curtis s.n. September 1889. Tea Gardens, Curtis s.n.

May 1890. Larut Hill, Curtis sn. Xmas 1901. G. Haram,

Scortechini 697. Pahang. Fraser’s Hill, S.F.N. 8434, 8596

(Burkill and Holttum); S.F.N. 33153 (Corner). G. Tahan,

Ridley s.n. July 1911. Selangor. Sempang Mines (= Semang-

kok Pass) Ridley 12031. Negri Sembilan. G. Tampin, 2,400

feet, S.F.N. 3182, 3175 (Burkill).

5. Cenolophon vitellinum (Lindl.) Horan. Prodr. 36. 1862.

Amomum vitellinum Lindl., Journ. Hort. Soc. 2: 245.

1847. Bot. Reg. 1847: t. 52. Alpinia Wrayi Bak.

F.B.1. 6: 254. 1892. Languas vitellina Alst., Handb.

F]. Ceyl. 6: 282. 1931.

Stems to about 1-2 m. tall. Leaves to about 35 by 7 cm.,

‘entirely glabrous except for hairs on edges of blade and edges

of ligule, apex shortly caudate-acyminate, base cuneate, petiole

to about 2 cm. longi; ligule to. 1 cm. long, usually 'bilobed.

Rachis of inflorescence erect, to about 7 cm. long, short-hairy,

bearing many single flowers close together; basal sheaths 1

or 2, rather short and narrow, one often replaced by a small

leaf. Bracts to about 2 mm. long. Pedicels to about 2 mm.

long, short-hairy. Ovary at flowering 3 mm. long, densely

hairy, much longer than wide. Calyx with ovary c. 1:8 cm.

long; short-hairy throughout; split 5 mm. down one side.

Corolla-tube a little shorter than calyx; lobes about 2 cm. long,

rather narrow, golden yellow. Labellum c. 2-5 cm. long,

obovate, edges crisped, entirely orange-yellow with crimson

veins. Staminodes short, red. Filament 1 cm. long, anther

7 mm. long without crest; crest large, 3-lobed to the base,

the middle lobe largest, edges of lobes toothed. Fruit narrowly

ellipsoid, short-hairy, containing few large seeds.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

138

This species was described by Lindley from plants

cultivated in England, of unknown origin, and illustrated

in the Botanical Register. There is little doubt that it came

from Penang, where plants are evidently fairly common in

the hill forest, from 1,000 feet altitude upwards. The

species has also been found in Selangor, Negri Sembilan

and Johore, (including the var. cannifolia) but not in Perak.

Baker’s description (under A. Wrayi) in the F.B.I. is

inaccurate in stating “peduncle from the rootstock”. The

specimen of King’s Collector 1719 in the Singapore herba-

rium is quite normal, and no doubt A. vitellina.

SPECIMENS. Penang. Western Hill, 2,300 feet, S.F.N.

35889 (Nauen). Top of Hill, Ridley 7287. Government Hill,

2,500 feet, Curtis sn. June 1892. Tek Soon’s Bungalow,

1,000 feet, Curtis sn. May 1898. Penang, 2,000-3,000 feet,

King’s Collector 1719. Selangor. Dusun Tua, Ridley 17792.

Johore. Batu Pahat, Ridley s.n. November 1900.

var. cannifolium (Ridl.) Holtt., stat. nov. _Alpinia canni-

folia Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 174. 1899. Flora 4: 285.

Languas cannifolia Burk., Kew Bull. 1935: 318.

Leaves to 15 cm. wide with petiole. to 8 cm.-long; ligule

sometimes short-hairy on surface; rachis of inflorescence to

-12 cm. or more long, basal sheaths to 20 cm. long; calyx

usually ‘more densely hairy. . teh Se

This variety, ranked as a species by Mr. Ridley, is not

very constant. On Penang Hill are wide-leaved plants (11

cm. wide) which have short petioles and do not otherwise

differ from typical A. vitellina; there are also plants with

unusually hairy calyx. On the other hand, at the type

locality for var. cannifolia (Dusun Tua), are plants with

narrow leaves, moderately long petioles (3 cm.), long inflo-

rescence and nearly glabrous calyx. Further field study in

the Dusun Tua district is necessary.

SPECIMENS. Penang. Moniot’s Road, 2,000 feet, S.F.N.

3340 (Burkill). Selangor. Dusun Tua, Ridley s.n. May 1896.

Negri Sembilan. Bukit Sutu, Alvins 1893. G. Berumbun,

Alvins 1864. é

6. Cenolophon mollissimum (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Alpinia mollissima Ridl., Flora Mal. Penin. 5: 339.

1925. | |

Stems with flowers to about 1-20 m. tall. Leaves to about

50 by 8 em., lower surface softly hairy throughout, hairs ec.

1-5-2 mm. long, apex abruptly pointed, the point c. 1.2 cm. long

and 4 mm. wide at the base, base narrowly cuneate; petiole

to 3 cm. long, hairy like the blade; ligule to 2 cm. long,

similarly hairy; sheaths also hairy. Inflorescence with 2 or

3 broad hairy sheaths near the base; rachis c. 6 cm. long,

densely hairy, bearing 20 or more solitary flowers. Pri

bracts less than 1 mm. long. Pedicels densely hairy, 2 mm. —

Gardens Bulletin, S. |

159 |

long. Calyx with ovary c. 1-8 cm. long, 3-lobed, covered rather

sparsely with long hairs, densely on the ovary and at tips

of lobes. Corolla-tube a little shorter than calyx, lobes ec.

15 cm. long, hairy on backs, orange (?). Labellum rather

longer than corolla-lobes, orange-yellow. Staminodes deep red,

about 3 mm. long. Filament nearly 1 cm. long, hairy; anther

4 mm. long, deep red, with rather long hairs on pollen-sacs.

This species has been collected twice only. The dimen-

sions of the flower given by Ridley are very inaccurate. He

evidently mistook the staminodes for lateral petals. The

details given above are from dried specimens in Singapore,

and colours from my field notes.

SPECIMENS. Johore. G. Bélumut, 2,300 feet, S.F.N. 10838

(Holttum, type). Pahang. G. Tapis, 1,600 feet, S.F.N. 28792

(Symington).

Cenolophon Corneri Holtt., sp. nov.

Rhizoma in superficie terrae repens; caules foliati conferti,

120-150 cm. alti, basin versus vaginis plurimis imbricatis valde

costatis, in juventute purpureis vel brunneis, intus lacunosis,

maxima 30 cm. longa, vestiti; lamina folii ad 60 cm. longa.

et 12 cm. lata, oblanceolata, apice breviter acuta, basin versus

sensim angustata, marginibus ciliatis, subtus breviter hirsuta;

petiolus ad 10 em. longus, brevissime hirsutus; ligula ad 2 cm.

longa, capillis 3 mm. longis dense hirsuta; vagina prope petio-

lum more ligulae hirsuta; rachis inflorescentiae erecta, ad 20

em. longa, valida, minute hirsuta, flores confertos multos et

basi vaginas duas non deciduas ad 15 em. longas et 2-5 cm.

latas ferens; bracteae 1 mm. longae vel minores; pedicelli

1 mm. longi; calyx pallide luteus, cum ovario fere 2 cm. longus,

glaber, fissus 8 mm., dentibus brevibus latiusculis; ovariwm

breviter hirsutum; corollae tubus quam calycem leviter brevior,

lobi minute hirsuti, pallide flavescentes, apicem versus colore

nitentiores, 16 mm. longi, fere aequales, basi 7-8 mm. lati, lobus

dorsalis apice concavus; labellum 2-2 cm. longum, obovatum,

marginibus basin versus inflexis, apicem versus patentibus,

valde crispatis, apice breviter (3 mm.) bilobatum, pallide

luteum, medio fascia longitudinale lutea nitente, basi et in

fauce maculis rubris, utroque latere striis rubris c. 5 e fascia

lutea radiatis ornatum; staminodia anguste triangularia, acuta,

3 mm. longa, rubra, apice luteo et rubro maculata; filamentum

rubicundum, 12 mm. longum; anthera-.5 mm. longa, minute

papillosa, sanguinea, thecae atropurpureae, connectivus apice

non cristatus; stylus et stigma pallide lutei, stigma breviter .

ciliatum; fructus rotundatus (fructus immaturus 1 cm. longus<

solum visus). TYPUS: Trengganu, Kemaman, Bukit Kajang,

500 feet, S.F.N. 30506, leg. Corner.

This species is near C. mollissimum, with which it

agrees approximately in the size of flowers, and the dark

red crestless anther; but the lip of C. Corneri appears to

be differently coloured, the inflorescence is much longer,

the leaves are only very short-hairy on the blades, the

petioles are much longer, and the peculiar basal ribbed

sheaths are apparently distinctive (not or hardly developed

in C. mollissimum). Mr. Corner reports the species as

not infrequent on hillsides and in swamps at Bukit Kajang.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

140

2. ALPINIA

Inflorescence erect or drooping, short or fairly long,

bearing numerous cincinni, each of several flowers. Pvri-

mary bracts usually rather small, not brightly coloured,

often soon deciduous, but in one species large and persistent.

Stalks of cincinni short to rather long. Secondary bracts

more or less broadly funnel-shaped or cup-shaped, the apex

obliquely truncate, persistent, each one at first entirely

enclosing the part of the cincinnus beyond it. Calyx

tubular or funnel-shaped, not deeply split. Corolla tube

about ‘as long as or sometimes longer than calyx, lobes

white or orange; dorsal corolla-lobe with subapical erect

more or less conical spur, usually hairy outside, lateral

lobes concave towards the tip but not spurred. Labellum

white or white and orange, or entirely orange, with purple

markings, sometimes broadly ovate and strongly concave

at the base, sometimes cuneate at the base with a broad

rather shallow 3-lobed blade. Staminodes usually present,

variable in shape, usually not very narrow. Anther some-

times crested. Fruit green or orange, spherical, more or

less short-hairy.

This is Schumann’s subgenus Dieramalpinia of Alpinia

(see note above on page 129). The essential character is

the funnel-shaped secondary bracts, each of them in turn

entirely enclosing that part of the cincinnus which is beyond

it, and later persisting more or less intact to the fruiting

stage, never deciduous at the base. Such an arrangement

is found in Geostachys, which is no doubt a specialized and

closely allied group, and also in Elettaria, which is more

specialized and less nearly related. The remains of it,

namely one tubular bracteole containing a single flower, is

found in Amomum, Achasma and Phaeomeria. In Horns-

tedtia change has gone further, the bracteole being split to

the base, except in H. leonurus, in which each primary bract

has two flowers in its axil, these two provided with tubular

bracteoles or secondary bracts arranged exactly as in

Alpinia. It seems to me indeed that this inflorescence-form

is basic for a great part of the Zingiberaceae. If this view

is correct, one would expect this basic group of Alpinia to

have more or less distinct sub-groups, and Schumann’s

sections are an indication of such, though they do not appear

in all cases to be satisfactory. One such sub-group is that

of A. conchigera, for a species of which Miquel proposed

the name Strobidia (for A. sumatrana). I have not suffi-

cient data to pass critical judgment on Schumann’s groups,

but when better information is available they will certainly

need revision.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

141

- One can derive the genera Catimbium, Languas and

Cenelophon from Alpinia as thus limited by a change from

cup-shaped to open secondary bracts, which then beccme

deciduous at the base, or by complete suppression of such

bracts, and by reduction of the number of flowers in each

cincinnus, in Cenolophon always to one flower only.

There are seven Malayan species at present known in

the genus as now restricted. All appear to be common at

least in certain parts of Malaya, except A. denticulata,

which is without near allies, is very peculiar in its labellum,

and is only known from a single locality, and A. capitellata,

also a very remarkable species known from a restricted

area, but closely allied to A. javanica. A. javanica and A.

Rafflesiana occur in nearly all parts of Malaya; H. pahan-

gensis is locally abundant in the lowlands of Pahang but

little beyond that state; A. Murdochii is a mountain species,

found at several localities. A. conchigera is the only species

known to be widely distributed outside Malaya.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF ALPINIA

Flowers small; calyx 3 mm. long, corolla-lobes and lip 5 mm.

long | 1. A. conchigera.

Flowers much longer

Lip very narrow, narrower than dorsal corolla-lobe

except near apex 2. A. denticulata.

Lip nearly as broad as long

Inflorescence short, entirely enclosed by several

very large, broad, basal sheaths (to 8. cm. long

and 7 cm. wide) and very large primary bracts

A. capitellata.

Inflorescence not completely so enclosed; basal

sheaths and bracts smaller

Lip orange, or orange with a white border

Whole flower orange, lip 2:5 cm. long:

outer secondary bracts little over 1-2

4s ag eng 4, A. Rafflesiana.

Corolla-lobes white, or white tipped with

pink; lip with white border; secondary

bracts to 2 cm. long, broadly cup-shaped

5. A. javanica.

Lip white with purplish markings

Secondary bracts 2-3 cm. long; lip 3 cm.

long with a large purple area on each

side of the mid-line and some dark

purple streaks; anther crested

6. A. pahangensis.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

142

Secondary bracts 1-1-5 cm. long; lip 2 em.

long without such large purple patches;

anther not crested 7. A. Murdochii.

Doubtful species 8. A. Seimundii.

1. Alpinia conchigera Griff., Notul. 3: 424, t. 354. 1851.

Ridl., J.S.B.R.A'S. 32: 162. 1899) Flora 4220

Languas conchigera Burk., Kew Bull. 1930. 37. Fig. 16.

Flowering stems to about 120 cm. tall, growing close

together. Leaves: to about 25 by 5 em., glabrous or hairy

on the midrib beneath, apex shortly acuminate, not deflexed,

base cuneate, petiole to about 5 mm. long, short-hairy

beneath or glabrescent; ligule to about 5 mm. long, short-

hairy or glabrescent. Inflorescence to about 20 ecm. long

above the base of the uppermost leaf, sometimes with a

single basal main branch up to about 8 cm. long, sometimes

bearing short cincinni only; cincinni many, 2 cm. long including

flowers, rachis slender, short-hairy. Primary bracts to 5 mm.

long, often shorter or soon breaking off, sometimes very small,

or absent on the lower cincinni. Stalk of cincinnus 2-3 mm.

long, hairy. Secondary bracts broadly funnel-shaped, 4—6 mm.

long, obliquely truncate with a hairy edge, hairy also down

the dorsal keel. Pedicel of flower to about 5 mm. long. Ovary

at flowering 2-3 mm. long, pear-shaped, glabrous and shining,

green. Calyx cup-shaped, glabrous, 3 mm. long and wide,

broadly 3-lobed, very pale green. Corolla hairy outside, white

or zreenish white, translucent, tube as long as calyx; lobes-

concave, dorsal 7 by 4 mm., laterals a little smaller. Lip

obovate, strongly concave, about 5 mm. long, yellowish or

pinkish white with 4 or 5 red streaks on each side; at the

base an almost quadrate red staminode, c. 1-5 mm. long and

wide, on either side, the two lying almost in one plane across

the base of the filament, their edges touching; median longi-

tudinal band of lip with irregularly wrinkled surface, ter-

minating at the base in a raised slightly retuse callus in front

of the base of the staminodes. F lament rather slender, curved,

yellowish to pinkish, 5 mm. long; anther 2 mm. long. F'rwit

pink or red, glabrous, spherical, c. 0-8 cm. diameter, with

remains of flower at apex; seeds 3-5, relatively large, strongly

aromatic, 1 or 2 in each loculus.

Native names: Langkuas Ranting, Langkuas_ kéchil,

Jérnuang ete.

Distribution: Eastern Bengal to Indo-China and south to

Malaya and Sumatra. :

This species is common in open places, especially in

rather wet ground, in all parts of Malaya. Gagnepain’s

description agrees exactly with Malayan plants. The

wrinkled median band of the lip consists of a loose skin

separated by a cavity from the main substance of the lamina.

It is raised at the base to form the callus-like object but

this also is hollow, and not really a callus; it almost touches

the staminodes and nearly closes the throat of the flower.

This species is peculiar in its small size and in the.

structure of the lip, and is perhaps not very closely related

to the other species now included in this genus. For uses,

see Burkill’s Dictionary.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

143

2. Alpinia denticulata (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov. Hedy-

chium denticulatum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 102. 1899.

Odontychium denticulatum K. Schum. Pflanzenr. Zin-

gib. 59. 1904. Ridl., Flora 4:. 243.

_ Stems close together, about 60 cm. tall. Leaves to 35 by

7-5 em., surfaces scabrid to touch if rubbed towards the base,

edges bearing short stiff hairs, apex acuminate, base rather

broadly cuneate; petiole 5-10 mm. long, glabrous, ligule c.

4 mm. long, fringed with hairs, not lobed. Jnflorescence erect,

to 30 cm. long, with 2 or 3 narrow sheaths at the base, the

lowest cincinnus in the axil of one of them. Rachis densely

short-hairy, bearing very numerous cincinni. Primary bracts

hairy, 1-2 mm. long near base of inflorescence, rest about

1-8 cm. long, narrow, acute. Stalks of cincinni to 5 mm. long;

each with 3-4 flowers. Secondary bracts rather narrowly

funnel-shaped, obliquely truncate, hairy, with a fringe of longer

hairs, to 1:5 em. long. Pedicels of flowers about 3 mm. long.

Ovary at flowering short-hairy, about 2-5 mm. long. Calyx

with ovary about 1-5 cm. long, tubular, not deeply split, the

teeth subequal, hairy, short. Corolla-tube slender, about as

long as calyx or little longer: lobes narrow, base greenish, tips

pink, the dorsal one 1-5 cm. long with a strongly concave

rounded hooded apex 4 mm. long, the laterals shorter, all hairy

near the tip. Labellum about 2-2 em. long, basal 2/3 about

2-3 mm. wide; red with thickened edges; apical part green,

3-lobed, lateral lobes about 3 mm. long and 1 mm. wide, falcate,

acute, midlobe 6 mm. long, deeply bilobed, the lobules about

2 mm. wide, with toothed edges. Staminodes very narrow,

about 6 mm. long, red. Filament 1-7 cm. long, curved, white;

anther 4 mm. long, without a crest, pinkish. Fruit spherical,

about 1-5 cm. diameter, short-hairy near base and apex, crowned

with the persistent calyx; seeds as in Alpinia.

This remarkable species was described by Ridley as a

Hedychium, on account of the very narrow lip and rather

jong staminodes, which gives the flower a superficial resem-

blance to that genus. As Schumann pointed out however,

in every other character of inflorescence and fruit the

species exactly belongs to Schumann’s section Dieramalpinia

of the genus Alpinia. On account of the staminodes alone

he made for the species a new genus; but the staminodes

are not much larger than in some other species of Schu-

mann’s Alpinia. The very narrow curiously lobed lip is the

only quite peculiar character. No nearly related species

appears to have been described. |

The species has only been collected in one locality, near

Lumut (Dindings), Perak, by Mr. Ridley in the years 1896,

1897 and 1898, under numbers 7822 and 9455 (1897

specimen without number).

3. Alpinia capitellata Jack., Mal. Misc. 2, no. 7: 4. 1820.

Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 172. 1899. Flora 4: 283.

Vegetatively similar to A. javanica. Inflorescence drooping,

the rachis hardly 5 cm. long, the whole completely covered by

the broad basa] sheaths and the primary bracts which are

nearly as large; basal sheaths to about 8 cm. long and 7 cm.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

144

wide, uppermost primary bracts about 5 cm. long and 3 em.

wide. Cincinni short, structure as in A. javanica. Flowers

as in A. javanica, with the colouring of A. javanica var.

colorata. Fruit as in A. javanica, covered by the persistent

sheaths and bracts.

Jack described A. capitellata from plants which he

found near Benkoelen, Sumatra. His description is not

quite clear, but it could apply to the peculiar plants from

Province Wellesley and Perak which Ridley so named.

- These are certainly very near A. javanica, but have a short

condensed inflorescence completely covered by the large

sheaths and bracts, the whole looking from the outside

rather like a gigantic rose or some such “double” flower

with broad petals.

In A. javanica the basal sheaths of the inflorescence are

longer and narrower ; above the sheaths, the cincinni are in.

the axils of quite small bracts. In A. capitellata there is

a gradual transition from the very broad basal sheaths to

the large primary bracts. So far as specimens and

Mr. Ridlev’s description go, there seems no clear difference

between the flowers of A. capitellata and A. javanica var.

colorata (which occurs only in Perak).

SPECIMENS. Perak. G. Tungul, Dindings, Ridley 7227.

Province Wellesley. Ara Kuda, Ridley 7014.

4. Alpinia Rafflesiana Wall. apud Bak. in Hk. Ic. Pl. t. 1963.

1891. Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 170. 1899. ‘Flora 4: 281.

Languas Rafflesiana Burk., Kew Bull. 1935. 318.

Alpinia aurantiaca Ridl., J.F.M.S. Mus. 4: 78. 1909.

Stems to about 1-5 m. tall (mountain plant to nearly 2 m.)..

Leaves to about 60. by 8 cm., short-hairy on both surfaces and

edges, sometimes almost glabrous above except in the grooved ~

midrib, apex usually caudate (sometimes hardly so), base

narrowly cuneate; petiole short-hairy, very variable in length,

from 5 mm. on lower leaves to 4 cm. or more on upper leaves;

ligule to 1-2 cm. long, fringed with hairs, usually with two

brown swollen areas, one each side just above the petiole;

upper part of sheath hairy below petiole and on edges.

Inflorescence short and compact, horizontal, covered when young

by 2 or 3 broad sheaths to about 7 cm. long, their edges

fringed with hairs. Rachis to about 8 cm. long, stout, densely

short-hairy, bearing many short cincinni, which usually quite

obscure it. Primary bracts to 1:2 cm. long the upper ones

often shorter (down to 4 mm.) short-hairy, the apex ciliate..

Stalks of cincinni very short (1—2 mm.); 1-8 flowers to each

cincinnus. Outer secondary bracts 1-2 cm. long, funnel-shaped

and obliquely truncate, fringed with hairs, reddish. Pedicel

c. 5 mm. long, more or less densely hairy. Calyx with ovary

15 em. long, deep orange-red or dull rose red, broadly and

subequally 3-lobed, short-hairy; the ovary with longer hairs,.

green. Corolla-tube 5-10 mm. longer than calyx, barely 3 mm.

diameter, short-hairy, pale orange; lobes orange or pinkish

orange, the dorsal one with darker tip, 2 cm. long or rather

more; dorsal lobe 1-2 em. wide near base with a bluntly conical

Gardens Bulletin, S.

145

concave apex 4 mm. long, hairy outside at the tip; laterals

about 7 mm. wide, their apices slightly concave. Labellum about

2-5 cm. long, orange-yellow to orange, veined or flushed with

orange or crimson on the lobes, and spotted with the same.

towards the base, broadly ovate-cordate and strongly concave,

widening abruptly at the base with two rounded auricles that

stand on either side of the stamen, the apex pointing forwards,

crinkled and slightly retuse. Staminodes triangular, about 3

mm. long. Filament about 1-2 cm. long and 3-5 mm. wide,

crimson towards the base, grading to orange; anther 7-5 mm.

long, very broad, yellow to orange, the connective broadly

cleft at the apex, with a very small tooth on either side of

the sinus. Fruit green, round, short-hairy, about 2 em.

diameter, with persistent calyx at tip.

This is one of the commonest Malayan species of the

genus, being found in forest in all parts of the country,

in the lowlands-.and up to 4,000 feet on the hills. Mountain.

plants may be more hairy on bracts etc. The very compact

inflorescence of almost entirely orange or yellow-orange:

flowers is distinctive. There is no record of the species.

occurring outside Malaya; but as it is so common in this

country it is almost certain to occur in Sumatra and Borneo

also. There is one Sumatran specimen in the Singapore:

herbarium which might belong to A. Rafflesiana, but the

material is not adequate for certain identification.

Ridley described Alpinia aurantiaca from a specimen.

collected by him on the lower slopes of G. Berumban

(Cameron Highlands) at 4,500 feet altitude. This has a.

more hairy inflorescence than usual in A. Rafflesiana, rather

longer bracts and possibly a slightly larger calyx, a shorter

corolla-tube (not longer than the calyx). Ridley says that

the lip is shorter than the corolla-lobes, which it is not, and

also that it has two short tails at the tip; perhaps it was

unusually deeply bilobed. It is exactly A. Rafflesiana in

leaf-characters colour and shape of flowers, and I include

it with A. Rafflesiana, possibly as a mountain variety. The

stems were six feet tall.

var. hirtior (Ridl.) Holtt., stat. nov. A. awrantiaca var..

hirtior Ridl., Flora 4: 282. 1924.

All parts of plant more hairy, the hairs on inflorescence

much longer; the primary bracts 2 cm. long; corolla-tube not

longer than calyx; corolla-lobes and lip rather shorter than

in the type. Md. Nur’s specimen is labelled “flowers white.

with red in centre.” If this is accurate, this variety may be a

distinct species. Further material is needed.

SPECIMENS. Perak. G. Kerbau, 4,000 feet, Robinson’ s.n.

June 1913; Haniff 3954. Kelantan. G. Sitong, S.F.N. 12179

(Md. Nur). Kedah. Kedah Peak, Ridley s.n. June 1893.

5. Alpinia javanica Bl., Enum. Pl. Jav. 59. 1830. Ridl.,

Flora 4: 2838. A. involucrata Griff. Notul. 3: 422.

1851. Costus malaccensis Koenig, Retz. Obs. 3: 71..

Vol. XIII. (1950).

146

1791. Alpinia campanaria Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 86: 308.

1922. Flora 4: 2838. Languas javanica Burk., Kew

Bull. 1935: 318. | |

Stems close together, about 2-3 m. tall, swollen at base

and greenish or brownish. Leaves to about 90 by 15 em., light

green, distinctly ribbed, short-hairy beneath and in the groove

of the midrib above, apex shortly caudate, base unequally

cuneate; petiole to 10 cm. long, short-hairy; ligule to 2-5 cm.

long, fringed with hairs, bilobed; sheath densely hairy near

base of petiole and ligule. Inflorescence erect or more or less

drooping, to about 20 cm. long, protected when young by 2

or 3 very broad rather short sheaths, to about 12 by 4 cm.

Rachis with short appressed hairs, bearing up to about 12

cincinni. Primary bracts broad, round, 1 cm. or less long near

base of inflorescence, much longer towards apex, white turning

brown. Stalks of cineinni variable, the longest 2 to 6 cm.

long, drooping, short-hairy: about 3-6 flowers in. each cin-

cinnus. Secondary bracts broadly cup-shaped, white or pinkish,

the mouth 2-3 cm. across, edge to base to about 2 cm., hairy

at base and near edges. Pedicels of flowers to about 5 mm.

long, hairy. Calyx with ovary about 2-2 cm. long, funnel-

shaped, the edges slightly lobed, the ovary 4 mm. long, densely

hairy, calyx nearly glabrous, white tipped with pink. Corolla-

tube a little shorter than calyx; lobes white, hairy outside

towards the base, with thin edges; dorsal lobe to about 2-5

by 1-7 em., the apex strongly hooded, lateral] lobes nearly as

wide, less strongly concave. Lip 4—5 cm. long, broadly obovate

when flattened, the basal part funnel-shaped, the distal part

spreading to a broad oblique circular mouth with crinkled

edges, the basal part orange with red spots and stripes, a broad

marginal band white. Staminodes red, up to about 8 mm. long,

of irregular shape, with 2 or 3 points. Filament white, about

1 em. long, anther massive 8 mm. long, without any crest,

cream with a few red spots. Fruit spherical, about 2-5 cm.

diameter, green, very short-hairy towards base and apex,

crowned with persistent calyx: seeds said to be edible.

yar. colorata Rid]. Bracts, calyx, and tips of petals rose-

red, the petals paler than the calyx, white at the base.

This species has been found at many localities in all

parts of Malaya, in the lowlands, in open places in forest.

It. is distinctly variable in the size of the inflorescence and

the length of the stalks of the cincinni. The colour of the

flowers seems to be constant except for the var. colorata

which has been found only in the Kinta Valley of Perak.

The local names recorded for A. javanica are Gingin,

Puar Puteh and Tepus Puteh; Mr. Corner records Léngkeé-

nang as a’ well-known name for it near Kuala Kangsar.

Distribution: Java and Sumatra.

§. Alpinia pahangensis Ridl., Flora Mal. Pen. 4: 282. 1924.

Alpinia Burkillii Hend., Gard. Bull. 8.8. 4: 55. 1927.

Languas pahangensis Hend., Gard. Bull. S.S. 7: 125.

1938.

Stems 2-8 m. tall. Leaves to about 75 by 13 em., light

green, short-hairy both above and below, the hairs on upper

surface very fine with swollen bases, apex shortly caudate

Gardens Bulletin, S.

147

(cauda to 3 cm.), base unequal, cuneate; petiole to 3-5 em. long,.

hairy; ligule yellowish, to 1 cm. long, more or less bilobed,

fringed with hairs nearly 2 mm. long; sheath with long hairs

on edges and short hairs on surface, at least near petioles.

Inflorescence 20-30 cm. long, with a long sheath at the base.

Rachis stout, densely short-hairy, bearing 20-25 cincinni, each.

with 2-7 flowers. Primary bracts at base of inflorescence very

short, fringed with long hairs, towards apex of inflorescence

much longer, the highest ones sometimes as long as flowering

bracts. Stalks_of cincinni velvet-hairy, commonly to 1 cm..

long, at.bases of large inflorescences sometimes to 2-5 cm. long.

Secondary bracts narrowly funnel-shaped, obliquely truncate,

thin and papery, short-hairy or nearly glabrous on outer

surface, fringed with rather long hairs, the outer ones com-

monly 2 cm., sometimes to 3 em. long, cream. Pedicels of

flowers to 2 cm. long, hairy. Ovary covered with spreading

stiff hairs. . Calyx-with ovary c. 2 cm. long, tubular, not deeply

split, white, lobes almost equal, hairy, one or two of them

with slender points up to 3 mm. long. Corolla-tube a little

shorter than calyx, slender; lobes densely hairy, cream; dorsal

lobe at right angles to lip, 2 ecm. long, 9 mm. wide near base,.

the apex strongly concave and produced on the back to a

pointed spur; laterals 7 mm. wide, concave towards their tips,

close beneath the lip but diverging. Labellum white with two

large patches of dull red-purple on the side lobes (not or

only in part reaching the edge) and deep violet-purple lines

down the median band and into the midlobe; base cuneate,

widening rather abruptly to a nearly semi-circular but dis-

tinctly 3-lobed blade, the lobes nearly equal, and the whole

blade wide-spreading and shallowly concave; total length of

lip 3 em., width rather more than length. Staminodes at right

angles to the edges of the base of the lip, in contact with

the stamen, fleshy, dark purple, 2 mm. long and 2 mm. wide

at base, the apex entire or 2-toothed. Fulament curved towards

lip, 1-2 cm. long; anther 7 mm. long and 4—5 mm. wide, with

a petaloid crest 2-4 mm. long and 4—7 mm. wide, the crimson

edges irregularly and rather deeply toothed.

The type of this species is not in Singapore, but it was

seen by Henderson, who stated that it was identical with

A. Burkillii Hend., from specimens of which the above

description is made. This species is common in some parts

of Pahang, at Kemaman (Trengganu), at Gemas, and N.W.

Johore (in blukar) but not elsewhere in Malaya. It is

nearly related to A. Murdochi, but is vegetatively larger,

has larger flowers, and a crested anther. Ridley states

that the anther is not crested, but it is so in Henderson’s

no. 25080, of which I have seen good alcohol material.

Mr. Corner reports that the Kemaman plants were common

in the swamps, the rhizome supported above ground on

stilt-roots 5-20 cm. long.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Pekan, Evans (type of species, not

seen). Near Bukit Sagu, S.F.N. 25080 (Henderson). Sungei

Luit, near Kuantan Road, S.F.N. 17310 (Burkill and Haniff).

Between Sungei Lepar and S. Ketam, 126 mile, Kuantan

Road, S.F.N. 19461 (Burkill and Haniff). Negri Sembilan.

Gemas, S.F.N. 4980 (Burkill). Trengganu. S. Sisek, S. Nipa,.

Kemaman, S.F.N. 30537 (Corner).

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

148

7. Alpinia Murdochii Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 44: 196. 1905.

Fiora 4: 280. i }

Rhizome at surface of ground, bearing uariat stems close

together. Stems to 1-5 m. tall, sheaths green. Leaves com-

monly about 30 by 4-6 cm., exceptionally to 7 cm. wide; very

shortly-hairy on both surfaces or sometimes almost glabrescent,

apex acuminate and shortly caudate, base narrowly cuneate;

petiole to about 7 mm. long (1-5 cm. on G. Tahan specimens) ,

usually distinctly hairy; ligule 0-7-1-8 cm. long, fringed like

the edge of the sheath with hairs c. 1 mm. long; surface of

sheaths short-hairy or glabrescent. Inflorescence 10-15 ecm.

long beyond the highest leaf-sheath, covered when young by

two hairy sheaths about 6 by 1:5 ecm. Rachis densely hairy,

hairs spreading, 1 mm. long; bearing up to about 25 short

cincinni, each with 1-4 flowers. Primary bracts hairy, thin,

deciduous, about 1-5 by 0-7 em. Stalks of cincinni to 1 em.

or rather more on lowest ones (1-5 em. on G. Tahan plants).

Secondary bracts broadly funnel-shaped, thin, very hairy, apex

obliquely truncate, longest side to about 1 cm. (G. Tahan plants

tc 15 em.). Pedicel of flower to 5 mm. long; ovary short,

densely hairy. Calyx with ovary c. 1-3-1-5 cm. long. Corolla-

tube as long as calyx or a little longer; lobes sparsely hairy,

about 1-5 cm. long, white, the dorsal one 7 mm. wide at base,

strongly concave towards the apex, the concave part slightly

produced upwards with a rounded hairy top, laterals a little

narrower than dorsal, slightly concave towdrds the apex.

Labellum about 2 cm. long, widening gradually fromthe base

and in close contact with dorsal’ petal, obovate-3-lobed, the

lobes almost equal, lateral ones truncate, middle one slightly

cleft and bearing about 10 dark purple lines; rest of labellum

white with some pale crimson mottling towards the base or

a broad crimson border towards the base. Staminodes about

1 mm. long, rounded, fleshy. Filament 1-2 em. long, curved

towards the lip; anther 7-8 mm. long, cream with pink spots

on the back, connective not produced at apex. Fruit orange-

red, short- hairy, round, about 1-5 cm. diameter, with 2-4 seeds

in each loculus.

This species has been collected several times at and

near Fraser’s Hill, where it is apparently fairly common,

and also on G. Mengkuang Lebah. A fruiting specimen

(Batten-Pooll s.n. December 1939) from Cameron High-

lands may be this species. Ridley collected it also at 3,000

feet on G. Tahan. The latter specimens differ in having

longer stalks and longer bracts to the cincinni, possibly

rather larger flowers, with more hairy corolla-lobes. G.

Tahan plants may perhaps rank as a local variety. The

most remarkable thing about the Fraser’s Hill plants is the

great variation in length of ligule. Corner’s two collections

have both much longer ligules than any others, but in other

characters seem to agree closely with other specimens.

Ridley states that the dorsal corolla-lobe is “yellowish white, |

finely dotted red’. Corner says no colour in any parts of

flower except lip and anther.

SPECIMENS. Selangor. Semangkok Pass (= The Gap),

Murdoch, February 1904 (Type), Curtis s.n. May 1902.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

149

- Sempang Mines, Ridley 12030 (=-.. below Fraser’s Hill, near

. the Gap). Semangkok Pass, S.F.N. 8868 (Burkill and

Holttum). G. Mengkuang Lebah, 5,000 feet, Robinson s.n.

January 1913. Pahang. Fraser’s Hill, S.F.N. 8671 (Burkill

and Holttum); S.F.N. 33156 (Corner); Corner s.n. 11.8.1937.

G. Tahan,-Wray’s Camp, Ridley s.n. July 1911.

8. Alpinia Seimundii Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 86: 309. 1922.

Flora 4: 280.

There is no specimen ascribed to this species in Singa-

pore. Ridley’s descriptions are so inaccurate that it is

hardly worth while repeating his information. Ridley

states that the flowering bracts are tubular, and as regards

size of plant and flowers Ridley’s description would come

near both A. Murdochii and A. pahangensis. The former

is perhaps the more probable; A. Murdochii was collected at

3,000 feet on G. Tahan, quite near the type locality of A.

Seimundu (Kuala Teku).

3. CATIMBIUM JUSSIEU

Inflorescence erect or + drooping, bearing only cincinni

of 1-3 flowers each, in some species the majority with only

one flower. Primary bracts lacking, or so small as not to

be evident, or rarely elongate near top of inflorescence.

Secondary bracts usually large and broad, completely split

to the base on the side towards the next flower, deciduous

at or soon after flowering, at first completely enclosing the

whole of the rest of the cincinnus, mainly white; in C.

muticum rudimentary except towards apex of inflorescence.

Calyx tubular but deeply split down one side (towards the

lip) at flowering. Corolla-tube broad, shorter than the

calyx; lobes long, white, the dorsal one very broad, not

spurred near the apex. Lip large, more or less 3-lobed, the

tip often bifid, entirely orange-yellow or yellow and crimson,

usually elaborately marked. Staminodes when _ present

slender, short, terete, awl or horn-shaped, often curving

behind the filament of the stamen. Anther massive, the

connective sometimes slightly prolonged at the apex but

never into a thin crest. Fruit round or depressed-globose,

orange, more or less hairy, 1:-5-2.5 em. diameter, containing

many seeds.

The genus Catimbium was founded by de Jussieu in

1789, but he described no species. It was not recognized by

any later botanist until Lestiboudois in 1841 published the

names C. nutans Juss. ex Lestib. and C. erectum Juss. ex

Lestib., from which we may presume that de Jussieu would

have included Alpinia nutans in his genus. Horaninov used

the name Catimbium for a section of Alpinia, including in it

A. nutans and A. malaccensis, both of which had been well

described and illustrated; he also included A. javanica Bl.,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

150

which does not belong to this group, doubtless because

Blume had only given a brief and unsatisfactory description.

Catimbium is a very natural group, no doubt related

to Alpinia (as here limited), but very distinct in both bracts

and flowers. In its deciduous, not funnel-shaped secondary

bracts, it is nearer to Languas than to Alpinia. In nearly

all species the secondary bracts are large, broad, concave,

acute, completely enclosing the whole of the cincinnus which

is beyond them until the next flower-bud is nearly ready to

open. The one exception is C. muticum, which has rather

small flowering-bracts (on basal cincinni none at all) for

which reason Schumann included it in a separate subgenus

(Probolocalyx), where however he accompanied it by some

very remotely related species. The aspect of the flower is

so close to that of other species of Catimbium that it is

certainly nearly related to them. A. muticum also has

consistently three flowers in each cincinnus, whereas other

species mostly have not more than two; in this character it

is primitive, and perhaps in the bract-character also.

KEY TO MALAYAN SPECIES OF CATIMBIUM

Secondary bracts falling before flowers open, not enclosing

flower-buds, sometimes absent from lower cincinni; 2-3

flowers in nearly all cincinni 1. C. muticum.

Secondary bracts persistent, falling after flowering, enclos-

ing buds to a late stage; usually 1-2 flowers in a cincinnus

ae ad? bracts about 25 cm. long; lip to 3-5 cm.

ong

Inflorescence erect, secondary bracts and calyx

entirely white, lip orange-yellow with crimson

marks 2. C. assimile.

Inflorescence drooping, secondary bracts tipped

with pink; lip crimson with yellow markings at

the base, edge yellow 3. C. speciosum.

Bis ony bracts 3-4 cm. long; lip more than 3.5 em:

ong

Lip to 45 cm. long, orange-yellow with rather fine

crimson lines and spots; mouth of tube in base

of lip not prominent; leaves almost glabrous

beneath, to 12 em. wide 4. C. latilabre.

Lip to 6 cm. long, the inner parts crimson spotted.

with yellow ; mouth of tube in base of lip promi-

nent; leaves velvet-hairy beneath, to 20 em. wide

5. C. malaccense.

1. Catimbium muticum (Roxb.) Holtt., comb. nov. Alpinia.

mutica Roxb., Asiat. Res. 11: 354. 1800. FI. Ind. 1:

67. Roscoe, Monandr. Pl., t. 69. K. Schum., Pflanzr.

Gardens Bulletin, 8. |

151

Zingib. 327. Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 165. 1899. Flora

4: 279. Valet., Ic. Bog. 2: t. 191. Lanyguas mutica

Degener, Fl. Hawaii Fam. 76. 1932. Fig. 17. ‘

Stems about 1-2-1-7 m. tall, rather close together. “Leaves

glabrous except for hairy edges and apex and sometimes a

few hairs on base of midrib beneath; blade to about 50 by

5 em., midrib broadly grooved and pale above, apex gradually

narrowed and then abruptly caudate (cauda to 3 em. long), base

narrowly cuneate; petiole to about 2 cm. long; ligule 7-8 mm.,

glabrous or fringed with hairs; sheaths green or purple-

flecked, glabrous. Inflorescence to about 15 cm. long, emerg-

ing from uppermost leaf-sheath, the ligule of which is above

the lower branches: rachis densely short-hairy; flowering

branches to about 12, each bearing 2 or 3 flowers. Primary

bracts none: stalks of flowering branches to about 5 mm., hairy.

Secondary bracts soon falling, in base of inflorescence rudi-

mentary or apparently lacking, the largest 5-15 mm. long

present on upper cincinni only. Pedicel c. 5 mm. long, hairy.

Ovary densely hairy, to 5 mm. long at flowering. Calyz c.

1-7-2 em. long, funnel-shaped, with three short, hairy, toothed

lobes, otherwise sparsely hairy, white, split deeply at flowering.

Corolla-tube shorter than calyx: lobes white, sparsely hairy on

backs, 2-5 to 3-0 cm. long, the dorsal one 2 cm. wide, laterals

15 em. wide. Labellum 3 to 3-5 em. long, broadly ovate,

somewhat trilobed, the basal part strongly concave, the apical

lobe pointing straight forwards, its edges crinkled, rounded or

more or less bilobed; whole lip yellow, densely spotted with

crimson in basal half except for yellow edges, the apical part

veined with crimson; a swollen warty but not hairy area on

each side of the base close tc the stamen; entrance to mouth

of tube narrow, closed with hairs, not prominent. No stami-

nodes. Stamen as long as corolla-lobes; filament narrow,

white, partly flushed with pink; anther 12 mm. long, without

a crest, slightly yellowish, densely papillose on the pollen-sacs.

Fruit round, orange-red, 1-5—2-0 cm. diameter, rather sparsely

short-hairy, with remains of calyx at apex, not dehiscent but

breaking under pressure into 3 parts: seeds about 8 in each

loculus, covered with thin fleshy white aril.

This species was described by Roxburgh from plants

grown at Calcutta, introduced there from Penang. It has

been found in Kedah, Penang, Province Wellesley, Perak,

Pahang, Johore and Singapore, especially near villages, in

open places by ditches and streams. Valeton also reports

it as occurring in Borneo. It seems to be little used, either

aS a spice or medicine, and has no well-established local

name.

Gagnepain describes plants from Saigon as this species;

but he says the primary bracts are 6 mm. long and the

bracteoles 15-18 mm., the flowers somewhat smaller, with

filiform staminodes sometimes present. The Saigon plants

perhaps constitute a northern variety of C. muticum.

The size and number of the bracteoles (secondary

bracts) varies much even on different inflorescences of the

same plant. On small inflorescences there is often only

Vol. XIII. (1950).

152

one bracteole, on the highest cincinnus; on large inflores-

cences there are several on upper cincinni (only one to

each cincinnus), but always the lower cincinni quite lack

bracteoles.

2. Catimbium assimile (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov. Alpinia

assimilis Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 166. 1899. Flora 4:

280. |

Allied to A. latilabris Ridl., differing in: somewhat smaller

vegetative size; more glabrous leaves; rachis of inflorescence

to about 15 cm. long; secondary bracts entirely white, to 2-5

cm. long; calyx quite white, excluding ovary about 1-8 cm. long;

dorsal corolla-lobe to about 3 by 1-6 em.; lip to about 3-2 cm.

long and wide, the crimson marking stronger, the warty

swellings at the base smaller, the staminodes usually absent;

fruit nearly as in A. mutica, spherical, deep orange, the hairs

short, not stiffy spreading.

Ridley described this species from plants obtained near

Pekan, Pahang, in 1891; there are plants in the Botanic

Gardens, Singapore, which agree with his description and

specimens. Ridley ascribed to his species the plant from

Borneo illustrated by Hooker in the Bot. Mag., t. 6908 (as:

A. mutica) ; but, as pointed out elsewhere, this figure of

Hooker’s agrees rather with Ridley’s A. latilabris.

There is no doubt that C. assimile is intermediate bet-

ween C. muticum and C. latilabre. It was found in the

same district as the only Malayan specimens of C. latilabre,

and may well be a hybrid between that species and the

common C. muticum. Though Ridley correctly pointed out.

that C. assimile differs from C. muticum in its large white

bracts which quite envelop the flower-buds until just before

flowering, he referred to it several specimens which are

certainly C. muticum, having quite small bracts.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Pekan, Pao Seolah Kayu, Ridley

126. Ayer Eatem, Ridley 1218 (or 2187).

5. Catimbium speciosum (Wendl.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Zerumbet speciosum Wendl., Sert. Hann. te 19. 1798.

Renealmia nutans Andr., Bot. Rep. 5: t. 360. ec. 1800.

Alpinia nutans Rose. in Smith, Exot. Bot. 2: t. 106.

1805. Monandr. Pl. t. 73. 1828. Bot. Mag. t. 1903.

Roxb., Fl. Ind. 1: 65. Ridl., Flora 4: 277. Languas

speciosa Small, Fl. S.E.U.S.A. ed. 2, 307. 1913.

Stems to 2 m. tall. Leaves to 50 by 8 cm. or more, edges

hairy, midrib below hairy and sometimes whole lower surface.

also, tip shortly pointed, base narrowly cuneate; petiole to

2-5 cm. long, hairy; ligule to 1-2 em. long, hairy; sheath near

blade hairy. Inflorescence to about 20 em. long, decurved or

drooping, when young protected by 2 long sheaths. Rachis

densely short-hairy, bearing 25 or more cincinni of usually

2 flowers each. Primary bracts absent. Secondary bracts

about 2-5 em. long, broad, white, pink-tipped. Ovary at flower-

ing densely hairy, c. 6 mm. long. Calyx excluding ovary 2

Gardens Bulletin, S..

153

cm. long, glabrous except at tips of lobes. Covrolla-tube shorter

than calyx; lobes white, about 2-5 cm. long, the dorsal one

much broader than the others, edges only hairy. Lip about

3-5 em. long, shaped and coloured as in C. malaccense but

less deeply lobed. Staminodes to 8 mm. long, very narrow.

Stamen as in C. malaccense. Fruit in Malayan plants not

seen; said to be round, orange, 2 cm. diameter, slightly hairy.

This species is considered to be native in N.E. India,

Burma and Indo-China. Ridley stated that itis not native

in Malaya, but sometimes eultivated. The two specimens

quoted below, collected (apparently wild) in extreme

northern Malaya, are either C. speciosum or near it; they

might be C. malaccense, but are much smaller than var.

nobilis and also have paired flowers almost throughout, as

described for Alpinia nutans. MHanift’s colour notes agree

with C. malaccense. Ridley referred the Perlis specimen

to C. latilabre, but it is smaller, and has paired flowers

throughout.

SPECIMENS. Perlis. Base of Bukit Lagi, Ridley 14776.

Kelantan. Kuala Pertang, S.F.N. 10363 (Haniff and Nur).

4. Catimbium latilabre (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov. Alpinia

— latilabris Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 168. 1899. Flora 4:

282. A. mutica quoad Hk. fil. Bot. Mag. t. 6908 (non

Roxb.). A. Hookeriana Valet., Bull. Inst. Bot. Bui-

tenz. 20: 81. 1904. Ic. Bog. 2: t. 189. 1906. Fig. 18.

Stems to 3 m. tall (possibly even taller). Leaves to about

60 by 12 cm., narrowed gradually to the short refiexed caudate

apex (2-5 em. long), base narrowly cuneate, edges and apex

hairy and sometimes the midrib beneath; petiole to 2-5 cm.

long, short-hairy beneath; ligule broad, to 1-2 cm. long, short-

hairy all over outer surface; sheath green, short-hairy towards

petiole. Inflorescence to about 20 cm. long from lowest flowers

to apex, protected when young by two long sheaths above the

uppermost leaf, the lowest cincinni in the axils of these sheaths.

Rachis stout, pale green, densely short-hairy, bearing up to

20-25 cincinni, each of one or two flowers only (about half

are 1-flowered). Primary bracts lacking, or sometimes !ong

ones present near top of inflorescence. Sta’ks of cincinni 6-10

mm. long, hairy. Secondary bracts 3-3-5 cm. long, broad,

white with red flush towards apex (and sometimes at base

also), completely enveloping both buds if two are present, the

apex short-pointed and hairy; bract of second flower smaller.

Pedicel of flower (beyond bract) 1-2 mm. Ovary densely

hairy, 5-6 mm. long at flowering. Calyx white, pink towards

the apex, 2-2-5 cm. long above the ovary, sparsely hairy on

the back, more densely on the 3 short broad mucronate lobes,

split more than half way down on the side towards the

labellum. Corolla-tube about 1 cm. long; lobes white, the

dorsal one 3-2 by 1-8 to 3-8 by 2-5 em., laterals a little shorter,

to 16 cm. wide; dorsal lobe with the lip forming a funnel-

shaped flower, laterals close together beneath the lip. Labellum

3-5-4-5 em. long and wide, broadly ovate and strongly concave,

slightly 3-lobed, the side-iobes very broad and rounded, the

midlobe pointing straight forwards, about 1-5 cm. wide and

1-2 em. long, crinkled and somewhat retuse, the whole labellum

Vol. XIII. (1950).

154

rich yellow, with fine close crimson spots on the basal part

and on the side-lobes, and radiating crimson stripes on the

midlobe and outer part of the side-lobes, the edges clear yellow;

at the base two rather large fleshy swellings covered with dark

crimson warts and short hairs on either side of the base of

the stamen. Staminodes 2-3 mm. long, pinkish, hairy, at.

junction of lip and stamen, often unequally developed; some-

times lacking? (see C. assimile). Filament 1-3 em. long, pink

at the base; anther 1:2 cm. long, pale yellowish + flushed

with pink; connective somewhat produced beyond the anther,

and more or less 2-lobed, yellow, sometimes spotted with red.

Stylodes 3 mm. long, not enclosing base of style, massive,

irregularly lobed. Fruit orange, depressed-globose, 2—2-5 cm.

diameter, with many rather stiff spreading hairs, splitting only

under pressure as in C. muticum.

This species was described by Ridley in 1899, from

cultivated plants; he also quoted a specimen collected in

Pahang which he said was identical. He did not notice

however that his description agreed quite well with Hooker’s

A. mutica as figured in the Bot. Mag. t. 6908; he referred

Hooker’s plant to A. assimilis Ridl. Valeton, in 1904,

described and figured A. Hookeriana, which he considered

identical with Hooker’s plant, and noted some discrepancies.

as compared with A. assimilis Ridl. Both Valeton’s and

Hooker’s plants originated in Borneo.

There are in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, two large

clumps of plants agreeing very closely with Valeton’s

description of A. Hookeriana and with Ridley’s of A. latila-

bris; the above description is taken from these plants.

One clump differs from Valeton’s description only in having

the floral bracts white at the base; both Valeton and Hooker

describe them as flushed with red at both base and apex.

The second clump has slightlv smaller flowers than the first

(lip to 4 em. long), bracts pink at the base and a slight

bilobed crest to the anther spotted red. A. assimilis Ridl.

differs, as noted by Valeton, in having quite white bracts

and calyx and in having smaller flowers. The Pahang

plant referred. by Ridley to A. latilabris differs in being

taller than the Gardens plants (Ridley says 12 feet; the

Gardens plants are not over 8 feet) and broader leaves (to

12 as against 9 cm.), somewhat hairy beneath. One of the

Gardens clumps sometimes (not always) has long primary

bracts near the top of the inflorescence. 7

Ridley compared A. latilabris to A. nobilis; but his

description of the colour of the lip differs very much from

that of A. nobilis, which is red with yellow spots, A. latila-

bris yellow with red spots. There seems little doubt that

A. nobilis is closely allied to, and probably a local variety

of, A. malaccensis. ' | i

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Pulau Datu, Ridley s.n. August

1891. Pulau Rumput, Ridl. s.n. 1891. (Both localities near

Pekan). : Ie

Gardens Bulletin, S.

155

Catimbium malaccense (Burm.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Mavranta malaccensis Burm. FI. Ind. 2. 1768. Galanga

malaccensis Rumph., Herb. Ambon. 5: 176, t. 71, f. 1.

Languas malaccensis Merr., Philip. Jour. Sci. 19: 348.

1921. Alpinia malaccensis Rosc., Trans. Linn. Soe. 8:

345. 1808. Bot. Reg. t. 328. Gagnep. Fl. Gen. Indoch.

6: 96. Valet., Bull. Inst. Bot. Buit. 20: 76.

var. nobilis (Ridl.) Holtt., stat. nov. Alpinia nobilis Ridl.,

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 169. 1899. Flora 4: 282.

Stems 2—4 m. tall (Ridley). Leaves to about 90 by 20 cm.,

short velvet-hairy beneath and in groove of midrib above;

apex shortly pointed, base narrowly cuneate, unequal; petiole

to about 3 cm. long, hairy; ligule hairy, to 1-5 em. long, some-

times 2-lobed; sheath densely short-hairy near the blade.

Inflorescence to about 35 cm. long from lowest flower to apex,

protected when young by 2 long sheaths which are attached

just below the flowers. Rachis erect, stout, densely hairy,

green, bearing 60 or more single flowers; a few basal branches

with 2 flowers. Primary bracts absent: stalks below flowering

bracts 1 cm. long, densely hairy. Secondary bracts 4-2 cm.

long, white (tipped with red ?), very broad, short-hairy.

Ovary at flowering: densely hairy, c. 9 mm. long and 1-2 cm.

wide. Calyx about 3-2 cm. long, shortly 3-toothed, deeply split,

densely short-hairy, white tipped with pink. Corolla-tube 1-2

cm. long; lobes white, very hairy on their backs; dorsal lobe

to 4 by 2-5 em., laterals a littie shorter, 1-5 em. wide. Labellum

6 em. long, broadly ovate with a projecting rather deeply

bifid apical part, the edges strongly crinkled, the inner parts

crimson, spotted with yellow, the edge paler yellow mottled

with pale purple, the bifid apical part a brighter yellow with

_ red stripes: at base of lip the mouth of the tube of the flower,

laterally compressed to a slit-like opening, covered with hairs,

projects somewhat, and extends from the filament to the midrib

of the lip, about 8 mm., and on either side of it is a small

swelling. Staminodes horn-like, curved behind the anther, to

> mm. long, sometimes absent. Stamen cream-white, filament

nearly 2 cm. long, slightly speckled with pink; anther massive,

1-2 em. long, the connective not prolonged at the apex. Style

and stigma white, stigma curved upwards, hairy. Frwit

depressed-globose, orange, with stiff spreading hairs 2 mm.

long and shorter hairs also.

This species is ultimately based on Galanga malaccensis

Rumph., for Burmann gives only a couple of lines of

description and quotes Rumphius, who gives sufficient

details to characterize the plant reasonably well. Burkill

«Dictionary 2: 1310) includes Alpinia nobilis Ridl. as a

synonym of A. malaccensis.. There is no doubt that the

plant in cultivation in Singapore (doubtless the same which

Ridley described) agrees in essential details with the Java

plant described by Valeton under the name malaccensis.

Valeton however does not give dimensions. Roxburgh

describes the lip as even longer than in Malayan plants; on

the other hand, Gagnepain describes the flowers as much

smaller. In the absence of further information, I think

‘

Yol. XIII: (1950).

156

the Peninsula plant, represented by the specimens quoted

below, might rank as a local variety, var. nobilis (Ridl.).

It has the largest flowers of any Malayan Catimbium. It is

no doubt related to C. latilabre, but has the lip mainly red

mottled with yellow, instead of yellow mottled with red,

and (as Valeton notes) the prominent end of the flower-

tube in the throat of the lip is characteristic. It has much

larger more hairy leaves than C. latilabre. The distribution

appears to be N.E. India to Indo-China, southwards to

Malaya and Java. .

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Kuala Tembeling, Ridley s.n. 1891.

Selangor. Ginting Bidai, Ridley 7795. Cult. in H.B.. Singap:

Ridley 4617; S.F.N. 32516 (Corner).

4. LANGUAS KOENIG

Inflorescence bearing lateral cincinni, the rachis some-

times bearing also one or more branches at the. base, the

branches bearing cincinni like the main rachis; the whole

inflorescence enclosed in a few long sheaths until the flowers

are about ready to open. Primary bracts usually small,

often longer towards apex of inflorescence. Secondary

bracts small, of comparable size to the primary bracts, not

sheathing at the base, the first one never surrounding

the pedicel of the first flower. Flowers rather small.

Calyx tubular, not deeply split. Lip not much longer than

corolla-lobes, usually deeply cleft, white and pink-purple.

Staminodes small, triangular, tooth-like, at base of lip.

Anther with or without a small crest. Frwt ce. 1 cm.

diameter, rcund, red or black, containing few seeds, some-

times imperfectly 3-locular, the seeds attached to the

dissepiments near the outer wall.

This genus dates from 1783, and (as noted on p. 129)

is the first proposed for any species of the genus Alpinia

as understood by Schumann. The species described by

Koenig were L. vulgare (=Alpinia galanga (L.) Sw.), L.

chinensis (a doubtful species, described from cultivated

plants, perhaps at Malacca; Burkill suggests that it is L.

melanocarpa, but this is not sure) and L. aquatica (an

Indian species of Catimbium in the sense here used for that

genus). It has been generally agreed to typify the genus

on L. vulgare = L. gulanga, which is a species much culti-

vated and used for food and medicine in Malaysia.

The species all have rather small flowers. The inflo-

rescence has usually well-developed cincinni carried by the

main rachis, and also a few branch-rachises which carrry

similar cincinni; but in A. nieuwenhwzii Valet. (Ic. Bog. 2:

t. 192) the cincinni have at most two flowers. This species

has also rather larger flowers than the Malayan ones, with

Gardens Bulletin, S.

157

the lip only retuse, not deeply cleft, and has much larger

fruits, though of similar structure.

The bracts are small (sometimes very small), never

funnel-shaped nor large and hood-like. The fruit is usually

small, and always has few seeds. The dissepiments sepa-

rating the 3 loculi of the fruit are often imperfectly

developed, so that the full-grown fruit is not 3-chambered,

and the few large seeds are attached to the dissepiments,

often near the ovary wall, not in an axile position as

normal in allied genera. The seeds have a thin aril.

There are only three Malayan species, including the

cultivated A. galanga, which is doubtfully wild in this

country. The other two species are common and well-

<nown, both occurring also outside Malaya.

KEY TO MALAYAN SPECIES OF LANGUAS

Secondary bracts about 1 cm. long; fruit red

1. -L. galanga,

Secondary bracts under 1 mm. long; fruit black

Inflorescence usually with 2 or 3 large basal branches,

the whole 30-40 cm. long; calyx 5 mm. long; corolla-

lobes 10 mm. long; lip white 2. L. scabra.

Inflorescence sometimes with 1 large basal branch, the

whole about 15 cm. long; calyx 8-9 mm. long:

corolla-lobes 6—7 mm. long; lip pink or purplish

towards the base 3. L. melanocarpa.

1. Languas galanga (L.) Stuntz, U.S. Dept. Agr. Bull. 261:

21. 1912. Maranta galanga Linn. Spec. Pl. ed. 2: 2.

1762. Alpinia galanga Sw., Obs. Bot. 8: 1791. Ridl.,

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 163. 1899. Flora 4: 279. Languas

vulgare Koenig, Retz. Obs. 3: 64. 1783.

Stems closely tufted, to 2 m. or rather more tall. Leaves

to about 50 by 9 cm., glabrous except for short-hairy base of

midrib beneath and sometimes the edges towards the apex;

apex very shortly pointed, base cuneate; petiole about 5-7 mm.

long, more or less hairy beneath; ligule to 7 mm. long, short-

hairy, and adjacent part of sheath also. Pedunele of in-

florescence 7 cm. or more beyond the highest leaf-sheath,

glabrous. Rachis to 25 cm. long, minutely hairy, pale green,

bearing very numerous cincinni each bearing 3-5 flowers and

about 2 em. long (without flowers); basal cincinni sometimes

in axils of long sheaths. Primary bracts very variable, ap-

parently soon deciduous, at apex of inflorescence equal to the

flowering bracts, on lower branches shorter or quite lacking,

white. Stalks of cincinni 0-2 to 1-0 cm. long, short-hairy.

Secondary bracts about 1-1-2 cm. long, rather narrow, enclosing

the bud only when very young, white. Pedicel about 5-7 mm.

long, short-hairy, pale green. Ovary at flowering c. 3 mm.

long, ellipsoid, glabrous, green. Calyx ¢. 1:2 cm. long, nearly

5mm. wide, cylindric, shertly and very breadly lobed,, hairy

on upper edge only, white or pale greenish. Corolla-tube about

Vol. XIII. (1950).

158

as long as calyx; lobes pale green, white at tips, c. 2-0 cm.

long, dorsal c. 8 mm. wide, concave at apex, hooded, laterals

narower, spreading. Lip 2-5 em. long, white with a few short

oblique pink lines each side of midrib, basal third narrow,

greenish, blade 1-3 cm. wide elliptic, concave, cleft about 6 mm.

at the tip, the edges irregularly toothed. Staminodes at base

of labellum, usually as rather broad teeth little over 3 mm.

long, sometimes narrow, fleshy, terete, acute, up to 5 mm. long,

reddish. Filament 1-3 cm. long, narrow; anther 9 mm. long,

massive, yellow, without crest. Fruit red, smooth, c. 1 cm.

diameter, spherical, containing few seeds. Stylodes very short

and fleshy (c. 3 mm. long), irregularly lobed, with broad

rounded apices.

Malay names: Langkuas, Léngkuas, Léngkuas benar etce.:

Greater or False Galanga.

Distribution: probably wild in India, Indo-China,

Philippines, Java and Borneo; cultivated extensively in S.E.

Asia and Malaysia; common in villages in Malaya and

half-wild in old clearings. The cultivated plants probably

include several races. How much variation occurs in the

cultivated plants of Malaya has not been investigated. The

rhizome is much used as a flavouring for foods, and also

medicinally. In Singapore the plants flower rather rarely,

after exceptional dry weather.

2. Languas seabra (Bl.) Burk., Gard. Bull. S.S. 6: 260.

1930. Hellenia scabra Bl., Enum. Pl. Jav. 1: 60. 1827.

Alpima scabra Bak., F.B.I. 6: 256. 1892. Ridl.,

J.5.B.R.A.S.. 32: 164. 1899. Flora 4: 279.

Stems 2-3 m. tall when flowering. Leaves 40-50 by 6-9

cm., oblong, edges with scattered stiff hairs, apex rather

shortly acuminate, base cuneate, lower surface short-hairy or

sometimes almost glabroys; petiole to about 1 cm. long; ligule

to 1 cm. long, short-hairy or glabrescent. Inflorescence 30-40

cm. or more long, usually with 2 or 3 large branches (to 15

em. long) in the lower part, the branches in the axils of long

sheaths; apical portion, bearing short cincinni only, 20-30 cm.

long; rachis rather. stout, short-hairy or almost glabrous.

Primary bracts towards base of inflorescence very small; to-

wards apex up to 8 mm. long. Stalks of cincinni 1-2-5 cm.

long; up to 6 flowers on each. Secondary bracts about 1 mm.

long. Pedicel slender, about 5 mm. long: ovary at flowering

about 1 mm. long. Calyx 5 mm. long, broadly, tubular, white,

unequally 3-lobed, tips of lobes shortly pointed, hairy. Corolla-

tube slender, 8 mm. long; lobes about 10 mm. long, white.

Labellum shorter than the corolla-lobes, white, cleft almost

to the base, the two halves bilobed with narrow apical and

wider lateral lobe. Filament elongating to nearly 1 cm.;

anther 5 mm. long with a small crest. Staminodes hardly

1 mm. long, tooth-like, at base of lip. Fruit round, smooth,

black, 10-12 mm.. diameter,..containing few seeds,

Malay name: Léngkuas Raya. ;

Distribution: Java (probably Sumatra also) and Malaya.

This large species is closely allied to A. galanga, but

has larger inflorescences, much smaller flowering bracts,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

159

smaller flowers differing in various details and a black

fruit. It is common at moderate elevations (1,000-3,000

feet) on mountains in all parts of Malaya, and in the

lowlands in N. Johore at least, and has been collected many

times. Ridley describes the lip as bifid, the lobes narrow ;

but in the specimen examined by me the lobes are bilobed,

much as in A. melanocarpa, but the median cleft much

deeper.

3. Languas melanocarpa (T. et B.) Burk., Gard. Bull. S.S8.

6: 260. 1930. Hellenia melanocarpa T. et B., Nat.

Tijdschr. Ned. Ind. 24: 328. 1862. Alpinia melano-

carpa Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 163. 1899. Flora 4: 279.

Valet. in Ie. Bog. 2: t. 190. 1906. ? A. Fraseriana

Oly Hk We PY C4567. AS:

Rhizome 1 cm. or more thick, 15 cm. or more between

aerial shoots. Stems at flowering to nearly 2 m. tall; sheaths

glabrous. Leaves to 30 by 5 cm., glabrous, apex shortly

acuminate, base rather broadly and abruptly cuneate, edges

with very small narrow teeth; petiole 5-10. mm. long; ligule

to 6 mm. Pedunele slender, glabrous, about 7-10 cm. beyond

the highest leaf-sheath, sometimes with a single main lateral

branch. Rachis usually about 15 cm. long, bearing many short

eincinni up to 1:5 cm. long (without flowers), glabrous.

Primary bracts barely 0-5 mm. long, soon disappearing. Stalks

of cincinni to about 3 mm. long. Secondary bracts smaller.

than primary bracts. Pedicel of flower about 5 mm. long,

glabrous. Ovary glabrous, narrowly ovoid, 1-5 mm. long.

Calyx rather narrowly tubular, 8-9 mm. long, glabrous,

unevenly 3-toothed. Corolla-tube glabrous, 2-3 mm. longer

than calyx, white; lobes white, 6-7 mm. long, the dorsal nearly

as wide as long, the laterals narrower, white or pale pink.

Labellum a little longer than the corolla-lobes, the narrow base

with a triangular tooth or lobe on each side (staminodes), the

blade widening to. about 5 mm., split from the apex about

half-way to the base, the two halves unequally bilobed, pink

or purplish towards the base. Filament slender c. 4 mm. long;

anther 4 mm. long including a small round apical crest. Fruit

black, round, c. 8-10 mm. diameter, containing 3-4 seeds.

Malay names: Langkuas Ranting; Méngkanan.

Distribution: Sumatra: Borneo? i

This species is locally common near the sea, at least in

the southern part of Malaya and the East Coast; many

specimens have been collected. The Malayan specimens

agree closely with Valeton’s description and figure, appa-

rently from a cultivated plant brought from .Sumatra.

Ridley says that the anther-crest is lacking, but it is clearly

present in the specimens examined by me, and the latera!

teeth at the base of the lip (staminodes) also agree with

Valeton’s figure. His floral dimensions are rather larger

than those observed by me on dried specimens, but vegeta-

tively Malayan plants are rather larger than Valeton’s, the

leaves and petioles a little longer. The peculiar teeth or

Vol.» XITE.. (1950).

160

stiff hairs on the leaf-edges are distinct. Burkill suggests

that this species is the same as Languas chinensis Koenig,

cultivated about 1780 by Chinese at Malacca; but as the

identity cannot be clearly established, it is better to ignore

Koenig’s name. £

Alpinia Fraseriana Oliv. (Hk., Ic. Pl. t. 1567) from

Borneo is similar, and Valeton suggests that it is probably

conspecific with A. melanocarpa, in which case the species

ranges to both Borneo and Sumatya.

5. PLAGIOSTACHYS RIDLEY

Rhizome at or just below ground-level, bearing leafy

Shoots fairly close together. Leaf shoots 1-3 m. tall,

bearing short-stalked fairly large glabrous or hairy leaves,

the ligule usually deeply bilobed. Jnflorescences apical on

the rather short stem of the leafy shoots, breaking through

the leaf-sheaths and thus appearing to be lateral; usually

with 1-4 lateral branches at the base of the main inflores-

cence; rachis stout, short-hairy, bearing single flowers very

close together. Primary bracts lacking or rudimentary.

Flowering bracts tubular or funnel-shaped, longer than the .

calyx, the apical part at Jeast becoming mucilaginous and.

early decaying. Pedicel of flower beyond the bract 2-5

mm. long at fruiting; ovary small, glabrous or short-hairy.

Calyx tubular or funnel-shaped, not deeply split, with three

broad short lobes which at flowering become mucilaginous.

Corolla-tube usually somewhat shorter than calyx; lobes

subequal, the dorsal one erect and hooded at the apex, the

laterals, below the lip, a little shorter and less concave near

the tip. Labellum a little longer than corolla-lobes, more

or less obovate, the sides little raised at the base, the apex

spreading with a crinkled margin, more or less deeply cleft,

colour yellow or pale yellow, with or without pinkish stripes,

with 2 swollen areas at the base between the staminodes and

the stamen. Staminodes short, narrowly triangular and

acute or nearly oblong. Stamen suberect, about as long as

the dorsal corolla-lobe, the anther with a small blunt

triangular apical prolongation of the connective. Stylodes

short. Fruits smooth, crowded, the wall thin and firm,

apparently not dehiscing, 3-chambered, each loculus with

3-6 aromatic angled seeds closely packed together.

This genus was established by Ridley for a species

which he had previously called Amomum laterale. He

justly remarked that while Amomum was taken in a broad

sense this species might reasonably be included in it, but

with the breaking up of Amomum (in Baker’s sense) ‘a

new genus was ccrtainly needed for this species. Ridley

Gardens Bulletin, S.

also suggested that perhaps Plagiostachys was nearer to

Alpinia than to Amomum.

The structure of the inflorescence is very interesting.

it is terminal on the leafy stem but pushes its way through

the sides of the sheaths instead of to their apices as in

Alpinia. The arrangement of bracts was not correctly

described by Ridley. The flowering bracts are certainly

tubular. J] take them to correspond to the tubular bracteoles

of Amomum; no genus of this alliance has tubular primary

bracts. There is no evidence of the presence of primary

bracts on herbarium specimens; perhaps rudiments may be

found if young fresh inflorescences are examined.

The genus has in common with many species of

~ Amomum the colour of its labellum; and also in common

with some the mucilaginous degeneration of its bracts; and

in common with others the thin-walled smooth indehiscent

fruit with aromatic seeds. The species of Amomum which

develop their flowers like Plagiostachys in a mass of decay-

ing mucilaginous bracts are however those with spiny

fruits. The branching of the inflorescence is remarkable,

and unlike anything in Amomum.

On the whole, Plagiostachys seems fairly nearly allied

to Amomum, and more remotely to Alpinia. It extends

widely in the Malayan region, but the species have not been

well described and their number is uncertain.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF

PLAGIOSTACHYS

Lip yellow without pink veins; inflorescence arising at 30

cm. or more above ground level

Leaves glabrous, to 10 em. wide, sessile; bracts persist-

ing and conspicuous at fruiting, the main veins

remaining intact so that the edges appear irregularly

long-toothed; fruiting heads 4 em. through

1. P. lateralis.

Leaves hairy, to 25 cm. wide, stalked; bracts quite

disintegrating except for a small cup-shaped base not

visible at fruiting; fruiting heads 5 cm. through

} 2. P. mucida.

Lip cream with median yellow band bordered by pink

stripes; woes. “he tc arising 5-10 cm. from “s ound level

3. P. albiflora.

1. Plagiostachys lateralis (Ridl.) Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32:

152. 1899. Flora 4: 273. Amomum laterale Ridl.,

Trans. Linn. Soc. 3: 381. 1898.

Stems about 2 m. tall. Leaves to about 75 by 10 em., gla-

brous, apex more or less caudate (cauda to 4 cm. long), base

narrowly cuneate; petiole none; ligule 5 mm. long, broad, not

Vol. XII. (1950).

162 °

lobed, fringed with hairs when young; sheath glabrous,

purplish (?). Inflorescence produced at more than 30 cm.

above ground level, simple or with a single shorter branch,

the main rachis elongating to 15-20 cm., sessile at the point

of emergence from the leaf-sheaths. Bracts persistent but

from an early stage the ends partially rotted and reduced

to the main veins only, tubular, about 1-5 em. long, ribbed when.

dry, glabrous or nearly so. Flower sessile within the bract:

ovary small, glabrous. Calyx with ovary about 1 cm. long

or a little more, glabrous. Corolla-lobes dark red. Lip orange-

yellow, emarginate. Staminodes short, acute, tooth-like.

Filament pubescent, anther pubescent, white, 4 mm. long, with

a small triangular prolongation of the connective at the apex.

Infructescence compact, about 4 cm. diameter. Fruit sessile,

surrounded by the persistent bracts, almost round with a short

narrowed unequally 3-lobed apex (the calyx rotted away) about

1-2 em. diameter, thin-walled, with 3 or 4 seeds in each cell,

the seeds angled at the centre, with rounded peripheral sides

as in Alpinia.

This species is characterized by its long, little branched

inflorescence, persistent bracts, rather small pointed fruits,

and glabrous sessile leaves with short ligules. The flower-

colours are taken from Ridley, who however confused this.

species with P. mucida, so that there may be some error.

P. lateralis has been found only in Singapore, Johore and

Pahang. The height at which the inflorescence emerges

has not been recorded accurately. In one place Ridley says

50 em. above ground; in another, half-way up the stem.

SPECIMENS. Singapore. Bukit Mandai, Ridley 4620.

Chan Chu Kang,’ Ridley s.n. 1892. Johore. Batu Pahat,.

Ridley 11197 (p.p., the rest being P. mucida). - Sungei Tebrau,,.

Ridley 13230. Mt. Austin, Ridley s.n. May 1904. Pahang..

Pulau Tawar, Kadondong, Ridley s.n. August 1891 (Type).

2. Plagiostachys mucida Holtt., sp. nov.

Caules foliati conferti, ad 300 em. alti, folia infima 12-150

cm. supra terram ferentes basi ampliati et bulbiformes, parte

bulbiforme 5-6 cm. diametro interdum rubicundo, vaginis

suprabasalibus viride-lutescentibus; lamina folli ad 100 cm.

longa et 25 cm. lata, subtus viridis (vel in costa lutescens)

breviter et molliter pilosa, supra capillis brevissimis leviter

aspera, apice breviter caudato-acuminata, basi anguste cuneata;

petiolus molliter et breviter pilosus, 1-5 em. longus; ligula

biloba, ad 7 mm. longa, hirsuta; vagina breviter pilosa.

Inflorescentia 30-40 cm. supra terram e tubo vaginarum

emergens, ramosa, ramis 2-4 lateralibus pedunculis 2-4 cm.

longis donatis, ramo terminale pedunculo 2-7 cm. longo donato;

pedunculi ad 12 mm. diametro, dense et breviter hirsuti;

bracteae flavescentes, tubiformes, in inflorescentia florifera jam

marcescens et mucidae; in inflorescentia frugifera reliquiae

bractearum parvae, cupuliformes, marginibus irregulariter

laceratae; pedicellus floris brevissimus, pedicellus fructus ec. 2.

mm. longus; ovarium 2-5 mm. longum, glabrum; calyx cum

ovario 12 mm. longus, lobis mucidis; corollae tubus quam

calycem leviter brevior, lobi 8-9 mm. longi, 5 mm. lati, glabri,.

lobus dorsalis erectus, cucullatus, pallide pellucide roseus;

Gardens Bulletin, S-

163

labellum luteum nitente, marginibus pallidioribus, quam lobos

corollae leviter longius, fere planum, e basi sensim ampliatum,

apice recurvatum et bilobatum, lobis bilobulatis, lobulis apica-

libus divergentibus angustis acutis 2:5 mm. longis, lobulis

lateralibus rotundatis; labellum basi utroque latere inter

staminodia et filamentum tumidum et papillosum; staminodia

pallide lutea, fere oblonga, c. 3 mm. longa, 1-5 mm. lata;

fillamentum pallide lutescens, 4 mm. longum; anthera 4 mm.

longa, minute papillosa, crista rotundata haud 1 mm. longa;

stigma pallide lutescens, marginibus solum ciliatum, supra

ecristam antherae leviter elevatum; syvcarpia lateralia ad 7

em. longa, terminale vulgo longiora, interdum ad 15 cm.

longum, ¢. 5 cm. diametro, cylindrico-ellipsoidea, cupulis

reliquiarum bractearum non manifestis; fructus conferti,

interdum pressione multi-angulati, pyriformes, ad 2 cm. longi,

apice plani vel late rotundati, apiculo haud prominente, lutei vel

aurantiaci, pericarpium tenue et firmum; semina angulata

aromatica, in loculo quoque 5-6. TYPUS: Trengganu,

Kemaman, Ulu Bendong Swamp, 500 feet, S.F.N. 30271, leg.

Corner 6.11.1935.

This species occurs in all parts of Malaya, from

Singapore to Perak and Kelantan, chiefly in wet ground.

It was confused by Ridley with P. lateralis, from which it

differs in its more branched, conspicuously peduncled

inflorescence, its mucilaginous bracts which are not strongly

ribbed and almost disappear at fruiting, its larger less

pointed fruits, its hairy leaves with conspicuous petioles.

The details of the flower are lacking for P. lateralis; pro-

bably there are differences in the flower also.

It is possible that there exist two varieties of this

species. Among the herbarium specimens, a few, including

Corner’s type, have partial inflorescences not more than 8

or 9 cm. long at fruiting; in these the individual fruits are

closer, so that they compress each other unevenly and are

angled ; they also have a very broad apex, the tip sometimes

apparently in a depression (this may be due merely to

shrinkage on drying). Corner reports his fruits as turning

yellow when collected. The majority of specimens have

longer terminal inflorescences, with fruits not pressing each

other, evenly rounded in section, the apex slightly promi-

nent. The latter specimens also never have quite such long

petioles. The only flowers seen (dried) match the type so

far as observable.

The general aspect of the plants is near P. borneensis,

but that species has hairy ovary and short-hairy fruit, and

“red” flowers.

SPECIMENS. Singapore. Jungle behind Reservoir, Ridley

s.n. 1893. Bukit Timah, near Cascade, Ridley 4411, 4412; Ridley

sn. May 1898. Johore. Batu Pahat, Ridley 11197 in part

(the rest being P. lateralis). Malacea. Bukit Bruang, Ridley

3530. Negri Sembilan. Perhentian Tinggi; Ridley 9999.

Bukit Sutu, Alvins 2060. G. Angsi, S.F.N. 9899 (Holttum).

Selangor. Klang Water Catchment Forest, S.F.N. 7825, 9162

Vol. XIII. (1950).

164

(Burkill). Perak. Taiping Hill, 200-300 feet, Henderson

10402. Tapah, S.F.N. 13457 (Burkill and Haniff). Kelantan.

Sungei Tekal, near Gua Ninik, S.F.N. 19719 (Henderson).

Pahang. Beserah, S.F.N. 16143 (Burkill and Haniff).

5. Plagiostachys albiflora Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 50: 150. 1908.

Flora 4: 273.

Leafy stems to 20 cm. apart, about 1-20 m. tall to top

of tallest leaf-sheath, hardly swollen at base, the lower sheaths

greenish, pinkish when young. Leaves dark green, lightly

purplish beneath when young, to 70 by 16 cm.; glabrous,

apex shortly acuminate, base gradually narrowed and decurrent

on the petiole; petiole glabrous, 1-4 cm. long; ligule deeply

bilobed, thin, glabrous or very short-hairy, 1-1-5 em. long;

sheaths glabrous or very short-hairy, flushed with purple,

cancellately ribbed. Inflorescence emerging from sheaths at

5-10 cm. above ground level, short, simple or with a single

lateral branch (rarely with 2 branches), the peduncle hardly

projecting beyond the sheaths, or to 2 cm. long. Bracts

whitish, disintegrating into mucilage at flowering, tubular to

narrowly funnel-shaped, about 1-5 cm. long, strongly ribbed;

at fruiting only the base remaining, sometimes with the

remains of one or two ribs outstanding. Ovary 2 mm. long,

glabrous. Calyx with ovary to about 1-4 cm. long, white,

lobes broad, short, mucilaginous. Corolla-tube shorter than

calyx; lobes 9-10 mm. long (dorsal longest), all 5 mm. wide

at the base and concave at the apex, the dorsal one strongly

concave, all white or pale translucent pinkish at the base with

rose-pink tips. Labellum a little longer than corolla-lobes,

obovate, nearly 1 cm. wide near apex, with a median groove

from base to apex, the sides not much raised at the base,

the edges crisped towards the apex, apex cleft less than 2 mm.,

with a short point on each side of the division; colour pale

cream with a longitudinal yellow band edged with rose-pink

and oblique lateral pink veins; a red swelling each side at

base between staminodes and stamen. Staminodes cream,

curved outwards, less than 2 mm. long, narrowly triangular,

acute. Filament narrow, 3 mm. long, pale pinkish, glabrous;

anther nearly 5 mm. long, pale yellowish, not papillose, with

a small blunt triangular crest little over 1 mm. long. Fruiting

inflorescence about 5-9 em. long (lateral ones shorter) ; pedicels

of fruits 3-5 mm. long. Fruits apparently red; about 1-5 em.

long and 1 cm. wide, close, more or less pyriform and somewhat

angled where they meet.

The above description is taken mainly from Corner’s

Kemaman collection (including alcohol material) and his:

field notes. This is a much shorter species than either of

the others, and has a short inflorescence quite near the

ground. The leaves are glabrous as in P. lateralis, but

wider (nearly as large as in P. mucida) and with longer

ligules. The bracts disintegrate as in P. mucida. The

colour of the flower is distinct, in having pink veins on

either side of a median vellow band as in many species of

Amomum. The anther is not papillose and has a larger

crest than in P. mucida; the lip has a less deeply cleft apex.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

165

P. albiflora has been found in Johore, Trengganu and

Perak; it apparently does not grow in such wet places as

P. mucida.

SPECIMENS. Johore. Kukub, Ridley 13336 (Type). Base

ot G. Panti, Ridley s.n. December 1892. Bukit Tinjau Laut,

S.F.N. 37091 (Ngadiman). Trengganu. Bukit Kajang,

Kemaman, 500 feet, S.F.N. 30426 (Corner). Perak. Ulu

Temango, Ridley 14414.

6. HORNSTEDTIA RETzIus

Tall plants; rhizome thick (rarely slender), woody,

branched, intervals between leaf-shoots usually short, close

to surface of ground, slightly covered or sometimes raised

more or less above the surface on stilt-roots. IJnflorescence

+ fusiform or ellipsoid, or narrowly cup-shaped, arising

from rhizome close to the base of leafy shoots; peduncle

usually short, covered with 2-ranked scales. Bracts: an

involucre of sterile bracts surrounding the inflorescence

usually quite enclosing the floral bracts and tubes of the

flowers, with a small aperture through which the flowers

emerge. IJnvolucral bracts ovate or oblong, stiff, reticulate

or ribbed or smooth on the outside. Flowers opening very

few at a time. Floral bracts each with a single flower

(except in H. leonurus), equal in length to the tube of the

flower, smooth, mucilaginous. Bracteoles one to each

flower, except in H. leonurus not tubular at base, usually

about half as long as corolla-tube. Calyx tubular at base,

split down one side in the upper part, widened upwards, at

apex 3-toothed or 2-lobed. Corolla with long slender tube;

lobes about equal in length; dorsal lobe widest, hooded, erect

or decumbent, laterals either close to the lip and partly

adnate to it, or close to the dorsal lobe. Staminodes none

or reduced to small teeth at base of labellum. Labellum

+ rigid and fleshy, concave, when spread out triangular,

ovate or hastate, usually auriculate at the base, the auricles

erect or inflexed, apex oblong-rounded, not or hardly longer

than corolla-lobes. Stamen as long as petals and lip or

shorter, usually appressed to the lip. Filament rigid,

fleshy, with thickened edges, continuous with the connective

which is produced to a round tip beyond the anther, or none.

Anther either adnate below the apex of the wide connective,

with parallel narrow densely hairy pollen-sacs, the lines of

dehiscence short and prolonged at the base into sterile

spurs, or sessile, elongate, with narrow connective, usually

thickened and recurved above the pollen-sacs, sometimes

slightly 2-lobed ; pollen-sacs very hairy, sometimes divaricate

at apex, and sometimes free at base. Ovary oblong, 3-

locular, many-ovuled, often on a short pedicel. Style

slender. Stigma small, swollen, + cup-shaped. Stylodes

Vol. XIII. (1950).

166

elongate and narrow or short and fleshy, 2-8, usually +

united in a tube. Syncarp globose, enclosed in the involu-

cral bracts. Fruits globose or oblong, laterally compressed,

the pericarp thin and tough or woody, smooth outside,

splitting irregularly near the base, not regularly dehiscent.

Seeds multiangular, black, with a thin saccate aril.

As pointed out by Valeton, Hornstedtia is a very distinct

genus, though it seems to be more nearly related to Achasma

and Phaeomeria than Valeton realized. Achasma is how-

ever nearer to Phaeomeria than to Hornstedtia, and the

union of Achasma with Hornstedtia (leaving Phaeomeria

separate), as in the arrangements of Ridley and Schumann,

is unsatisfactory. The distinctive features of Hornstedtia

are: the more or less fusiform inflorescence covered with

stiff sterile involucral bracts, which remain to enclose the

fruits, the lateral open bracteoles (except in H. leonurus),

the smooth fruits with tough (not fleshy) walls which are

not regularly dehiscent, the long corolla-tube and relatively

short equal lobes, the fleshy concave narrow lip not usually

longer than the corolia-!obes, the small size or absence of

staminodes, and the connective of the anther prolonged

into fleshy narrow rounded tip, or not prolonged beyond the

pollen-sacs.

Within the genus there is much variation of detail.

The most distinct group of species is that of H. scyphifera,

in which the tip of the anther is always thin and rounded,

the pollen-sacs sterile in their basal parts, and the lip

always enclosed by the two lateral corolla-lobes which are

partially adnate to it. The calyx is always short (about

half the length of the corolla-tube) and 2-keeled towards

the apex, with short subapical teeth, and the bracteole. is

keeled with a subapical tooth. In H. scyphifera itself and

its near allies the involucral bracts have also a raised

reticulate pattern; but in the small species H. phaeochoana,

the bracts are quite smooth. The latter species is also

peculiar in having a slender rhizome with rather long inter-

vals between the leaf-shoots.

The other members of the genus are more varied.

Valeton recognized two sections; but H. leonurus does not

belong to either, and probably H. pusilla is again different.

_ _H. scyphifera is here treated in a broad sense, two

distinct varieties being recognized in addition to the typical

form. It may be that these should rank as separate species,

but the correlation of their characters is not fully esta-

blished. They are all nearly related. The very remarkable

long stilt-roots of var. grandis carry the rhizome high above

the ground ; In this they match exactly the closely allied

species H. pininga of Java and Sumatra. The lowland var.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

167

fusiformis has shorter stilt-roots of a similar kind. Such

stilt-roots are not found in Achasma, but are common in

the genus Geostachys.

Apart from H. scyphifera, which is certainly the

commonest Malayan species, H. leonurus and H. conica are

widely distributed in the lowlands and have been collected

at many localities. H.ophiuchus, H. striolata and H. pusilla

are still each known from one collection only. Few Horns-

tedtias have been collected on the mountains, and none with

long peduncles such as occur in Sumatra, Java, Borneo and

the Philippines. It is quite possible that more species

remain yet to be discovered.

Hornstedtia is probably derived from the Alpinia stock,

but not on the same line of evolution as Amomum. Like

Amomum, it has a reduced flowering stem, and the cincinni

of Alpinia reduced each to a single flower; but it is even

more specialized. It has the basal flowering bracts steri-

lized and forming a protective involucre, the fertile bracts

being smaller; it has in most cases a very short inflores-

cence-axis which does not elongate during flowering; it has

normally non-tubular bracteoles.

There is one peculiar species which gives evidence that

the single flowers of Hornstedtia represent each a reduced

cincinnus; this is H. leonwrus, the arrangement of bracts

and flowers in which is here for the first time fully des-

cribed. Each bract encloses two flowers, and these are

arranged, with their bracts (bracteoles) exactly like the

flowers of a cincinnus in Alpinia or Geostachys. They

show H. leonurus as retaining two primitive characters

lost by the other species; the additional flower, and also the

tubular bracteoles. The latter character is (so far as

known) quite peculiar in Hornstedtia, and might be

regarded as a basis for generic separation of H. leonurus;

but there is no other genus to which it could be assigned.

It is certainly neither Achasma nor Phaeomeria, but it

forms a link between Hornstedtia and those genera, showing

them more nearly allied to Hornstedtia than was realized

by Valeton. |

KEY TO HORNSTEDTIA IN MALAYA

Calyx not much more than half as long as corolla-tube;

connective prolonged beyond anther as a flat rounded tip

to the stamen

Bracts of the involucre with longitudinal ribs, and

irregular cross-bars between the ribs, the cross-bars

over part of the bract covered with a felt of very

short white hairs, sometimes partly confluent so as

Vol. XIII. (1950).

168

to form a continuous white covering but always

distinct towards the apex of the bracts

Cross-bars towards apex of bracts glabrous, dark

red like rest of bract

Leaves glabrous on upper surface; auricles of

lip 5 mm. wide, overlapping; apex of invo-

lucre open, narrowly cup-shaped

1. H. scyphifera (typical).

Leaves with some hairs on upper surface;

auricles 3 mm. wide, not overlapping, apex

of involucre pointed, not cup-shaped

H. scyphifera var.

| fusiformis.

Cross-bars white throughout, usually + confluent

in basal part of bract

Rhizome supported on long stilt-roots some

distance above ground; petioles of leaves

1-2 em. long H. scyphifera var.

grandis.

Rhizome not so supported; petioles 5-6 cm.

long; cross-bars on bracts showing sepa-

yately only near the apex 2. -H. striolata.

Bracts quite glabrous, smooth when living, finely

longitudinally ridged when dry 3. A. phaeochoana.

Calyx nearly as long as corolla-tube; connective not pro-

longed beyond tip of anther which is notched between

the pollen-sacs

Very small plants; height to 40 cm., leaves to 18 cm.

long, bracts to 3 em. long 4. H. pusilla.

Pjants much larger

Lip about 1-4 cm. longer than corolla-lobes, distal

part widened, with crinkled edges ; stamen much

shorter than lip 5. Hy conied,

Lip about same length as coyrolla-lobes, not so

widened nor crinkled; stamen nearly as long as

lip

Bracts longitudinally ribbed, covered almost

entirely by fine silky hairs which in part

form little tufts 6. HA. ophiuchus.

Bracts not ribbed, bearing fine hairs which

are not felted nor tufted 7. H. leonurus.

KEY TO HORNSTEDTIA IN MALAYA: VEGETATIVE

AND BRACT CHARACTERS ONLY

Bracts of the involucre with longitudinal ribs, and irregular

cross-bars between the ribs, the cross-bars over part of

the bract covered with a felt of very short white hairs,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

169

sometimes partly confluent so as to form a continuous

white covering

Cross-bars towards apex of bracts glabrous, dark red

like rest of bract

Leaves glabrous on upper surface; apex of invo-

lucre open, narrowly cup-shaped; rhizome at

surface of ground, or close to it

1. H. scyphifera, typical.

Leaves with some (often many) hairs on upper

surface; apex of involucre pointed, not cup-

shaped; rhizome supported on short stilt-roots

H. scyphifera var.

fusiformis.

Cross-bars white throughout, usually confluent in basat

part of bract

Rhizome supported on long stilt-roots (up to 120

cm. long); petiole 1-2 cm. long

H. scyphifera var.

grandis.

Rhizome not so supported; petioles 5-6 cm. long;

cross-bars of bracts separate only near apex

H. striolata.

Bracts without cross-bars, sometimes without ribs or hairs

Bracts not more than about 4 cm. long, glabrous,

smooth (ribbed when dry)

Whole plant about 40 cm. tail, leaves to 18 cm.

long 4. H. pusilla.

Whole plant about 200 cm. tall, leaves to 35 cm.

long 3. H. phaeochoana.

Inner involucral bracts to 8 or 9 cm. long

Bracts with white silky hairs, felted or in little

tufts, over most of their outer surface; surface

finely ribbed ; leaves rounded to truncate at base

Inflorescence narrowly fusiform, pointed;

petioles 2-3 cm. long 5. H. conicea.

Inflorescence with inner bracts spreading a

little at their tips; petioles 1 cm. long

6. HA. ophiuchus.

Bracts not ribbed, covered with appressed silky

hairs which are not felted nor tufted; leaf-

blades dark green, shining, with truncate or

slightly cordate base 7. H. leonurus.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

‘170

1. Hornstedtia scyphifera (Koenig) Steud., Nomencl., 2 ed.

1: 776. 1840 (Typical form of species). Amomum

scyphiferum Koenig in Retz. Obs. 3: 68. 1768. Horns-

tedtia scyphus Retz. Obs. 6: 18. 1786. Ridl., Flora 4:

267. Fig. 19.

Rhizome at or just below surface of ground, stout, covered

with short 2-ranked sheaths. Intervals between successive

leaf-shoots c. 15 cm. or less. Leaf-shoots 2-5 m. tall, with

16 or. more leaves, the lower 1/3 covered with sheaths only.

Leaves green, with pale yellow-green grooved midrib on upper

surface: sheaths green to yellow-green, hairy as midrib of leaf.

Leaf-blade to 85 by 18 cm., narrow apex short, base unequal,

rounded; upper surface glabrous, lower surface glabrous or

more or less covered with short soft hairs, midrib with longer

hairs. Petiole 1-2 cm. long; ligule 1-2 cm., usually hairy, some-

times glabrescent. Inflorescence usually from near base of leaf-

shoot, on a short scape; total height including scape to about 15

cm. Scape covered with overlapping 2-ranked scales which grade

into involucral bracts. Involucral bracts completely covering rest

of inflorescence except for tips of expanded flowers; shape of

‘involucre narrowly cup-shaped, the rim (1-5-3 cm. diameter)

narrower than the maximum diameter towards the base (3 to

4 cm.); number of involucral bracts about 10; largest 8 to

9 cm. long, 5 cm. wide: broadly ovate with rounded sometimes

slightly hairy apex and a very short stiff tip; outer surface

of bracts finely longitudinally ribbed, with irregular cross-bars

between the ribs, cross-bars glabrous towards the apex of

the bract, covered with minute felted whitish hairs in the

middle and towards the base, tip and edges of bracts very

deep crimson, hairy parts whitish. Floral bracts: outer ones

a little shorter than involucral bracts, and to about 2-5 cm.

wide, gradually decreasing in length and width towards the

middle of the inflorescence, down to about 6 cm. long and

1-5 em. wide, basal parts white, apical parts pink to crimson,

rounded with usually a short slightly hairy tip. At centre

of inflorescence c. 4 smaller sterile bracts. Flowers opening

1-3 at a time, lasting one day, the corolla-tube then elongating

a little more and hanging down limply; one flower to each

bract. Bracteole embracing base of flower and pedicel, lateral,

c. 3-5-4 cm. long, narrow, keeled on the black with a short

stiff hairy point on the back just below the tip, edges thin

translucent, rest pink, or white towards base. VPedicel of

flower 1-3 mm. long. Ovary c. 5 mm. long, glabrous except

for a ring of hairs at junction with calyx. Calyx pink with

crimson apex, 3-3-5 em. long, widening upwards, with 2 keels

each ending in a short tooth (1 mm. long) just below the

tips of the very thin lobes; sinuses between lobes unequal,

one about 1 cm., the other 4 mm., glabrous except for a

few hairs on and near the teeth. Corolla-tube 6-8 cm. long,

bright scarlet, slender. Lobes coloured as tube, oblong, con-

cave, ends rounded; dorsal lobe.to 2-3 cm. long, 9 mm. wide

when flattened, laterals a little shorter, 5 mm. wide when

flattened, their adjacent edges connate for more than half

their length with the lower surface of the lip, entirely

enfolding the lip except at its tip. Labellum slightly longer

than lateral corolla-lobes and _ similarly coloured, fleshy,

concave, with rather large overlapping infolded white-edged —

auricles at the base, the apex oblong with rounded tip, the ©

inner surface rather copiously hairy except near tip and edges,

Gardens Bulletin, S. ‘

171

the outer surface with scattered hairs. Staminodes on either

side at base of lip, close to attachment of stamen, fleshy,

' flattened, sometimes slightly 2-toothed, white, 1-5 mm. long and

wide, bearing a few slender hairs like those inside the lip;

bases of staminodes decurrent as a thickening inside the tube

of the flower. Filament of stamen flattened, to about 8 mm.

long, continuous with the connective. Anther lying flat inside

the lip, its back covered by the auricles, including free tip of

the connective 1-5 em. long, maximum width 4-5 mm.; free

tip of connective rounded, 2-5 mm. long; thecae hairy; line of

dehiscence c. 7-5 mm. long, sterile basal part 5 mm. long with

hairs on inner sides of the thecae only; anther crimson

on the back, hairs and pollen white. Style hairy, white at

the base, pink at tip; stigma pale pink, flattened, the

opening a transverse narrow ellipse, hairy outside. Stylodes

slender, 1-4-1-6 cm. long, cleft to base on one side, a2

little way on the other, pale pink. Fruiting inflorescence

6 cm. or more wide near the base; each fruit about 3 cm.

long, smooth, longer than wide, with pedicel 5 mm. long.

SPECIMENS. Singapore. Kranji F.R., J.S.G., Ap. 1890.

Toas, Ridley s.n. February 1890. Bukit Timah, Ridley 4616;

Henderson 1377 (Herb. F.M.S. Mus.). Sungei Jurong, Ridley

446. Sungei Buloh, Ridley s.n. 1894. Reservoir Woods, S.F.N.

7038 (Burkill). Cluny Road, S.F.N. 243 (Burkill). Johore.

Batu Pahat, Ridley s.n. November 1900. Tanjong Bunga,

Ridley s.n. 1894. Selangor. Bukit Etam, 2,000-3,500 feet,

Kelsall s.n. 1891. Kuala Lumpur, Ridley 10175. Petaling,

Ridley s.n. 1889. Pahang. Gunong Tahan, 3,000 feet, S.F.N.

20592 (Holttum). Trengganu. Bukit Kajang, 1,000 feet,

S.F.N. 30379 (Corner). Dindings. Bruas, Curtis s.n. December

1902. Distribution: Sumatra and Borneo.

var. fusiformis Holtt., var. nov.

Folia supra hirsuta; auriculae labelli 3 mm. latae, non

imbricatae; apex involucri acutus (involucrum non cyathi-

forme).

Rhizome raised 15-20 cm. above ground on red stilt-roots.

Leaf-shoots 2-8 m. tall, sheaths greenish. Leaves: blade to

50 by 9 cm., copiously hairy on both surfaces; hairs on upper

surface sometimes of two kinds, rather coarse wavy scattered.

hairs 2 mm. or more long, and sometimes also very short

copious fine hairs; hairs on lower surface under i mm. long,

copious, soft; petiole to 1-5 cm. long; ligule to 1-5 cm. long

with spreading hairs to 5 mm. long. Leaf-sheaths densely

hairy with pale spreading rather harsh hairs 3-4 mm. long..

Inflorescence to about 12 cm. tall including peduncle, rather

narrowly fusiform with narrow acute tip; maximum diameter

ec. 2 em. Involucral bracts with ribbing and hairs as in

typical H. scyphifera, but with narrower tips. Flowers about

same size as in typical scyphifera, except that the corolla-

lobes and lip are a little shorter (2 cm.). Lip with

auricles only 6 mm. long and 3 mm. wide, not overlapping.

SPECIMENS. Trengganu. Bukit Kajang, Kemaman, S.F.N.

30236 (Corner)—TYPE. Kelantan. Gua Ninik, S.F.N. 19751

(Henderson). Selangor. Klang Water Catchment Forest,

S.F.N. 8349, 9164 (Burkill). Ginting Simpah, Hume 8716

(Herb. F.M.S. Mus.).

Vol. XIII. (1950).

4 eos 4

172

This differs from the typical form of the species in the

very hairy leaves and sheaths (especially the hairy upper

surfaces), in the rhizome being raised on short stilt-roots,

in the fusiform inflorescence and small auricles of the lip.

In the fusiform inflorescence it agrees with H. villosa (Val.,

le. Bog. 2: t. 170; Bull. Btzg., 3rd Ser. 3: 166) but that

species has no bracteoles, no staminodes, very short stylodes,

no auricles to the lip, no hairs on upper surface of leaves,

and bracts not reticulate on the outer surface.

One of Burkill’s specimens from Klang has only a few

coarse hairs on the upper surface of the leaves, the other

has many. Only Corner’s specimen from Kemaman has

both long and short hairs on the upper surface. As regards

the stilt-roots, these are only recorded for Corner’s speci-

men; there is no information about the roots of the others.

One of Burkill’s Klang specimens appears to lack bracteoles,

but they are certainly present in Corner’s specimen.

Further collections are needed to show whether all the

peculiar characters are always correlated with each other.

If they are, this variety might rank as a species. It is as

distinct as some others in this group.

var. grandis (Ridl.) Holtt., stat. nov. Hornstedtia grandis

Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 141. 1899. Flora 4: 268.

Rhizome raised above ground 50-120 cm. on stout reddish

stilt-roots. Leaves glabrous except for ligule and lower surface _

of petiole and adjacent parts of sheath which are hairy; hairs

on ligule sometimes rather long. In some plants lower surface

of leaves is also softly hairy. Inflorescence usually somewhat

larger than in typical form of species, to 18 cm. long including

peduncle. Jnvolucral bracts with hairy cross-bars throughout

their outer surface except for edges which sometimes have

a fringe of longer hairs; middle and basal part of bracts

having the hairy cross- -bars broad and sometimes quite

confluent so that the surface is mainly white and sometimes

partly greenish. Flowers rather large, with corolla-tube to

9 em. long. Calyx teeth 2 mm, long. Auricles of lip 1-1

by 0-5 ecm.

Apart from the very long stilt-roots, this is so near

typical H. scyphifera that I think it is best regarded as a

variety. It agrees in habit with H. pininga (Bl.) Val. of

Java and Sumatra (see Bull. Btzg. 3rd Ser. 3: 163, and Ie.

Bog. 2: t. 169) but the flowers are atways red (so far as

recorded) and the shape of the inflorescence is widened at

the mouth, as in typical H. seyphifera, not narrowed as in

H. pininga; the bracts also are broader than in H. pininga.

It is actually nearer to typical H. scyphifera than is the

var. fusiformis described above.

H. scyphifera var grandis appears to be locally com-

mon in forest on the mountains of the Main Range and

Taiping Hills at about 4,000 feet, and is a most striking

Gardens Bulletin, S.

ne » e 4.

1 be is

“4

u gf

Pa aie the

173

plant, with its stout rhizome propped up on its long stiff

red stilt-roots. The leaf-shoots rise 3 m. or more above the

rhizome.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Fraser’s Hill, S.F.N. 8584 (Burkill

and Holttum); S.F.N. 33180 (Corner). Telom, Ridley 13823.

Boh Plantations, Cameron Highlands, S.F.N. 32907 (Md. Nur).

Sungei Telom 3,900 feet, S.F.N: 31427 (Holttum). Perak.

Maxwell’s Hill, Ridley s.n. June 1893 (Type); 4,000 feet, Curtis

2072. Box Hill, Ridley 11450. Birch’s Hill, 3,900 feet, S.F.N.

12651 (Burkill and Haniff).

2. Hornstedtia striolata Ridl., Mat. Fl. M.P. 2: 36. 1907.

Flora 4: 268.

Leaf-shoots tall. Leaves to 50 by 6 cm. or more; apex

rather long-pointed (c. 2-5 cm.), base rather narrowly cuneate,

slightly unequal; minutely hairy all over the upper surface

(hairs c. 1/10 mm. long) and on midrib beneath; petiole

5-6 cm. long, rather slender, minutely hairy; ligule 1-5 cm.

long, minutely hairy. Inflorescence with peduncle c. 15 cm.

tall, in shape and shape of bracts resembling that of H. scyphi-

fera. Largest involucral bracts c. 7-5’ cm. long and nearly

4 cm. wide. Involucral bracts longitudinally ribbed, and covered

nearly throughout with a felt of minute hairs, which is

reduced to broad cross-bars near the apex only; apex and

narrow edges red, with scattered hairs c. 1 mm. long.

Bracteole and calyx as in H. scyphifera: calyx c. 3-5 cm. long,

with a ring of hairs 2 mm. long at the base, at junction with

ovary. Covella-tube c. 6 cm. long; lobes 2 cm.: lobes of corolla,

lip and stamen shaped as in H. scyphifera, the lip with broad

overlapping auricles folded over the back of the stamen.

Hulu Semangko, Ridley 12105 (Type). Only collection.

This species is certainly closely allied to H. scyphifera.

The very close felted covering almost all over the outer

surface of the bracts as in H. pininga (Bl.) Val. var.

aurantiaca Val., almost obscures the tessellated effect

characteristic of H. scyphifera, but the separate cross-bars

can be seen near the apex of the bracts. The shape of the

bracteoles and flowers is almost identical with that of H.

scyphifera. -The most striking feature of difference is the

very long slender petiole of the leaves, and the minute hairs

all over the upper surface of the leaves. Similar but longer

hairs are sometimes found in H. scyphifera var. fusiformis.

Further information about the vegetative parts of this

Species is needed before its position can be properly

established.

It should be noted that the leaf is very similar in

shape and length of petiole to Cenolophon (or Alpinia)

petiolatum, but the latter species has not a similar pubes-

cence and its ligules are bilobed. The possibility should

however not be overlooked that the leaf mounted with the

inflorescence of Hornstedtia is a Cenolophon, not Horns-

tedtia leaf. Accidental mixing of specimens during drying

Vol. XIII. (1950).

174

sometimes occurs and is difficult to ean unless one has.

made careful field notes.

3. Hornstedtia phaeochoana (K. Schum.) K. Schum. Pflan-

zenr. Zingib. 191. 1904. Amomum: phaeochoanum K.

Schum., Englr. Jahrb. 27: 304. 1899.

Rhizome slender, a little below surface of ground, intervals.

between leaf-shoots to 40 cm. or more. Leafy shoots to 2 m.

tall or rather more, 45-90 em. to first leaf, leaf-sheaths dark

green. Swollen base of shoot greenish white covered with

brown sheaths. Leaves rather dark green above (when dry,

red brown below, olive-brown above), blade to 33 by 7-5 cm.

(Schumarn says to 42 by 6-5 cm.), rather fleshy when living

and coriaceous when dry, apex rather gradually narrowed and.

shortly. acuminate, base cuneate, glabrous; petiole 5-8 mm.

long, slightly hairy on edges; ligule to 1 cm. long, hairy on

edges; sheaths glabrous. Inflorescence often some distance.

from leafy stems, the peduncle below ground. Peduncle 2-5

cm. long, covered with overlapping small sheaths. Inflorescence

fusiform, to about 5 cm. long and 2 em. wide; involucral bracts:

numerous, white with rose-red tips when living, red-brown

with dark edges when dry, quite glabrous, to about 4 cm. long,

ovate, apex blunt with a very short stiff tip, surfaces quite

smooth when living, finely longitudinally ridged when dry.

Floral bracts 3-4 cm. long, thin, tips acute. Bracteole a little

shorter than calyx, shaped as in H. scyphifera. Calyx a little

over half length of corolla-tube, like ovary quite glabrous,

at apex with three spine-like teeth 2 mm. long one of which is

at the apex in the bud and is carried off at apex of dorsal

corolla-lobe. Corolla-tube about as long as bracts; crimson.

Lobes crimson, about 1-5 cm. long, the lateral lobes side by

side embracing the lip, but apparently not joined together,

the dorsal same length and wider. Lip a little longer than

corolla-lobes, pale pink, oblong, concave, entirely glabrous,.

without basal auricles. Stamen as long as the lip and lying

within it, structure exactly as in H. scyphifera. Staminodes

none or very small. Stigma and style hairy, stigma shaped

as in H. seyphifera.

Johore: S. Sedili, Mersing Road, S.F.N. 31946 (Corner)..

The type of this species was collected by Beccari near

Kuching, Sarawak. It was incompletely described, but all

specified details agree with the Johore specimens; size of

leaves and inflorescence, glabrous bracts drying with a

brown edge and pruinose near the tips, glabrous calyx and

ovary, calyx much shorter than bracts, and leaves red-

brown beneath when dry.

H. phaeochoana belongs to the group of H. scyphifera,.

having flowers and bracteoles of closely similar structure.

It is the smallest reported species of the group. Apart

from the small size, an unusual feature is the very long

slender rhizome-elements between successive leaf-shoots.

4. Hornstedtia pusilla Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 143. 1899.

Flora 4: 269.

Rhizome slender. Leafy stems (including leaves) to about

40 cm. tall: leaves to about 5. Leaf-blade to 17-5 by 4 cm.,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

175

apex with narrow tip 2 cm. long, base rounded to cuneate,

surfaces glabrous; petiole none; ligule less than 2 mm. long,

with short hairs. Inflorescence from underground rhizome:

peduncle c. 2 cm. long. IJnvolucral bracts to 3 em. long, ovate,

glabrous, longitudinally: ribbed: when dry, with.a very. short

stiff tip, red when living. Calyx hairy, to 4 cm. long, teeth

at apex*short. Corolla=tube little: lenger than-ealyx, red, lobes

red. Lip narrow, entire; fleshy.’ Stamen: anther 9 mm.: long,

apex emarginate (?) connective not produced into a rounded

tip.

Pahang: Kuala Tembeling, Ridley s.n. 1891.

This very small species appears to be) quite distinct

trom any other described. The only specimen known has

incomplete and broken flowers, but it seems clear that the

calyx is longer than the bracts, an unusual feature in the

genus. Bracteoles may be present, but have not heen

distinguished. The corolla-lobes and lip are so broken as

to be indistinguishable (details given are from Ridley) ; the

anther is also broken. The pollen-sacs are hairy through-

out, and appear to be dehiscent from base to apex. Further

information is needed to establish the genus of this species;

it might be an Achasma, but I do not think so.

5. Hornstedtia conica Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 142. 1899.

Flora 4: 268. Hornstedtia alliacea Valet., Ic. Bog. 4:

t. 350. 1912. Bull. Buitenz. 3rd Ser. 3: 174.

Rhizome at or just below surface of ground. Leafy shoots

rather near together, 2-3 m. tall; sheathing basal part grey-

green, upper sheaths sometimes reddish. Leaves: blade dark

green, midrib yellowish beneath, to about 65 by 12 cm., apex

shortly pointed, base slightly unequal, rounded to truncate,

glabrous or very shortly hairy beneath and sometimes also in

the groove of the midrib above; petiole 2-3 cm. long; ligule

to 2 cm., glabrous. Inflorescences entirely above ground;

height of inflorescence including short peduncle 9-12 cm.,

shape fusiform with a long slender tip, maximum diameter

c. 2-5 em. Involucral bracts pale pink with dull red edges,

the backs covered for the greater part with very fine short

white silky hairs, sometimes in little separate tufts. Inner

bracts 8-9 cm. long, about 2-5 cm. wide near base, narrowed

gradually to apex; apex blunt with a short stiff point; outer

bracts shorter, apex more rounded. Floral bracts narrower,

thinner, about as long as the inner involucral bracts. Flowers

one open at a time. Bracteoles to 5 ecm. long, narrow,

appressed to the calyx. Ovary hairy c. 5 mm. long. Calyx

white, hairy outside, in bud forming a long slender tip beyond

the corolla, in the open flower nearly as long as the corolla-tube,

split about half way to the base on one side, the apex usually

with 2 or 8 short lobes and 3 very short recurved: teeth.

Corolla-tube 6-5-7 cm. long, white; lobes almost erect 2-2-5

cm. long, the dorsal one 7 mm. wide, the others a little nar-

rower, standing on either side of the dorsal one, all rose-red.

Lip rather pale clear pink with two longitudinal crimson lines,

curved to a horizontal position, about 1-4 cm. longer than the

corolla-lobes, the blade widened a little from the base, with

crinkled edges, basal auricles small, erect on either side of

Vol. XIII. (1950).

176

anther. Stamen enclosed by corolla-lobes and base of lip,

extending to the auricles of the lip only; filament short; anther

with apex emarginate between the thecae; line of dehiscene not.

reaching apex of thecae; base of thecae free for a very short

distance. Stigma not much swollen, the mouth - crescent--

shaped. Stylodes short and slender. Fruiting inflorescence.

widened to 4 or 5 cm. near the base, onion-shaped. Fruits

about 3 cm. long, of irregular cross-section, to about 2 cm..

wide, on pedicel 3-mm. long. Distribution: Java, Sumatra.

SPECIMENS. Singapore. Bukit Panjang, Ridley s.n..

Johore. Base of G. Panti, Ridley s.n. December 1892. Patani,.

Batu Pahat, Ridley 11195. Selangor. Bukit Hitam, Ridley

7803. Langat, Ridley s.n. July 1889. Pahang. S. Sat, Ulu.

Tembeling, S.F.N. 21987 (Henderson). G. Senyum, base,

S.F.N. 22381 (Henderson). Jerantut, S.F-N. 15835 (Burkill

and Haniff). Trengganu. Ulu Kajang, Kemaman, 500 feet,.

in swamp, S.F.N. 30433 (Corner).

This species is undoubtedly identical with H. allacea

Val., excellently described and illustrated by Valeton. He

noted the probable identity of the species, but in view of

Ridley’s imperfect description did not himself unite them...

The characteristic features are the long-pointed inflores--

cences with silky hairy bracts, the lip much longer than the

corolla-lobes (resembling Achasma in this), the short:

stamen with emarginate apex, the rhizome at or near

ground surface and the rather long-stalked glabrous leaves.

H. conica is evidently a lowland species, probably less

common than H. leonurus but extending to most parts of

Malaya. It seems to be very uniform in character.

6. Hornstedtia ophiuchus (Ridl.) Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32>

141. 1899. Flora 4: 268. Amomum ophiuchus Ridl.,.

Trans. Linn. Soc. 3: 381. 1893.

Leafy shoots to 4 m. tall. Leaves to 55 by 9 cm. or more,.

base rounded, slightly unequal, surfaces glabrous; petiole 1 cm.

long; ligule 1 em., short-hairy. Inflorescence fusiform but not

narrowly pointed, c. 13 cm. tall including the short peduncle.

Involucral bracts finely longitudinally ribbed, covered with a.

close felt of very short appressed hairs except towards the.

apex; inner bracts to 9 cm. long, narrowed to the tip. Ovary

densely appressed-hairy; calyx similarly hairy towards the-

base, hairs fewer upwards, to about 8 cm. long, deeply cleft

down one side. Corolla red, the tube a little longer than

the calyx, lobes hardly 2 cm. long, the lateral lobes joined

to the lip and enfolding it. Lip as long as corolla-lobes, con-

cave, fleshy, red with white edges, hairy within, apparently

without auricles at the base. Stamen c. 3 mm. shorter than

the lip and lying within it, the anther hairy, emarginate.

at the tip.

Only known from the origina! collection: Tahan River,

Ridley July 1891. Valeton suggests that this species may

be identical with H. minor (Bl.) Val., known from Java

and Borneo. This may be correct, but the inflorescence of

Gardens Bulletin, S..

siete aia aie

;

}

{

;

Cee teeta” « 2 ape ees

177

the type of H. ophiuchus is much shorter than in H. minor,

and many comparative details are lacking. When further

material is available, a comparison may easily be made

with Valeton’s plate in Ic. Bog. 2, t. 167.

Lard

(7. Hornstedtia leonurus (Koenig) Retz., Obs. Bot. 6: 18.

fe ee. ona. oe. 142. Flora’ 4: 269.

Amomum leonurus Koenig, Retz Obs. Bot. 3: 69. 1783.

Amomum Ridleyi Bak., Kew Bull. 1892: 128. Steno-

chasma convolutum Griff., Notul. 3: 433, t. 359. 1851.

Fig. 20. |

Rhizome +. deep underground: intervals between leafy

stems about 10 cm. Leafy shoots to 4 or 5 m. tall, 1-5-2 m.

t6 the first leaf; swollen base to 6 cm. thick, + red-brown.

Leaves: blade to about 60 by 14 ecm., oblong, apex rounded.

with a narrow tip c. 1 cm. long, base truncate or even sub-

cordate, slightly uneven, upper surface dark glossy green, the

edges broadly crisped; edges of blade, the whole petiole and

ligule and upper part of sheath conspicuously brown-hairy;

petiole 1-2 cm. long; ligule 1-1-5 cm. long, bearing longer

hairs than blade. Inflorescence: scape from the rhizome, erect,

subterranean, length from 2 cm. Inflorescence narrowly fusi-

form, 7 to 11 cm. long, partly buried in the ground. 1-2 flowers

open together. Jnvolucral bracts about 8, the inner ones to.

about 9 by 2-5 em., narrowing gradually upwards, end rounded

with a very short point; outer surface smooth, not ribbed,.

covered almost throughout with short appressed silky hairs

which do not form a dense felt; general colour of bracts where.

underground pale pinkish to buff, the inner ones, where exposed

to light, green with pinkish tips. Floral bracts to about 8 cm.

long and 1-5 cm. wide, inner ones narrower, silky appressed

hairy on back, each enclosing 2 flowers. Bracteoles two to

each bract, one enclosing both buds and one the smaller bud

only, largest bracteole 6-7 cm. long, apex unequally 2-lobed,.

the base of both bracteoles tubular for a length of 2-2-5 cm.

Inner bracteole with a small tooth below apex. Calyx to

8-5 cm. long, pale pink, teeth very short and close together,

split about 1-7 cm. on one side, appressed hairy throughout

externally. Corolla-tube about as long as calyx, dorsal lobe:

about 3-7 cm. long and 1-2 wide when flattened, strongly con-.

cave, the lateral lobes a little shorter and about half as

wide, usually folded within it, all lobes dull deep crimson.

Staminodes none. Lip c. 3-7 cm. long, the base 6 mm. wide,

widening abruptly to form a pair of auricles and then tapered

to a narrow rounded apex, maximum width when flattened

2 em.; auricles erect, their tips inflexed a little; colour of lip:

crimson, edged and tipped with pale pink. F%lament of stamen

crimson, 2 cm. long, with thickened edges. Anther 1-4 cm.

long, dark crimson, the pollen-sacs densely covered with hairs,.

dehiscent throughout their length, their bases free for about 4

mm.; apex of connective short but distinct, emarginate ‘Stigma

crimson. Stylodes 9 mm. long, forming a tube round the base

of the style split to the base down one side and for a short

distance down the other side. Fruit faintly pinkish when young,

nearly black when ripe, very short hairy, to about 2 cm. long,

on a short pedicel; wall thin; involucral bracts at fruiting

persistent but pressed outwards to expose the fruit partly.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

178

SPECIMENS. Singapore. Panjang Reserve, Ridley 96.

Chan Chu Kang, Ridley s.n. 1892. Pulau Ubin, Ridley 9494.

Sungei Buloh, Ridley s.n. 1894. Mandai Forest, Burkill 278.

Johore. G. Panti, Ridley s.n. December 1892. Ulu Segun,

G. Panti, 500-1 000 . feet. S.F.N..30746:,(Corner). Pahang.

Beserah, S.F.N. 16142: (Burkill . and. Haniff). . Kadondong,

--Pulau Tawar,. Ridley s.n.. August 1891. ‘Malacca. - -Selandor,

Alvins 686. Perak. Tapah, S.F.N. 13462 (Burkill and

Haniff). Dindings. Bukit Sejari, Ridley s.n. March 1896.

For a note on this very interesting species, which has

only been reported from the Malay Peninsula, see the

introductory remarks on the genus. dH. leonurus still occurs

wild in the forest on Bukit Timah in Singapore, and is also

abundant by paths in the Catchment forest near MacRitchie

Reseryoir. The dark green glossy stalked leaves with

crisped edges are distinctive.

7. PHAEOMERIA LINDLEY

Rhizome at or near surface of ground, in the large

species of short thick club-shaped elements between succes- |

sive leaf-shoots, in P. Maingayi slender and wide-creeping.

Leafy shoots often very tall; leaves large, stalked; ligule

usually slightly 2-lobed. Inflorescences on long slender

peduncles from base of leaf-shoots, the peduncle covered

with well-spaced 2-ranked sheaths. Head of inflorescence

short and broad, with an involucre of large sterile coloured

bracts, erect or spreading, usually not persistent to fruiting;

receptacle of inflorescence broad and nearly flat or elongat-

ing a few centimetres, bearing very many narrowly tubular

flowers close together; flowers opening many together, in a

series of concentric circles. Floral bracts narrow, thin,

each with one flower, the outer ones wider than those near

the centre of the inflorescence. Bracteoles tubular, 2 or

3-toothed, deeply split, shorter than the calyx. Calyx

narrowly tubular, usually with 3 short teeth near together

and rather deeply split down the other side. Corolla-tube

much shorter than calyx; lobes as long as tube or longer,

about equal, erect, their tips hardly surpassing the calyx,

not widely spreading. Lip erect, ovate when spread out,

the sides folded together at the base, the tip extending a

little above the corolla-lobes and a little deflexed, the base

joined to the stamen in a short fleshy tube above the junc-

tion of the corolla-lobes; after flowering stiffly inrolled from

the apex in a spiral. Staminodes lacking, or as rudimen-

tary hairy teeth or humps. Stamen: filament (free part)

very short, erect; anther long, emarginate at the apex,

slightly bent forwards towards the lip. Stigma rather

large, the opening triangular, with a cleft on the broad

forward side. Stylodes short and fleshy, apices irregularly

Gardens Bulletin, S.

179

warty, encircling base of style, separate down one side to

the base, joined on the other side. Fruiting-head round.

or elongate, the fruits close together, smooth (not ridged

nor prickly), sometimes hairy, round or long-beaked;.

pericarp thick, fleshy, not dehiscing.

The name Phaeomeria was proposed by Lindley in

1836 for the species now known as P. speciosa (he called it

P. imperialis). Horaninov in 1862 proposed the name:

Nicolaia imperialis for the same species; Nicolaia, being a

later generic name, cannot stand. Bentham and Hooker

included Phaeomeria in Amomum; it was re-established as

a distinct genus by Schumann. The best cr itical work on

the genus is that of Valeton, as quoted below under P.

speciosa.

As shown by Valeton, Phaeomeria is nearly related to:

Achasma, differing in the long-peduncled inflorescences

which usually have larger flowers, and in the much shorter

lip which is little longer than the corolla and hardly spreads

horizontally at the apex. The genus is entirely Malaysian,

with P. speciosa as the only known widely distributed.

species. There are four quite distinct species in Malaya;

all (except P. speciosa) appear to be distinct from the

Sumatran species described by Valeton. A fifth species

probably also exists. The young flowering heads of the

large species are all eaten as a flavouring for food. The

fruits do not appear to be used.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF PHAEOMERIA

Inflorescence about 4 cm. wide and 4 ecm. high; bracts of

involucre hairy 1. P. Maingayi..

Inflorescence wider; bracts glabrous

Leaves with very broad bases; *involucral bracts.

spreading horizontally, with or without deflexed

ends; axis of inflorescence elongating, to 5 cm. or

Involucral bracts c. 6 cm. long, apex very broad,.

not deflexed; fruits long-beaked

2. P. fulgens.

Involucral bracts c. 8-12 em. long, apex narrowed

(except for a few outermost ones); fruits

rounded at apex 3. P. speciosa.

Leaves cuneate to rounded at base; involucral bracts

erect, forming a deep cup; axis of inflorescence

hardly elongated, slightly raised in the middle

only 4. P. venusta.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

180

1. Phaeomeria Maingayi (Baker) K. Schum., Pfizr. Zingib.

266. 1904. Ridl., Flora 4: 272. Amomum Maingayi

Bak., F.B.1l. 6: 235. 1892. Hornstedtia Maingayi

Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 1899. Fig. 21.

Rhizome close, to surface of ground, rather slender, long

creeping, sometimes raised above ground and supported on

short stilt-roots to 20 cm. long where aerial shoots arise.

Leafy shoots 2-3 m. tall, c. 30-60 cm. apart. Leaves to about

50 by 12 cm. (sometimes upper leaves only 4 cm. wide), pinkish

beneath when young, short-acuminate, glabrous, or short-hairy

beneath; petiole to 1 cm. long; ligula to 1-2 cm. long in upper

leaves, slightly 2-lobed, short-hairy on edges, very short-hairy

on surface. Peduncle slender, c. 40-80 cm. tall, pinkish,

glabrous, close to base of leaf-shoot, with well-spaced broad

shortly mucronate dull red sheaths c. 3 cm. long (sheaths

bright crimson on young inflorescence). Inflorescence almost

spherical, c. 4 by 3-5 cm.: receptacle short-conical, 1 cm. tall,

bearing c. 35 flowers. Involucre of c. 5 sterile bracts, the

largest about 3 cm. long and 2-5 cm. wide, ovate, apex broadly

rounded with a stiff point 2 mm. long, densely appressed-hairy

all over back except near the thin edges, hairs whitish to

yellowish, exposed edges pink to deep red. Outer floral bracts

nearly as large as involucral, gradually smaller. Inner floral

bracts 2-5-3 cm. long, c. 7 mm. wide, widest near broad blunt

apex, tip incurved, very short or absent, hairy on back as

involucre. Bracteoles c. 2 cm. long, tubular at base, slit down

one side 7-8 mm., from the shortly 3-toothed apex, or sometimes

2-lobed, the slits unequal. Calyx crimson, c. 3 cm. long, with

3 adjacent rather broad lobes 3 mm. long (usually all behind

the lip), each with a subapical tooth, slit c. 7-10 mm., appressed

hairy outside. Corolla-tube much shorter than calyx, dorsal

lobe about 1 cm. long and 4 mm. wide, a little shorter than

calyx, others still shorter and about half as wide. Lip bright

purplish red, spreading outwards at an angle of c. 45° to

vertical, when straightened about 1:3 cm. longer than calyx,

with paler inflexed sides at base partly embracing the anther:

blade c. 8 mm. wide, edges crinkled, apex broadly rounded,

tube and back of lip at base crimson like the calyx.

Stamen: filament short (1 mm.) and broad: anther c. 8

mm. long, dark red. Stigma dark red, shining, nearly 3

mm. wide. Fruits shortly stalked, + round, apex broad,

not beaked, fleshy, smooth or very short-hairy, each c. 2 cm.

long and wide, bright red, the head surrounded with

the persistent involucre (head of fruits c. 5 ecm. across).

SPECIMENS. Malaya: lowland forest, many localities,

Singapore to the north. Type from Malacca (Maingay) at

Kew.

var. longibracteata Holtt., var. nov.

Bracteae involucri c. 3 cm. longae, 1-5 cm. latae, apice

anguste rotundatae; labellum basin versus albomarginatum.

Pahang, Tembeling, S.F.N. 24522 (Henderson).

2. Phaeomeria fulgens (Ridl.) K. Schum., Pflanzenr. Zin-

gib. 262. 1904. Ridl., Flora 4: 272. Hornstedtia

fulgens Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 149. 1899. Fig. 22.

Like P. speciosa in stem and leaves, but apparently

smaller, the leaves to 14 em. wide (so far as known), edges

short-hairy, especially towards the apex; leaves purplish

Gardens Bulletin, S.

181

; beneath (when young only ?). Inflorescence axis to about

: 5 em. long, diameter of flowering part 7-8 cm., the involucral

bracts forming a shallow cup, their ends spreading, broad

to the apex, which is not reflexed, about 6 cm. long and to

4 em. wide, dark red with pale greenish edges. Flowering

<- bracts c. 3-5 em. long and 1 cm. wide, red with pale green

3% edges. Bracteole 2-5 cm. long, translucent, tinged with red.

Ovary finely appressed-hairy. Calyx 3-5 cm. long, red, with 3

greenish tips about 2 mm. long, the other side split about

15 em. Corolla-tube white; lobes 8 mm. longer than calyx,

red with translucent whitish edges. Lip deep red with yellow

edges all round except towards the base, 5 mm. longer than

: the corolla-lobes. Filament 4 mm. long, white; anther 9 mm.

long, crimson on back. Stigma large, shining, crimson.

Fruiting-head 12 cm. across; fruits short-hairy, long-beaked,

about 5 cm. long, diameter in the middle about 2-5 em. (when

dry—probably more when fresh), beak 1-5 cm. long, sur-

mounted by remains of calyx.

This species is known from few collections; it is in

cultivation in Singapore. It is distinguished by its broad,

shortly spreading dark red involucral bracts and long-

beaked fruits. About 12 flowers open together, in the early

morning. |

wry

tr SPECIMENS. Perak. Larut Hills (plant cult. in Singa-

; pore), Ridley 6887 (Type). Maxwell’s Hill, Ridley s.n.

June 1893. Trengganu. Ulu Brang, 400 feet, S.F.N. 33670

; (oysey}- pinnsock Rett 2- :

3. Phaeomeria speciosa (Bl.) Merrill, Enum. Philip. Pl. 1:°

241. 1922. Elettaria speciosa Bl., Enum. Pl. Jav. 51.

1827. Alpinia magnifica Roscoe, Monandr. PI. t. 75.

1828. Phaeomeria imperialis Lindl., Nat. Syst. Ed.

2,446. 1836. Ridl., Flora 4: 272. Nicolaia imperialis

Horan., Monogr. 32, t. 1. 1862. Nicolaia speciosa

Horan., Monogr. 32. 1862. Valet., Bull. Buitenz. 3rd

Ser. 3: 138. 1921. Phaeomeria magnifica K. Schum.,

Pflanzenr. Zingib. 262. 1904.

Leafy stems close together, to about 5 m. tall, with about

18 pairs of leaves; uppermost leaves often narrow, subapical

largest. Largest leaves to about 85 by 18 cm., glabrous,

purplish beneath when young, tip short, edges broadly crisped,

base very broadly rounded or in the lowest leaves slightly

cordate; petiole to 4 cm. long; ligule slightly bilobed, to 1-5

em. long, glabrous. Scape about 120-150 cm. tall; sheaths

glabrous, to 12 em. long, not overlapping, green. Involucral

bracts about 8-12 cm. long and 2-3 em. wide (a few outer

enes shorter and broader), the ends more or less -tapering,

spreading with the ends refiexed at flowering, waxy, crimson-

pink with pale edges, the ends with a short (2-3 mm. long)

spine-like appendage below the apex. Avzis of inflorescence

elongating to 5-10 cm. or more: Floral bracts: outer ones

showing a transition from the involucral bracts, inner ones

smaller 3-5-5 cm. long, narrow, pink. Bracteoles about 2-2 cm.

long, deeply split. Calyx 3 cm. or rather more long, 3-toothed,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

ogy rad os A atti Mal PO tig, SMS ee

182

the teeth close together, the other side of the tube rather

deeply split. Corolla normal for genus, lobes pink. Lip deep

crimson with narrow white or yellow edges: Filament short,

flat, white-hairy; anther longer, red. Heads of fruits about

10 em. diameter and up to 10 cm. or more long; individual

fruits rounded, 2-2-5 em. diameter, narrowed to base and

rounded at apex, short-hairy, green to reddish; seeds many,

black in a translucent pulp.

This species appears to be widely distributed in Malay-

sia, and is often cultivated for its flower-shoots. Valeton

says there are several varieties. Ridley says that the wild

Malayan plants have a yellow-edged lip, while cultivated

ones are white-edged. There is said to be a variety with

the leaves permanently dark purple beneath.

Though this species has been known for over a century,

no full description with accurate details of flowers has been

published, and as no fresh flowers or specimens in alcohol

are available, the dimensions given have not been checked.

4. Phaeomeria venusta (Ridl.) K. Schum., Pflanzenr. Zin-

gib. 264. 1904. Ridl., Flora 4: 272. Hornstedta

venusta Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S8.. 32: 149. 1899.

Rhizome at or just above ground level; leafy shoots rather

close together, 3-4 m. tall. Leaves green, purple beneath when

young, to at least 80 by 19 cm., edges short-hairy, base rather

gradually narrowed, cuneate to rounded; petiole 0-3 cm. long;

ligule short-hairy, bilobed, to 2 em. long. Inflorescence about.

60 cm. tall; peduncle short-hairy, its sheaths to 10 em. long,

not overlapping, pale green. Inflorescence at flowering 5 cm.

or more in diameter, the receptacle broad and only slightly

raised in the middle. Involucral bracts about 7 by 2-5 to

12 by 4 cm., erect, forming a cup, bright rose-pink, the

largest outer ones with recurved ends. Floral bracts about

4 cm. long, narrow, pale pink or white. Bracteoles tubular

at base, unequally 2-lobed at apex, deeply split, c. 3-5 ecm.

long, whitish. Ovary appressed-hairy. Calyx about 5 ecm.

long, narrowly tubular, pink with white tip, the three teeth

very short and close together, the other side split 2 em. or more,

appressed-hairy especially near base. Corolla-tube about 2-5

cm., lobes about 2-5 cm. long (the whole corolla thus equal

in length to calyx); lobes pink to crimson, about 6 mm. wide

near the base, their tips round and concave, slightly spreading.

Lip when straightened about 4 mm. longer than corolla-lobes,

when flattened ovate, the sides towards the base raised, their

edges touching behind the stamen, edges white or pale

yellowish, centre crimson, apex rounded, slightly reflexed,

5 mm. wide. Filament about 3 mm. long (free part), white-

hairy; anther massive, 1-1 cm. long, retuse at the apex, white

or pink, with yellowish hairs on the pollen-sacs. Stigma large,

3-5 mm. across the apex, filling the retuse apex of the anther,

the mouth narrow, fringed with hairs. Stylodes 5 mm. long,

broad, surrounding the base of the style, split to the base

on one side, irregularly warty near the shortly pointed apices.

Floral tube with a ring of hairs at the level of junction of

Gardens Bulletin, S.

183

corolla and lip with anther. Fruiting-head about 12 cm.

. across, fruits red, beaked about as in P. fulgens, sessile,

glabrous.

The details of colour are taken. from a drawing made

of a plant cultivated‘ at Penang and from Corner’s field

notes (on S.F.N. 32778). Ridley’s original description

agrees except that he says the calyx is red, and the lip

spotted with pink.

SPECIMENS. Selangor. Ginting Bidai, Ridley 7810

(Type). Perak. Ulu Batang Padang, Ridley 18835. Taiping

Hills, Tea Gardens, Curtis s.n. May 1890. Trengganu. Ulu

Brang, 300 feet, S,F.N. 33721 (Moysey). Johore. Mawai-

Jemaluang Road, S.F.N. 32778 (Corner).

8. ACHASMA GRIFFITH

Rhizome of long elements between leaf-shoots, rela-

tively slender, often rather deep, never much raised above

ground. Ligule simple. Inflorescence capitate or cylindric,

on a short erect subterranean stalk covered with short

2-ranked sheaths which increase in length from base to apex

of stalk. Involucral bracts 2-8, whitish or coloured, much

broader than the inner floral bracts. Flowers on a flat

receptacle, 4-15 open together (except in species which

have only 2-3 flowers), in 3 or 4 concentric circles. Floral

bracts with one flower to each, the inner ones narrow, the

outer ones often wider and showing a transition to the

involucral bracts. Bracteole one to each flower, tubular

at the base, the upper part sheathing, 2 or 3-toothed.

Calyz tubular, rather !ong, split down one side to about 1/3

of its length, with 3 short teeth on the other side. Corolla-

tube nearly as long as calyx, lobes erect, much shorter than

tube, dorsal lobe not hooded, somewhat wider than the

cthers, which are + folded beneath it or close to it on either

side. Labellum very long; lowest part erect, forming a

broad tube with the base of the stamen for some distance

above the junction of the corolla-lobes; free part + 3-lobed,

the lateral lobes at the base folded over the stamen, more

distally reflexed, the midlobe widening from a narrow base

and spreading horizontally, its apex entire or bilobed: after

the flower withers, the lower part of the labellum is rolled

spirally inwards as in Phaeomeria, the widened blade

withering. Staminodes none. Stylodes narrow or flat-

tened, pointed. Stamen: filament (free part) very short,

erect, rather broad; anther bent forwards, massive, at apex

more or less deeply cleft, never crested. Fruits sessile, in

a round compact head, not dehiscent, the pericarp thick and

dry, smooth on the outside or + longitudinally ridged, or

with blunt warts in rows, towards the rounded apex.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

184

The genus Achasma was founded by Griffith, the

descriptions and drawings being published in his Notulae

in 1851. He described three species, all apparently found

in Malaya, though the locality of one (A. metriocheilos) is.

not specified. Unfortunately he failed to give any vegeta--

tive details, and the floral details also are not always very

explicit. Apparently his drawings. were made from

flowers preserved in alcohol, and his colour notes are

incomplete. <A. metriocheilos remains a doubtful species.

Griffith at the same time described another genus

Stenochasma, which he contrasted with Achasma. His

Stenochasma is identical with Hornstedtia, and the name is

thus superfluous; but his Achasma is a group which up to

that time had not been recognized as a distinct genus.

Blume had described some species from Java, but he had

included them as a section in the genus Elettaria. Like

Griffith, Blume had recognized the difference between

Hornstedtia and Achasma; for the former he used the

generic name Donacodes (see Valeton, Bull. Inst. Bot. Buit-.

XX. 1904).

Baker, in the Flora of British India, reverted to a

broad concept of the genus Amomum, and included in it

Hornstedtia and Achasma as sections. Ridley removed

them, with Phaeomeria, and united them under the name

Hor nstedtia and in this he was followed by Schumann, who

however separated Phaeomeria.

Valeton then began his studies of a large number of

living plants in Java, and pointed out the striking diffe-

rences between Achasma and Hornstedtia, showing that

Achasma is really more nearly related to Phaeomeria. He .

usually retained the name Amomum for the species of

Achasma, perhaps pending a full revision of the genera

which he hoped to make later. It is clear from his work

that to unite Achasma with Hornstedtia while separating

Phaeomeria is unjustifiable. I think however that Horns-

tedtia leonurus provides a link between Achasma and

Hornstedtia which Valeton did not know of; and that the

three genera are more nearly related together than any of

them is to Amomuni.

Achasma inflorescences are very distinct in their long

horizontally spreading lips, with blade nearly always widen-

ing from its base, the petals being much shorter than the

lip. The involucral bracts are usually less stiff than in

Hornstedtia, and have a wider opening, 4—12 flowers being

open simultaneously (except in the species with very small

inflorescences). In this they resemble Phaeomeria, the

flowers of which open many together in concentric circles.

Achasma inflorescences are however always partly embed-

ded in the earth whereas those of Phaeomeria are raised .

Gardens Bulletin, S.

PSAP rm ee..=

pore Mi

185

well above ground level. Another resemblance between

Achasma and Phaeomeria is the stiff inrolling of the fleshy

base of the lip as the flower withers. This does not occur

~ in Hornstedtia.

There are two -distinct flower-types in Malayan

Achasmas. In one the sepals and petals are about equal

in length, the petals narrow; in the other the petals are

much longer and wider, hooded over the base of the lip.

Combined with this difference is one of colour; in the first

flower-type the lip is entirely red, or has the edges only

yellow or white towards the base; in the second type the

edges are always red, the middle towards the base being

often yellow. The stigma is crimson or nearly black in the

first type, and almost white in the second. (The species

A. triorgyale may represent a third type; full details are

lacking). It would be possible to include all Malayan

plants at present known, except perhaps those of A.

triorgyale, in two species corresponding to these two flower-

types; but these species would both show much variation.

It seems clear that the red sheaths and young leaves of

A. sphaerocephalum are correlated with deep red bracts

and white-edged lip, and thus it may reasonably rank as a

Separate species; its varieties, as here recognized, are less

elearly distinct, and need more field study. The two species

with quite subterranean inflorescences belong one to each

-flower-type. Such inflorescences might occur owing merely

to the accidental condition of the rhizome being unusually

deep in the soil; but they appear to be constant in localities

where the normal types also occur, and they are probably

quite distinct. There is evidence of yet a third subterra-

nean species, allied to A. megalocheilos. Further field study

is needed, and may establish more distinct forms than are

here recognized. Old collections are often difficult to

identify with certainty, owing to the unsatisfactory preser-

vation of the flowers. Recent collections, including alcohol

material and field notes of colour, and cultivated plants, are

the main basis of the present account.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF ACHASMA

Involucral bracts to about 8 by 5 cm., the inner ones about

as long as the calyx of the flowers 1. A. triorgyale.

Involucral bracts not usually over 2-5 cm. wide, the inner

ones sometimes distinctly shorter than the calyx ©

Flowers 1-3 (rarely 5) on each inflorescence, the

bracts entirely below ground level

Petals much longer than calyx, the dorsal petal

about 1 cm. wide; middle of base of lip yellow,

rest red 2. A. pauciflorum.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

- =

:.. =

Petals about same length as calyx, the dorsal petal

about 5 mm. wide; edges of lip towards base

white, rest red 3. A. subterraneum.

Flowers many more in each inflorescence, the bracts

partly emerging above ground

Petals much longer than calyx, the dorsal one

1 cm. wide; lip yellow in the middle towards the

base, rest red 4. A. macrocheilos.

Petals about same length as calyx, the dorsal one

about 5 mm. wide; lip entirely red, or with

white or yellow edges towards the base, not

yellow in the centre

Edges of lip white; young leaves purplish

beneath and sometimes with red _ bars

above; petioles usually short or wanting

5. A. sphaerocephalum.

Edges of lip yellow, orange or same colour

as rest of lip; young leaves green beneath ;

petioles 3-4-5 em. long S

6. <A. megalocheilos.

186

is Achasma triorgyale (Bak.) Holtt., comb. nov. Amomum

triorgyale Bak., F.B.I. 6: 237. 1892. Hornstedtia

triorgyalis Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 144. 1899. Flora

4: 269.

Leafy stems to ec. 5 m. or more tall, sheaths glabrous or

short-hairy. Leaves to 80 by 18 cm., apex very shortly pointed,

base cuneate, unequal, usually softly short-hairy throughout

on lower surface, sometimes glabrescent; petiole 2-2-5 cm. long,

ligule c. 2-5 em. long, densely short-hairy. Inflorescences about

10 cm. high and not quite so wide: scape apparently short.

Involucral bracts about 8, oblong, deep rose, to about 8 by

5 em., short appressed-hairy throughout or towards base only,

the apex very broad, the stiff point very short, the inner ones

as long as the calyces of the flowers. Floral bracts pale

with pink tips, to about 8 by 1-7 em., silky-hairy towards

base. Bracteoles 5-5-6 em. long. Calyx 7-5-8 cm. long,

red. Corolla-lobes about 7 mm. (?) longer than calyx, dorsal

largest, and rounded, c. 5 mm. wide, cherry red. Lip 2-5-3

em. longer than corolla, cherry red to scarlet, the blade

widening much from its base, about 1-5’ cm. wide or more,

tip rounded entire. Anther ec. 9 mm. long. Fruit not known.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Larut, below 300 feet alt., King’s

Collector 2105 (Type). Ipoh, foot of limestone rocks Curtis

3317. Temango, Ridley 14420. G. Pondok, on the earth slope

leading up to the cliffs, S.F.N. 13903 (Burkill). Selangor.

Ginting Peras, Ridley 7806.

Baker described this species as having the lip as long

as the corolla segments; but this is not the case in the

specimen of the type collection in the Singapore herbarium,

which is a typical Achasma. The very broad bracts are

distinctive. Floral details are taken from a plant in the

Singapore Botanie Gardens.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

187

2. Achasma pauciflorum (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov. Horns-

tedtia pauciflora Ridl., J.S.B.R.A:S. 32: 144. 1899.

Flora 4: 270.

Leafy stems widely spaced, 3-4 m. tall, basal part covered

with sheaths green or slightly yellowing. Leaves green

throughout, to about 60 by 12-15 cm., shortly pointed, base

cuneate, unequal; lower surface hairy along edges, the rest

glabrous or with short soft hairs all over; petiole 0-1-5 cm.

(sometimes nil on one side, 1 cm. on the other); ligule 1-2-5

cm., + hairy, always so at edges when young. Inflorescence

arising from rhizome up to 15 cm. below surface of ground;

scape slender, covered with overlapping bracts increasing in

size upwards, 2-6 cm. long. Inflorescence very narrow, bearing

1-3 (rarely 5) flowers, the bracts completely immersed in

the soil. IJnvolucral bracts few, to about 6 cm. long and 1-2

cm wide, white, rather thin, apex pointed. Floral bracts 5-6

cm. long, narrow, thin (sometimes shorter). Bracteole c. 4-5

em. long. Calyx ec. 5-7 cm. long, pale pink or red at tip.

Corolla 2-2-5 em. longer than calyx, hooded over base of lip,

deep rose-pink to rose-red, dorsal lobe 1-2 em. wide. Lip: base

yellow with scarlet edge, blade orange-red, c. 1-5 cm. wide,

edges more or less crinkled, apex entire or retuse; total length

of lip 5-6 cm. Stamen: filament 3-4 mm. broad, 3-4 mm.

long: anther bent at an angle to filament, 8-9 mm. long,

short-hairy towards base only. Style pale yellowish, stigma

white or pale pink.

This species is not distinguishable in flower structure

from A. macrocheilos. The only clear difference is in the

inflorescence with bracts entirely below ground level, and

few flowers in an inflorescence. The ligule in specimens

found is rather long but this may not be a constant cha-

racter. The length of bracts and calyx varies with depth

of the inflorescence. A. pauciflorum has been found at

three quite distinct localities and the specimens agree well

together. In two cases it was recorded as common. It is

therefore at least a quite distinct variety of A. macrocheilos

and may be ranked as a separate species at present.

It is notable that similarly few-flowered immersed

inflorescences have been found with flowers closely related

to A. megalocheilos and A. sphaerocephalum.

SPECIMENS. Selangor. Gua Batu, Ridley 8174 (Type).

Upper Langat Valley, Holttum s.n. 1948, abundant. Johore.

S. Segun, G. Panti, S.F.N. 30890 (Corner). Kota Tinggi,

Holttum s.n. 1949, abundant. Trengganu. Ulu Kajang,

Kemaman, 500 feet, S.F.N. 30430 (Corner).

3. Achasma subterraneum Holtt., sp. nov.

Caules foliati c. 300 cm. alti; folia ad 60 em. longa et

12 cm. lata, subtus prope marginem et in costa basin versus

pubescentia, apice breviter acuminata, basi inaequaliter

cuneata; petiolus ad 2 cm. longus, subtus plus minusve

pubescens; ligula ad 15 mm. longa, margine hirsuta. Jnflores-

centiae e ramis tenuibus subterraneis rhizomatis orientes;

scapus tenuis, ad 20 cm. longus; bracteae involucri c. 3, 6-7

Vol. XIH. (1950).

188

cm. longae, haud 1 cm. latae, tenues, acutae, toto subterraneae;

flores c. 3; bracteae floreae eis involucri aequilongae sed

angustiores, apice latiores, pubescentes; bracteolae 4-5 cm.

longae; calyx c. 7-5 em. longus, dentibus brevibus, pubescen-

tibus; corolla calyce fere aequilonga, lobi 5 mm lati, apice

rotundati; labellum rubrum, basin versus late albo-marginatum,.

5-6 cm. longum, lamina 2 em. lata; filamentwm latum, 8 mm.

longum; anthera 8 mm. longa, basin versus pubescens; fructus

in solo maturescens, 3 cm. longus, 2-5 em. latus, leviter

pubescens, ellipsoideus vel pyriformis, apice late rotundatus,

leviter umbonatus, non costatus. TYPUS: Pahang, Cameron

Highlands, 5,000 feet, S.F.N. 31212, leg. Holttum, 13.5.1936-

Also at Cameron Highlands, 4,600 feet, S.F.N. 23562

(Henderson).

This is like A. sphaerocephalum in flowers, but like

A. pauciflorum in inflorescence. In leaf-characters it is

rather between A. sphaerocephalum and A. macrocheilos,

having a petiole of moderate length. Unfortunately the

colour of the young leaves is not recorded. The fruits

agree exactly with the fruits of A. meqalocheilos as des-

cribed in Java by Valeton (Ic. Bog. 2: t. 199), but are only

2 or 3 instead of 12 or more.

4. Achasma macrocheilos Griff., Notul. 3: 429, t. 357. 1851.

Amomum macrocheilos Bak., F.B.I. 6: 235. 1892.

Hornstedtia macrocheilos Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 147.

1899. Flora 4: 271. Hornstedtia metriocheilos sensu

Ridl., J.S.B.R.S.A. 32: 147. 1899. Flora 4: 271 (not

of Griffith).

Leafy stems widely spaced, 2—4 m. high, sheaths in basal

part green or yellowish, sometimes slightly blotched with

purple. Leaves to about 90 by 20 cm., sometimes only about

25 by 4 cm.; apex shortly pointed, base cuneate or slightly

auricled ; lower surface sometimes velvet- hairy; edges usually

conspicuously brown-hairy beneath, towards the base sometimes

densely hairy; petiole 5-15 mm. (sometimes to 3 cm.) long;

ligule c. 1-2-5 em. long, usually hairy and sometimes densely

so but sometimes glabrescent. Inflorescence much longer than

wide, half immersed, close to base of leafy shoot or not, peduncle

usually short; up to 10 flowers open simultaneously. Involucral

bracts where immersed whitish, the tips pale pinkish or

greenish where above ground, about 8, 5-7-5 cm. long and

to 2-5 em. wide, apex of outer bracts with a stiff point.

Floral bracts narrower (inner ones c. 4 cm. long and 8 mm.

wide). Bracteole 3-5-4 em. long, pale pink, tawny-hairy near

apex. Calyx with ovary c. 6-7 cm. long, pale pink, apical

part deeper in colour and sparsely tawny-hairy. Corolla in

all c. 2 cm. longer than calyx (tube shorter than calyx),

the dorsal lobe narrowed to a blunt tip, 25 mm. long and

c. 10-12 mm. wide, covering base of lip and about as long as

the stamen, rose-red, the others about 22 mm. long and 7-5

mm. wide, more or less folded beneath it on either side. Tube

above top of corolla-tube to junction of lip and stamen 16 mm.

long, very pale pink. Lip to about 5 cm. long, the blade

retuse or more or less deeply 2-lobed, with more or less

Gardens Bulletin, S.

189

crinkled edges; blade scarlet or orange-red or streaked with

yellow, the basal part yellow with red edges, a yellow median

line sometimes extending on to the blade. Anther red, c.

7-8 mm. iong, the filament c. 2-5 (?) mm. long; anther at a

right angle to filament (bent forwards), slightly hairy at base

only. Stigma white or pink. Fruit unknown: in A. coccineum

it is ridged longitudinally towards apex.

A common species on edges of forest and near forest

streams in lowlands throughout Malaya. This is very near

Achasma coccineum (Bl.) Valeton from Java (Ic. Bog. 2:

t. 156, 157), and the two should probably be united. There

seems to be some variation in flowers of Malayan plants,

in width and depth of lobing of midlobe of lip. Ridley has

called these plants mostly A. metriocheilos Griff., but that

species has rather short involucral bracts, and there is no

proper information about colour, nor about relative length

of calyx and corolla. The drawing of A. metriocheilos

might pass as A. sphaerocephalum, but one cannot certainly

identify it as such. The only thing one can say with

certainty is that Ridley’s plants so named are much more

like A. macrocheilos in shape of inflorescence, bracts and

flower, but mostly have a wider lip less deeply cleft, with

the lobes more rounded than shown by Griffith. Valeton

figures Achasma Walang (Bl.) from Java (Ic. Bog. 2: t.

162, fig. 1-9) ; this has a narrow deeply cleft and crinkled

lip, but the other characters do not well fit the Malayan

plants of which we have good information. The thin parts

of the lip.are very delicate and soon shrivel; this would

account for some discrepancy. Therefore our conclusion is

that A. macrocheilos is variable in the details of the lip,

the essential characters being: rather narrow inflorescence

with long bracts, corolla with wide lobes much longer than

calyx, and lip yellow in the middle towards the base, rest

scarlet (or sometimes streaked with yellow). The leaves

on a single shoot may differ in hairiness, and there is much

difference in this character between different herbarium

Specimens.

5. Achasma sphaerocephalum (Bak.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Amomum sphaerocephalum Bak., F.B.I. 6: 234. 1892.

Hornstedtia sphaerocephala K. Schum., Pflanzenr.

Zingib. 192. 1904. Hornstedtia albomarginata Ridl.,

J.S.B.R.A.S. 82: 145. 1899. Flora 4: 269.

Leafy shoots rather distant, 2-4 m. tall, sheaths of leaves

+ reddish. Leaves to about 80 by 15 cm., apex with short

narrow tip, base unequal, rounded except sometimes in upper-

most leaves; lower surface usually softly short-hairy all over

but sometimes almost glabrous; when young flushed purple-

pink beneath and sometimes with pairs of dull red oblique

bars on the upper surface, entirely green when old; petiole

usually 0-5 mm. long (in var. petiolata longer), ligule usually

Vol. XIII. (1950).

190 ie.

about 7-12 mm. long (in var. petiolata longer), hairy, at least

on the edge. Inflorescences from a rhizome often rather deep

in the earth, (to 15 cm.), usually at some distance from a

leafy shoot; basal part only of involucral bracts buried in

the ground. Scape slender, with 2-ranked overlapping acute

sheaths to about 3 cm. long. IJnvolucral bracts to about 8,

the exposed parts deep crimson, 2-5 cm. long, usually not much

over 1 cm. wide (exceptionally to 2 cm. wide), shortly pointed.

Floral bracts narrow, 4—5 cm. long, widest near hairy apex,

red, the outer ones wider and grading into the involucre.

Bracteoles 2-8-3-5 em. long, crimson, apex usually 2-lobed,

hairy. Calyx 5-5-6-5 cm. long, split about 2-5 cm. down one

side, 3-toothed, the teeth short, white-hairy, pink to crimson.

Corolla in all little or not longer than the calyx, the lobes

about 2 cm. long and 5 mm. wide, ends rounded, short-hairy,

pink, sometimes crimson at the apex. Lip 3-5-6 cm. long, the

blade 1-5-2-7 cm. wide, the apex retuse or cleft as much as

1 cm. into two rounded lobes; base of lip deep crimson, the

recurved edges white; the blade. lighter in colour than the

base. Stamen: filament about 4-7 mm. long; anther 8-9 mm.

long, rose-red, hairy on the pollen-sacs towards the base.

Stigma very dark crimson, style pink. Fruiting-head c. 8 cm.

diameter, sunk in ground, fruits obovoid, smooth, hairy, to

4 em. long and 2-5 em. diameter (seen only in Ridley s.n.

Maxwell’s Hill June 1898).

var. rubrostriatum Holtt., var. nov.

Caules foliati 200 cm. paulo superantes; folia ad 50 x

8 cm., in juventute supra striis obliquis rubris 5-8 mm. latis

ornata; labellum c. 5 cm. longum, 1-7 cm. latum, apice bilo-

batum; lamina labelli atrorosea, interdum medio aurantiaco-

suffusa.

SPECIMEN. Selangor: near the Gap, alt. 1,000 feet, S.F.N.

30776 (Corner).

Ridley gives the character of red-barred leaves in his

description of H. albomarginata, but there is no information

as to colour of leaves with any herbarium specimen except

Corner’s; and the excellent drawing of H. albomarginata

(plant from Penang) shows no red bars, though it does

show the pink flush on the under surface. Whether the

red-bar character is confined to small plants we do not

know.

var. majus Holtt., var. nov.

Caules foliati ad 4 m. alti; folia ad 80 *& 15 em., basi

cuneata, infra hirsuta et in juventute pallide purpureo-suffusa;

petioli ad 5 mm. longi; ligula 12 mm. longa, hirsutissima;

labellum 3-5 em. longum, lamina rosea lucida c. 13 mm. lata.

SPECIMEN. Trengganu. Bukit Kajang, Kemaman, 500

feet, S.F.N. 30205 (Corner).

The majority of collections assigned to this species

agree vegetatively with this variety; but for most of them

details of the lip are lacking.

Gardens Bulletin. S.

191

var. petiolatum Holtt., var. nov.

Caules foliati ad 6 m. alti; folia subglabra; petioli 2-5-3

em. longi; ligula ad 2-5 cm. longa, fere glabra; flores eis var.

majoris similes.

SPECIMENS. Johore. Ulu Segun, G. Panti, 800 feet,

S.F.N. 30745 (Corner). Perak. G. Keledang, Ridley 9575.

In vegetative characters this is very near A. megalo-

cheilos, but the lip (in Corner’s specimen) is smaller and

has white edges, and the leaves are pinkish beneath when

young.

var. grandiflorum Holtt., var. nov.

Caules foliati 2-2-5 m. alti; folia ad 65 xX 10 cm.

(inferiora ad 14 cm. lata), in juventute infra purpurea;

labellum 6 cm. longum vel ultra, lamina labelli 2-7 cm. lata,

coccinea,

SPECIMEN. Trengganu: Bukit Kajang, Kemaman, 600

feet, S.F.N. 30234 (Corner).

The type of the species is a specimen of Maingay’s

from Penang: this is recorded as having white edges to the

lip, and the blade as rather deeply cleft. It may have been

var. rubrostriata as described above.

The essential characters of the species are: (1) the

pink lower surface of young leaves and of leaf-sheaths, (2)

the white edges and deep crimson base of the lip, (3) the

corolla about as long as the calyx, with narrow lobes, (4)

the deep red involucral bracts which are distinctly shorter

than the calyces of the flowers.

It is possible that this species is identical with Achasma

metriocheilos Griff. (Ie. Pl. Asiat. t. 356) but the details

given by Griffith are not adequate to decide with certainty.

It seems better therefore to ignore Griffith’s name.

A. sphaerocephalum has been found in many parts of

Malaya, in forest in the lowlands, often abundant, and at

moderate elevations on the mountains. It has not been

described as occurring in neighbouring countries.

6. Achasma megalocheilos Griff., Notul. 3: 426, t. 355.

1851. Valet., Ic. Bog. 2: t. 188, 199. 1903. Horns-

tedtia megalocheilos Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 146. 1899.

Flora 4: 270. Amomum megalocheilos Bak., F.B.1.

6: 236. 1892. Fig. 23.

Leafy shoots 3-6 m. tall, the sheaths on basal part of

stem green. Leaves to about 90 by 12 em., apex very shortly

tipped (usually about 1 cm.), base often unequal, broadly

cuneate to truncate, slightly decurrent on petiole; petiole. 3-4-5

em. long, blade softly short-hairy beneath, or on midrib only,

or glabrous; ligule to about 2 cm. long, glabrous or short-

hairy. Inflorescence with basal 14-12 of involucre immersed

in earth, usually near a leafy stem (sometimes to 50 cm.

away); peduncle to about 10 em. long (often much less)

covered with overlapping sheaths in 2 ranks, the upper grading

Vol. XIII. (1950).

192

to the involucral bracts; 4-12 flowers open at once. IJnvolucral

bracts about 8, to about 6 by 3 em., where underground white

or pale pink, where exposed crimson, shining, the outer ones

at least with a short stiff point. Floral bracts: outer ones

to 7 by 2-8 em. (their tips seen above sterile ones), inner

gradually narrower. Bracteoles c. 5-6 cm. long. Calyx c. 7-8

cm. long, pale pink, or with deeper coloured tips. Corolla

about same length as calyx, the tube white, the lobes pink,

about 3 cm. long and 5 mm. wide, rounded at the tips, slightly

hairy at tips. Lip 5-6 cm. long, the blade about 2 cm. wide,

entire or more or less cleft at the apex, flame colour or scarlet

with the edges towards the base yellow, orange or concolourous

with the rest, the yellow edges sometimes extending as a

narrow border on to the midlobe. Stylodes fiat, 6 mm. long,

shortly pointed, cream, quite free to the base, not enclosing

base of style. Stamen: filament white or pale pink, anther

rose-pink, about 8 mm. long, as long as free part of filament.

Stigma bright carmine, large, bent back above the anther,

the narrow aperture facing forwards. Fruit: head usually of

12-20 fruits close together, the whole 8 cm. diameter; each

fruit unevenly many-sided due to lateral pressure, the apex

broadly rounded, smooth and slightly short-hairy, not ridged,

c. 2-5 em. diameter.

Distribution: Java; Malaya, throughout in lowlands.

The distinctive features are: usually large size, leaves

with long stalks, never pink beneath; inflorescence with

fairly long involucral bracts; calyx and corolla about equal;

lip rather large with usually (not always) yellow margin

towards base. Lips of various colour are found on planis

near together.

Nearly allied to A. sphaerocephalum, differing in

always long-stalked leaves never pink beneath, paler longer

involucral bracts, yellow-edged, more orange-scarlet always

large lip, and bright red stigma.

A specimen collected by Burkill at Sungei Pertang,

Bentong, Pahang (S.F.N. 16515) has inflorescences entirely

in the soil as in A. pauciflorum, but with flowers entirely -

scarlet and large leaves with long petioles: perhaps a dis-

tinct variety.

9. AMOMUM

Rhizome just below surface of ground, or sometimes

supported above ground-level on stilt-roots, never very

thick; intervals between leaf-shoots short to fairly long.

Leafy shoots 1-3 m. tall. Leaves several to many, the

lower 1/3 of the shoot covered with sheaths only. Ligule

moderately large, broad, not or hardly lobed. Inflorescence

sometimes with its base embedded in the ground, on a short

or fairly short peduncle from the rhizome; axis of inflores-

cence elongating during flowering, sometimes to as much as

20 cm. or more, with a succession of few to many flowers,

a few opening together; bracts all similar and fairly large;

Gardens Bulletin, S.

SE a

‘ ‘ere =

193

no involucre of sterile bracts at the base, but the two upper-

most sheaths of the peduncle often enclosing the base of the

inflorescence. Bracts persistent to fruiting or sometimes

quickly disintegrating. Bracteoles usually tubular, short,

2-lobed, in two species rather long and split to the base.

Calyx tubular, usually unequally 3-lobed. Corolla-tube

about as long as calyx, or up to 50 per cent longer; lobes

usually about as long as tube, the upper broadest, concave

and hooded towards the apex, at an angle to the lip or near

it and forming a bell or funnel-shaped flower, or erect, the

laterals narrower, usually appressed to the lip on either

side near its edges. Labellum somewhat longer than the

corolla-lobes, usually obovate, widening from a narrow base,

the sides erect or convolute towards the base, the apex

spreading and sometimes reflexed, usually yellow or orange

in the centre, with some red veins or marks, the sides often

white. Staminodes small, narrow, or absent. Stamen half

or 3/4 as long.as lip, filament and anther of about equal

length, connective produced beyond apex of pollen-sacs into

a crest which is usually 3-lobed, the lateral lobes spreading

more or less widely but in two species simple and hardly

spreading. Fruit a capsule or berry; capsule smooth or

slightly ridged, sessile and covered with persistent bracts

in a compact infructescence; if a berry, usually stalked,

covered with fleshy spines, and in a more or less lax infruc-

tescence which sometimes elongates, the bracts often

disintegrating.

The important distinguishing characters of Amomum

are the absence of an involucre of sterile bracts, the usually

elongating inflorescence, the uniform, fairly large and often

persistent but never very thick floral bracts, the usually

tubular bracteole, the broad concave lip, yellow and white

with small red markings, not gredtly longer than the

corolla-lobes, and the crested anther. The crest of the

anther is usually thin, and distinctly 3-lobed. In two

species the lateral lobes are narrow and spreading. In two

other species the crest is simple, hardly spreading laterally,

and is hooded over the stigma.

The two types of fruit are very distinct, one smooth

and thin-walled, dry at maturity, at most ridged, the other

a fleshy spiny berry, in some species rather like a small

Rambutan in appearance. Seeds of several species of

Amomum are used in a subsidiary way as spices, having a

flavour similar to that of Cardamons, but none of the wild

Malayan species is of much value in this way. At Cameron

Highlands, the Indian species A. subulatum is cultivated

by immigrant Indians employed on tea estates and else-

where. Its seeds are much used as a spice in India. The

Vol. XIII. (1950).

194

species is easily recognized by the long slender points of

bracts, calyx and corolla-lobes. It has a rather massive

club-shaped inflorescence.

The species A. spiceum and A. xanthophlebium, both

of which have large 3-lobed bracteoles not tubular at the

base and much longer than the calyx, and also narrow (but

not terete) horn-like appendages at the apex of the anther,

constitute at first sight a very distinct section, which might

well be separated generically from the other species. But

closely similar in general appearance to A. spiceuwm is A.

utriculosum; and this has the bracteole quite tubular, longer

than the calyx as in A. spicewm, with a rather similar

horned anther. Clearly allied to this are two species with

much smaller bracts, again with tubular bracteole longer

than the calyx and horned anther (A. citrinum and A.

squarrosum). It seems probable that A. spiceum and A.

xanthophebium are derived from the A. utriculosum group,

to which they are so similar in all characters except the

split bracteole that they could hardly be generically sepa-

rated. The situation is further complicated by A. macro-

glossa, which in stilt-roots and bracts resembles A.

squarrosum but has the calyx longer than the bracteole

and the anther-crest much reduced.

A. biflorum Jack has very reduced inflorescences, of

two or three flowers each, but is in other respects typical

of the genus. It certainly does not belong to Elettariopsis ;

still less is it related to Elettaria longituba, with which it

was classed generically by Ridley.

In essential floral structure, Amomum is very near

Alpinia. It may be regarded as derived from Alpinia by

the development of separate short shoots for the flowers,

with 2-ranked bladeless sheaths instead of leaves, by a

relatively larger development of the primary bracts, and

by a reduction of each cincinnus to a single flower and a

single bract (now a bracteole). There is no known case in

Amomum in which more than one flower occurs in the axil

of a primary bract; but in view of the existence of Horns-

tedtia leonurus, one must be prepared for such a possibility.

On this interpretation, the only Malayan genera which

one can reasonably regard as derivatives of Amomum are

Elettariopsis and Plagiostachys. The former is specia-

lized in having a branched horizontal inflorescence, the

branches bearing long-tubed flowers just below the surface

of the ground, and in having non-tubular bracteoles.

Plagiostachys has a branched inflorescence differently

borne, with suppression of the primary bracts. The colour

of the labellum in both is very much as in Amomum. On

the other hand, one could hardly imagine Elettaria, with

Gardens Bulletin, S

195

well-developed cincinni, having originated from a species

of Amomum which had lost them. Perhaps Elettaria and

Amomum had a common origin, but diverged from an early

stage.

As regards Achasma, Phaeomeria and Hornstedtia, it

is likely that they had a separate origin, different from

that of Amomum, in the Alpinia stock, with similar reduc-

tion of the flowering stem and its leaves, and of the

¢cincinni. That such reductions can easily occur on different

lines is seen by their existence in other branches of the

Zingiberaceae (e.g. in Costus).

There is no doubt that the name Amomum is not

applicable to the present genus according to the Rules of

Nomenclature; the case is fully set forth by Burkill in Kew

Bulletin 1930, p. 32. But as Burkill points out, by far the

simplest way out of the difficulty is to take Amomum in

Roxburgh’s sense, not that of Linnaeus, choosing one of

Roxburgh’s species (preferably A. aculeatum) as type

species. Pending the regularizing of this procedure, or

some other formal decision, the only reasonable course is to

continue to use Amomum in the present sense. To attempt

any other course would mean the changing of a great many

names without any certainty that the changes will prove

acceptable, and so further confuse the situation.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF AMOMUM IN MALAYA

Bracts 5-7 cm. long: bracteole 3-5-5-5 cm. long, 3-lobed,

split to the base; inflorescence elongating to about 12-20

cm.

Inflorescence long-cylindric, about 5 cm. diameter;

bracts under 2 cm. wide 1. A. spiceum.

Inflorescence 8-9 cm. diameter; bracts over 2 cm. wide

2. A. xanthophlebrium.

_ Bracts and bracteoles usually much smaller; bracteoles

tubular at the base; inflorescence usually much shorter

Leafy stems to about 100 cm. tall; corolla-lobes about

8 mm. long; bracts about 1:5 cm. long

Inflorescences each of 2-3 flowers only

3. A. biflovum.

Inflorescences of several flowers

Ligule 5—6 cm. long 4. A. macroglossa.

Ligule 2-3 mm. long

Leaves to about 1-7 cm. wide

5. A. micranthum.

Leaves to about 7 cm. wide

6. A. macrodous.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

196

Leafy stems taller; corolla-lobes 1:4 cm. or more long;

bracts longer

Corolla-tube 114 times as long as calyx, or nearly

Calyx 2:5 cm. long (including ovary), lip

nearly 3 em. long 7. A. hastilabium.

Calyx 1:5 cm. long, lip much smaller

Inflorescence elongating to 17 cm.; leaves

glabrous 8. A. cylindraceum.

Inflorescence much shorter; leaves hairy

beneath 9. A. rivale.

Corolla-tube not or little longer than calyx

Old inflorescence rather narrowly cylindric,

with persistent bracts and smooth or

slightly ribbed (never prickly) sessile fruits

Bracteole shorter than calyx

10. A. testaceum.

Bracteole longer than calyx

Bracts about 2 cm. long

Bracts with thin brown edges:

leaf hairy beneath; peduncle

to 15 em. long

11. A. squarrosum.

Bracts firm, green; leaf glabr-

ous; peduncle to 40 cm.

12. A. citrinum.

Bracts 3-4-2 cm. long

13. A. utriculosum.

Old inflorescences not narrowly cylindric;

bracts usually not persistent, in some cases

very short-lived; fruits prickly, stalked

Fruits to 4:5 em. diameter, prickles scat-

tered, short; petioles 1-3 cm. long

14. A. ochreum.

Fruits smaller, densely prickly; petioles

to 5 mm. long

Crest of anther simple, hardly wider

than rest of anther

Ligule to 1 cm. long, midrib of

leaf broad, shallowly chan-

nelled; inflorescence hardly

elongating

15. <A. cephalotes.

Ligule to 3 mm. long, midrib

narrow and rather deeply

grooved; inflorescence elonga-

ting, often considerably, at

fruiting 16. A. lappacewm.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

;

197

Crest of anther spreading consider--

ably on either side, more or less

lobed

Lip 25-3 cm. wide, orange--

yellow with many small

crimson marks, forming a

closed cup with dorsal peta!

17. A. aculeatum.

Lip 15 cm. wide, with yellow

median band flanked by single

crimson lines, widely separa-

ted from dorsal petal

18. A. uliginosum.

1. Amomum spiceum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 86: 309. 1922.

Flora 4: 263.

Leafy shoots close together, about 2 m. tall. Leaves to

about 60 cm. long, 2-5-4 cm. (? to 8 cm.) wide, narrowed

gradually toe apex (not caudate) and to base, glabrous; petiole

to about 2 cm. long; ligule to about 1-5 cm. long, edges hairy..

Peduncle to about 5 cm. (or to 20 em.?) long, short-hairy..

Inflorescence elongating to about 20 ecm., slender, about 5 cm.

diameter. Bracts apparently reddish, to about 6 cm. long,

1-1-7 cm. wide, elliptic, papery, the veins slightly raised,

glabrous or short-hairy towards the base, the edges + fringed.

with hairs when young. SBracteole shaped exactly as in

A. xanthophlebium, 4 cm. long, edges fringed with hairs.

Ovary densely hairy. Calyx 2-5 cm. long, hairy. Corolla-tube

about as long as calyx; lobes dull red, about 2-5 cm. long,

the upper one rather more than 1 cm. wide, hooded at the

apex, at a small angle to the lip, lateral lobes narrower.

“Lip a little longer than corolla-lobes, broadly obovate, hardly

lobed, the sides towards the base incurved and touching the

dorsal corolla-lobe, the apex somewhat reflexed, yellow, with

small red marks on either side of the middle near the base.

Filament about 8 mm. long; anther 1 cm. long, narrow, with

a curved narrow horn-like appendage about 6 mm. long on

either side at the apex and a short rounded crest hooded

over the stigma. Staminodes not seen. Fruit not seen.

This species is closely related to A. xanthophlebium,.

agreeing closely in the large papery bracts, peculiar brac-

teole and anther-crest. It differs strikingly in its narrow

leaves -and long rather slender inflorescence. As with A.

zanthophlebium, the width of the bracts is very variable,

even on specimens from the same locality. A. spiceum- was

first found in the neighbourhood of G. Angsi in Negri

Sembilan, where it seems not uncommon.

A specimen from Pulau Tioman agrees with the Negri

Sembilan plants, but has a leaf nearly 8 cm. wide and

peduncles up to 20 em. long. It is probably the same

Vol. XIII. (1950).

198

‘species. The Negri Sembilan specimens have the peduncle

-cut off at the base, so that its full length is not known.

SPECIMENS. Negri Sembilan. Bukit Tangga, Ridley

(Type, not seen). G. Angsi, 2,500 feet, S.F.N. 9911 (Holttum),

11612 (Md. Nur). Pahang. P. Tioman, G. ae feet,

S.F.N. 18934 (Md. Nur).

‘2. Amomum xanthophlebium Bak., F.B.I. 6: 241. 1892.

Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.8S. 32: 133.1899. Flora 426250

stenoglossum Bak., F.B.I. 6: 234. 1892. K. Schum.,

Pflanzenr. Zingib. 251. 1904. Fig. 24.

Rhizome at or just below surface of ground; intervals

between leaf-shoots to c. 15 cm. Leafy shoots to 5 m. tall,

sheaths green, or yellowish-brown at base of stem. Leaves

dark green, glabrous, to about 80 by 12 cm., apex shortly

pointed, base cuneate, unequal; petiole 1-2-5 cm. long; ligule

to about 1 cm. long, rounded, glabrous or short-hairy. Peduncle

usually 10-15 cm., exceptionally to 40 cm. long, covered with

overlapping sheaths. Inflorescence lengthening to about 12-24

cm., about 8-9 cm. diameter. Bracts variable, 5-7 cm. long,

2-4 cm. wide, deep red, thin, with narrow slightly raised

longitudinal veins, outer surface glabrous or more or less

persistently hairy, the hairs soft, appressed. Bvracteoles

53-5-5-5 cm. long, not tubular, 3-lobed, the lobes to 2 cm. long,

broadly pointed, outer surface appressed-hairy at least towards

the base. Calyx 2-8-5 cm. long (including ovary), appressed-

hairy, lobed to about 1/3 of its length. Corolla-tube about

as long as calyx; lobes crimson; dorsal lobe to 2-5 cm. long

and 2 cm. wide, concave, broadly rounded and slightly retuse

at the apex, lateral lobes oblong, c. 8 mm. wide, ends rounded,

on either side of lip; lobes and tube of corolla appressed-hairy

or nearly glabrous outside. Lip to about 3-7 cm. long and

3-2 cm. wide, obovate, edges crinkled, white suffused with red,

with red stripes and spots very closely set, and yellow stripes

towards the apex (Corner’s colour notes); translucent round

spots (oil glands?) abundant, visible in dried lip. Staminodes

whitish, on either side of base of lip, with rounded fleshy base

c. 2-5 mm. long and wide, and straight subulate apex 2 mm.

long (sometimes lacking?). Anther yellow, pollen-sacs c. 9

mm. long, the connective 3-lobed at the apex, lateral lobes

oblong, curved, about 4 by 1-5 mm., with red tips, middle lobe

curved over the stigma, oblong-rounded to triangular-rounded,

to 4 mm. long and 3 mm. wide at the base. Filament fleshy,

c. 255 mm. wide and 1 ecm. long, pink. Fruits obovoid, c.

2 cm. long and 1-5 cm. wide, smooth, covered with appressed

silky hairs.

This species is found in lowland forest in all parts of

Malaya northwards to Perak and to 4,000 feet on the Main

‘ange, being locally abundant. The large inflorescences

and “finely veined large dull red bracts are characteristic.

There is a good deal of variation in the shape of the bracts,

mountain plants having them usually wider than lowland

ones, but there is no clear division into narrow and broad

varieties. Mr. Ridley states that the flowers are used as

Gardens Bulletin, S.

199

sambal in Malay curries; they are aromatic, as seen by the

oil glands in the lip.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Bukit Segari, Dindings, Ridley 7225.

Bujong Malacca, Ridley 9796. Pangkor, Ridley 7234. Selangor..

Ulu Semangkok, Ridley 12106. Negri Sembilan. G. Tampin

1,200 feet, S.F.N. 2530 (Burkill). Malacca. Nyalas, Good--

enough 1339. No locality, Alvins 563. Pahang. Boh Planta-

tions, Cameron Highlands, S.F.N. 32864 (Md. Nur). Fraser’s

Hill, S.F.N. 33190 (Corner). Johore. Kota Tinggi, Ridley

15416. G. Pulai, Mat s.n. 1892. S. Pelepah Kiri, S.F.N. 33568

(Corner), 32493 (Corner). Sungei Kayu, S.F.N. 32180

(Ngadiman). Singapore. Bukit Mandai, Ridley s.n. 22.5.

1889 and 6544. S. Jurong, Ridley s.n. 16.1.1890. Chan Chu.

Kang, Ridley s.n. 1892. Bukit Panjang, Ridley s.n. 10.1.1889..

Reformatory Road, Ridley s.n. 1908. Bajau, Ridley s.n. 1892.

Seletar, Ridley 1658.

3. Amomum biflorum Jack, Mal. Misc. 1: 2. 1820. Bak.,

F.B.I. 6: 240- 1892. Amomum Elettarioides Bak.,

F.B.I. 6: 240. 1892. Eletiariopsis pubescens Ridl.,

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 155. 1899. Flora 4: 275. Amomum

sp., Griff. Notul. 3: 417. EHlettariae sp., Griff. Ic. PI.

As. 3: pl. 252, f.2. Elettariopsis Schmidtu K. Schum.,

Bet. Tidsskr. 24: 167. 1902. Cyphostigma Schmidtii

K. Schum., Pflanzenr. Zingib. 274. 1904. Amonwm

Schmidtu Gagnep., Fi. Gen. Indoch. 6: 111. 1904.

Rhizome slender creeping covered when young with over-

lapping acute brown sheaths, internodes usually 2-2-5 cm.

long; leafy shoots rather distant. Leafy stems (including

leaves) about 100 cm. tall, leaves to about 6. Leaf-blade to

about 35 by 7 cm., (largest leaf often about 25 by 5 cm.),

softly short-hairy all over the lower surface or at least on

the midrib towards the base; apex abruptly caudate (cauda

2-4 em. long), usually widest 1/3 from apex and narrowed

rather gradually to the cuneate base; petioles of lower leaves

short, of upper leaves 1-2 cm. long; ligule to 5 mm. long,

usually hairy but sometimes glabrescent. Peduncles arising

at any node of the rhizome, usually 1-2 cm. long to the base

of the flowering bracts, slender, covered with several short

sheaths. Inflorescences usually of 2 or 3 flowers, each with a

bract 2-2-5 em. long. Bracts rather thin, acute, usually short-

hairy but sometimes almost glabrous. Bracteole 1-3-1-5 cm.

long, tubular, split 5 mm. down one side. Calyx 2-5-5 cm.

long, unequally 3-toothed, hairy. Corolla-tube little longer

than calyx, hairy; lobes c. 1-8 cm. long, dorsal one 6—7 mm.

wide, laterals a little narrower, translucent, dorsal lobe erect,

at 45° or more to lip. Lip about 2-8 em. long and 2.2 cm. wide

when flattened, erect, obovate, sides incurved at base on either

side of the anther, distal half spreading, with the broad apex

reflexed and turned under, slightly cleft in the middle, a median

yellow band down the centre with red edges which widens

- towards the throat, rest white; median band fleshy and

appressed hairy towards the base, with two raised keels.

Filament about 7 mm. long and 3-5 mm. wide, attached at

middle of back of anther. Anther: pollen-sacs under 5 mm.

long: apical lobe of crest concave, rounded, reflexed at right

angles to the pollen-sacs, about 2-5 mm. long and wide; lateral

Vol. XIII. (1950).

200

lobes much smaller, spreading, bluntly triangular, under 2 mm.

long. Stigma as large as dorsal lobe of the anther-crest and

touching it, bent backwards at right angles to the style, fringed

with hairs at the mouth, mouth linear, 2-lipped. Stylodes

6 mm. long, blunt, forming a tube round base of style, cleft

to base down one side, slightly cleft on the other side.

There seems to be much variation in the length of the

calyx of this species; perhaps the calyx length varies with

the distance of its base from the ground surface. The

structure and shape of the anther and stigma are almost

exactly as in Amomum kapulaga Burk. and Sprague (A.

cardamomum sensu Val., Ic. Bog. 2: t. 194) but the present

species is smaller vegetatively, with much smaller inflores-

cences, but longer flowers and larger broader lip.

A. Schmidtu, found in the island of Koh Chang (Gulf

of Siam) appears to be identical with this species. It is

reported as having 4 flowers in an inflorescence.

SPECIMENS. Setul. Near Bukit Bunga, Ridley 14777.

Kedah. Rawi, Ridley 15722. Burau Bay, Langkawi, Ridley

15798. Penang. Waterfall, Curtis 2276. Penara Bukit,

Ridley 7236. Penang Gardens, Ridley 9332. Tulloh Bahang,

Curtis sn. Ap. 1900. Malacca. Gadek, S.F.N. 3391 (Burkill).

Foot of Bukit Tampin, Goodenough 1933. Pahang. Tembeling,

S.F.N. 24518 (Henderson). Joara Bay, P. Tioman, S.F.N. 967

(Burkill).

There is no doubt that this is a true Amomum, not an

Elettariopsis as supposed by Ridley. The inflorescences

arise direct from the rhizome, each on its own short

peduncle, the flowering-heads very small, of 2 or 3 flowers

only, but with bract and bracteole exactly as in typical

Amomum. It is an even more reduced species than A.

gracile, discussed by Valeton in Bull. Inst. Bot. Buit. XX:

18 and Ic. Bog. 2: t. 158.

4. Amomum macroglossa K. Schum., Engl. Jahrb. 27: 314.

1899. Pflanzenr. Zingib. 231. 1904.

Rhizome supported on stout stilt-roots to 20 cm. long,

bearing leafy shoots about 2-5 cm. apart. Stems about 60-90

cm. to the top of the highest leaf-sheath. Leaves to about 12,

the largest 30 cm. long and 4-5-6 cm. wide, subcoriaceous, quite

smooth and glabrous, apex acuminate, base narrowly cuneate;

petiole to 1-5 cm. long; ligule very thin, to 6 cm. long, entire,

glabrous. Inflorescence from base of leafy shoots; scape

decumbent at the base, curving upwards, the upper part erect,

total length 6-12 cm., glabrous, almost entirely covered by the

sheaths which increase in size from the base upwards, the

largest about 2-5 cm. long, 2 cm. wide, ovate, glabrous,

coriaceous and ribbed when dry, with scarious edges and a stiff

point 1 mm. long. Spike squarrose, to about 7 cm. long and

5 em. wide, the bracts yellow. Bracts about 3 em. long and

1-8 em. wide, curved outwards, the edges a little incurved near

the stiff shortly pointed apex, glabrous, thin and finely ribbed

when dried, the edges to a width of about 3 mm. thin and trans-

lucent. Bracteole broadly tubular, 3-lobed (unequally) about

Gardens Bulléiao

; 201

1-0 em. long. Calyx with ovary 1-5 cm. long, glabrous, deeply

3-lobed; ovary glabrous. Corolla-tube a little shorter than calyx,

lobes 1-1 em. long, dorsal 6 mm. wide, laterals 4mm. Lip about

1-3 cm. long, narrowly flabellate, widest (about 1-1 cm.) near

the slightly 3-lobed apex. Staminodes narrowly triangular,

about 3 mm. long. Filament 4 mm., anther 6 mm. long, the

connective produced to a small crest beyond the pollen-sacs;

crest not lobed, broadly rounded, extending hardly 1 mm.

beyond the ends of the pollen-sacs and 0-5 mm. on each side-

of them. Stigma rather large, close to the ends of the pollen-

sacs. Stylodes 2-5 mm. long, fleshy, blunt.

The above description is drawn from a specimen collec-.

ted at 3,000 feet on G. Padang, Trengganu (S.F.N., 33935,

Moysey). The specimen agrees well with Schumann's

description of A. macroglossa from G. Matang, Sarawak,

but is somewhat larger; the only notable differences are

that the Trengganu plant certainly has the bracteoles

shorter than the calyx (Schumann says bracteole 1-4, calyx

13 cm. long), and it has a small anther-crest. The details.

of the flower are described from dried material soaked in

water; they were not seen by Schumann, whose materia!

was evidently in poor condition. I think there can be no:

doubt of the identity of the Trengganu and Sarawak plants.

The extreme length of the ligule and the absolutely glabrous

character of ali parts of the plant are notable.

Among other Malayan species of Amomum, this is

nearest A. squarrosum in appearance of the inflorescence

and the thin edges of the bracts, and A. squarrosum has

also stilt-roots. But A. squarrosum has the calyx much

shorter than the bracteoles, and an anther-crest with wide-

spreading narrow lateral lobes (of which there is only a

small indication in A. macroglossa).

5. Amomum micranthum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 138. 1899.

Flora 4: 267.

Rhizome slender, close to surface of ground, leafy shoots

58 cm. apart. Leafy shoots about 100 cm. tall, slender.

Leaves dark green, to about 30 by 1-7 em., apex long-acuminate,

base more abruptly narrowed, softly short-hairy or glabrous

beneath; petiole none or very short; ligule 2-3 mm. long,

usually hairy on the edge, and adjacent edge of sheath hairy

also, glabrescent when old. Peduncle 4-10 cm. long, slender,

- densely short-hairy, almost covered by 2-ranked narrow sheaths

to 2-5 em. long. Inflorescence elongating to about 5 cm., little

over 2 cm. wide when flowering, bearing many flowers. Bracts

to about 1-5 by 0-4 cm., narrowed to apex, thin, brown, hairy

towards the base and at the tip. Bracteoles about 4—5 mm.

long, 2-lobed, lobes keeled, acute, unequal, tubular and hairy

at base. Calyx about 1 cm. long, thin, unequally 3-lobed,

mouth rather wide. Corolla-tube about 1-1 cm. long; dorsal

lobe about 7 by 2-5_mm., hooded at apex, nearly erect, lateral

lobes against edges of lip, a little narrower, pale yellowish.

Lip about 8 mm. long (? 1 em. if fresh), horizontal, oblong

with raised sides, the apex crisped, refiexed, shortly cleft, the

Vol. XIII. (1950).

202 Ay

whole pale yellowish with a band of pink spots down the centre.

Staminodes: Ridley says short, linear; apparently absent in

some specimens. Filament about 3 mm., anther 4 mm. long;

connective of anther 3-lobed at apex, lateral lobes narrow,

spreading, curved, acute, about 1:5 mm. long, apical lobe

reflexed, a little shorter and wider, blunt. Fruits similar to

those of A. uliginosum, almost sessile, ellipsoid, rather more

than 1-5 cm. long, dull purple, covered with short fleshy hairs

to 2 mm. long.

This species is evidently related to A. uliginosum but

differs strikingly in the small size of all its parts; the

inflorescence also has more flowers and elongates to a

proportionately greater length. It is apparently widely

distributed in the lowlands of Malaya, but has not often

been collected. The dimensions are taken from a dried

Penang specimen; colours from Ridley’s description.

‘Curtis’s note on the type sheet is “‘centre of lower lobe pink,

other parts white.” In a pencil drawing he shows a band

of small spots down the centre of the lip.

SPECIMENS. Penang. Moniot’s Road, Curtis 2884 (Type),

Ridley 9337. Penara Bukit, S.F.N. 19333 (Holttum). Perak.

G. Haram, Scortechini 614. Selangor. Batu Tiga, Ridley

11924. Negri Sembilan. G. Angsi, Ridley 10008..

6. Amomum macrodous Scort., Nuov. Giorn. bot. Ital. 18:

309, t. 12. 1886. Ridl., Flora 4: 266. Hornstedtia

macrodus K. Schum., Pflanzenr. Zingib. 191. 1904.

Leafy stems to about 60 ecm. tall. Leaves about 5, to

23 by 7 cm., elliptic-acuminate, the base cuneate, glabrous;

no petiole; ligule broad, about 3 mm. long, glabrous. Peduncles

from rhizome near base of leafy stem, to about 5 cm. long,

covered with a few sheaths up to 2 cm. long. Inflorescence

small, elongating to about 3 cm. long, hardly over 2 cm. wide

(Scortechini says 4:5 cm.), the base when young enclosed by

the two uppermost sheaths of the peduncle which are up to

2 by 1:3 cm. Bracts thin, to about 1-5 by 0-5 cm., narrowed

to the tip, acute, glabrous. Bracteole tubular and hairy at

base, c. 5 mm. long. Calyx 1 em. long, (Scortechini has 1-2

em.). Corolla-tube about 5 mm. longer than calyx, lobes 8 mm.

long. Lip as long as corolla-lobes, apex cleft, yellow, purplish

towards base. Staminodes tooth-like, very small. Filament

broad: anther glabrous, connective with a short truncate

ciliolate appendage hardly 1-5 mm. long.

This species was described by Scortechini from a

specimen gathered in the Kinta Valley (his no. 2027). No

later author appears to have seen the specimen or to have

added further information about the species. The distinc-

tive features are: small plant with broad sessile leaves, and

small inflorescence of small flowers. Two specimens in the

Singapore herbarium agree with these characters, but

neither has good flowers. A bracteole is present in one of

them. The dimensions of parts given above are from these

two specimens; where Scortechini’s differ notably they are

Gardens Bulletin, S.

205

given in brackets also. The details of the corolla, lip and

anther are from Scortechini. The two specimens in the

Singapore herbarium are certainly not referable to any

other described species of Amomum known to occur in

Malaya. They both agree approximately in size of parts

with the original description, and were collected in the same

part of Malaya. Further coilections are needed to fill the

gaps in our knowledge.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Upper Perak, 300 feet, Wray 3541.

Sungei Siput, Curtis s.n. December 1895.

7. Amomum hastilabium Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 137. 1899.

Flora 4: 266. A. Holttuwmu Ridl., Flora M.P. 4: 264.

1924. ? A. xanthoglossum Ridl., Flora M.P. 4: 263.

1924. Fig. 25, E.

Rhizome just below ground surface. Leafy shoots 2-2-5

m. tall, rather slender, swollen base 2-2-5 cm. wide, sheaths.

green. Leaves to about 50 by 8 cm. (exceptionally to 10 cm.

wide), glabrous, when dry very pale grey-green, apex shortly

(up to 2 cm.) pointed, base rather narrowly cuneate except

in broad lower leaves; petiole 1-2 cm. long, slender; ligule

5-7 mm. long, glabrous, dark green. Peduncle 2-10 cm. long,

the basal part under ground, the axis hairy, more or less

covered with 2-ranked sheaths which are larger towards the

apex. Inflorescence elongating to about 8 cm., 3-4 cm.

diameter, the base covered with the two uppermost sheaths:

of the peduncle, which are about 3-5 by 1-5 cm. (to 4 by

1-8 cm.), smooth, thin but of firmer texture than the flowering

bracts. Flowering bracts pale brownish, thin (the lower ones

usually grading into the firmer sterile sheaths) elliptic ovate

with broad apex (sometimes with a very short tip), about

3-3-5 (-4-5) by 1-1-5 cm., the upper ones smaller, appressed-

hairy at the base. Bracteoles about 8 mm. long, tubular at

the base, slightly hairy near apex. Flowers scarcely fragrant.

Calyx including ovary about 2-2—-2-5 ecm. long, thin, white,

tubular, the apex almost truncate oblique, entire or slightly

split on one side. Corolla-tube 1 cm.—1-2 cm. longer than calyx,

slender, white; lobes pale yellowish; upper lobe standing at

about 45° to the lip, a little over 2 cm. long, 1 cm. wide above

base, narrowed slightly to hooded shortly pointed apex; lateral

lobes touching the sides of the lip, about 6 mm. wide. Lip

2-5-3 cm. long, widening gradually from the white base to an

almost semi-circular blade with recurved apical part, the edges

somewhat crinkled; maximum width when fiattened about 2-5

cm.; sides pale yellow, central part near the apex clear orange,

continued downwards as a paler orange median band, edged

with a pale dull crimson blurred line and short streaks. Stami-

nodes narrowly triangular, about 3 mm. long, glandular-hairy,

white with pink spots. Filament white, about 5 mm. long and

2-5 mm. wide: anther about 1 ecm. long, pink with minute

orange red spots especially along lines of dehiscence, connective

produced at the apex into a crest; crest slightly 3-lobed, the

lateral lobes erect, not spreading, in planes at right angles

to those of the midlobe, about 2-5 mm. long and 1-5 mm. wide,

middle lobe with apex slightly reflexed, broadly truncate, about

3 mm. wide and 1-5 mm. high when flattened, all pale pinkish

with minute orange-red spots. Stigma abruptly widened, pale

Vol. XIII. (1950).

204

pink with minute orange-red spots, style white. Fruits sessile,

pale buff or slightly pinkish, round with rather prominent

longitudinal ridges, covered more or less densely with rather

coarse hairs nearly 1 mm. long, about 1-7 cm. diameter, crowned

by the persistent calyx. Seeds (slightly unripe) white with

fine purple spots, aril translucent. £

This species was described by Ridley from the speci-

mens quoted in his original description. His colour notes

and some other details are taken from field notes preserved

with the Dusun Tua specimen in which the lip is described —

as 3-lobed. The dried flowers with that specimen have the ~

shape of the lip distorted so that the midlobe appears to be

narrow, which is probably the origin of the statement

“midlobe narrow oblong.” Otherwise the specimens agree

closely with that of A. Holttumii and with Corner’s from

G. Panti, in which the apex of the lip is certainly broad

and subentire. The colour details given in the above

description are taken from Corner’s notes and the details —

of size etc. from alcohol material collected by him. The —

rather long slender corolla-tube and the very short bracteole —

are distinctive. In dried specimens the pale grey-green

colour of the leaves is also distinctive.

The species is widely distributed in lowland forest in

Malaya.

It seems possible that A. xanthoglossum Ridl. is this

species. The type is at Kew, and there is no specimen at

Singapore so named by Ridley.

SPECIMENS. Kelantan. Kuala Krai, S.F.N. 10128

(Haniff). Perak. Upper Perak, 300 feet, Wray 3476. ~

Selangor. Dusun Tua, Ridley s.n. 1896. Negri Sembilan. —

G. Tampin, S.F.N. 9559 (Holttum, type of A. Holttumii).

Johore. G. Panti, Ridley s.n. December 1892. Ulu Segun,

G. Panti, 500-1,000 feet, S.F.N. 30744 (Corner). Singapore.

Seletar, Ridley s.n. November 1889. Bukit Timah, Ridley 9204.

8. Amomum cylindraceum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 1386: —

1899. Flora 4: 265.

Leaf-shoots to 2 m. or more tall. Leaves to 50 by 8 cm., :

ovate, brown, to about 2-7 by 1-8 cm., brittle and splitting —

Corolla-tube about 8 mm. longer than calyx, appressed-hairy

outside, lobes orange, about 1-5 cm. long, the dorsal one erect,

hooded. Lip 3-lobed, deeper orange than corolla, lobes rounded.

Staminodes small, narrow. Anther-crest orange, oblong, with

a point at each side. Fruit sessile, spherical, nearly 1-5 cm.

Gardens Bulletin, &

205

diameter, enclosed by persistent bracts, with slight longitudinal

ribs, covered with short appressed hairs.

Only known ‘from the type collection from Telok Sera,

Dindings (Ridley, March and January 1897).

This species is compared by Ridley to A. testaceum,

but it is nearer to A. hastilabiwm in its slender corolla-tube

and ridged fruits, as also in the shape of the inflorescence.

The dimensions given above are taken from the imperfect

type specimen, the colours and shape of anther-crest from

Ridley.

9. Amomum rivale Ridl., Fiora Mal. Pen. 5: 338. 1925.

Leaves to 35 by 5 cm. (or possibly larger) with soft

spreading hairs 1 mm. long beneath, apex caudate 2-5-3 cm.

long, base cuneate; petiole 5-10 mm. long, short-hairy; ligule

about 7 mm. long, hairy. Peduncle to 7 cm. long, covered with

2-ranked sheaths, the largest 2-5 cm. long, hairy towards the

base. Inflorescence elongating to 5 cm. or more, with many

flowers, diameter when flowering about 2-5 cm. F'loral bracts

to 2-5 ecm. long and nearly 1 cm. wide at base, narrowed to

apex, thin but firm, appressed-hairy nearly throughout and

fringed with spreading hairs. Bracteole about 1-3 cm. long,

2-lobed, tubular. Ovary densely hairy, short. Calyx 1-5 cm.

long, unequally and rather deeply 3-lobed, rather densely

appressed-hairy throughout. Corolla-tube about 2-1 cm. long,

hairy outside towards apex, lobes densely appressed-hairy on

the backs; dorsal lobe about 1-5 by 0-6 cm., lateral lobes

narrower. Lip about 1-5 cm. long (or longer?), obovate,

concave, slightly 2-lobed at the apex, white with a median

vellow band (widening at the apex) and a red line on either

side of it. Filament short; anther about 7 mm. long; crest

of connective apparently 3-lobed, when flattened about 7 mm.

across, lateral lobes 2 mm. wide at base, falcate and acute

towards apex, middle lobe small.

Type: Pahang, gorge of the Tras, near Raub, 500 feet,

S.F.N. 16945a (Burkill and Haniff).

Known only frem the type collection, from the lowlands

of Pahang. Ridley compares this species with A. uligino-

sum, but A. rivale has the corolla-tube conspicuously longer

than the calyx, and apparently a much larger anther-crest.

‘The details of the flower are measured from the dried type

‘specimen, and are incomplete. The crest of the anther is

not well preserved but I believe it is as above described and

not as in Ridley’s original description (‘‘3-lobed, central

lobe ovate, acute, recurved, lateral ones short oblong erect’’).

10. Amomum testaceum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 135. 1899.

Flora 4: 266. Fig. 25.

Leafy shoots 2-3 m. tall, near together from almost super-

ficial rhizome; basal half covered with green sheaths only.

Leaves to 60 by 10 cm., apex rather gradually narrowed and

shortly caudate, base rather narrowly cuneate and sometimes

like a winged petiole to 2 cm. long, glabrous except for hairs

on edges towards apex; petiole none; ligule 5-15 mm. long,

bearing stiff hairs 1-5-3-0 mm. long, or glabrescent; edge of

Vol. XIII. (1950).

206

sheath near the ligule similarly hairy or glabrescent. Peduncle

of inflorescence usually 6-15 cm. long, exceptionally to 50 cm.

Inflorescence elongating to 15 cm. or less, oblong, 2-5-3 em.

wide; bracts papery, buff colour, narrowly triangular, with

narrow longitudinal grooves (about 1 mm. apart at the base),

usually about 3 by 1-2 cm., exceptionally to 4-5 by 1-8 cm.,

with sparse pale appressed hairs or glabrescent. Bracteole

1-5-1-8 cm. long, softly hairy, tubular at the base, 2-lobed,

the lobes shortly 2-toothed. Calyx covered with shorter pale

appressed hairs, 2-2-5 em. long including ovary. Corolla-tube

a little longer than calyx, lobes white, about 1-4 cm. long,

dorsal one concave, 5 mm. wide when flattened, laterals below

lip and appressed to its under surface, about same width

as dorsal. Lip concave, obovate, about 1-6-2 cm. long and

1-2-1-5 em. wide when flattened, the broadly rounded apex

crinkled and shortly reflexed, a broad dull yellow patch towards.

the apex joined below to a paler yellow median band which

is flanked by purple lines to the base of the lip, where it is

hairy. Stamen a little over half the length of the lip; filament.

3-5 mm. broad, c. 8 mm. long; crest of anther 3-lobed, lateral

lobes about 2 mm. long and wide, spreading, middle lobe erect,

rounded, 2-5 mm. long; pollen-sacs 4 mm. long. Stigma taller

than middle lobe of anther-crest, bent back at right angles to

the anther. Staminodes quite lacking in S.F.N. 31568 (Baling,.

Corner) and in plant cult. Singapore: Ridley says oblong,

truncate (did he see anther lobes?). Stylodes blunt, c. 4 mm.

long, yellow. Fruit globose, slightly pinkish, c. 1-5 em. long

and wide, smooth or slightly ribbed, slightly hairy. Seeds

brown with a very thin translucent white aril.

Locally common in limestone districts as far south as

Batu Caves, but more especially in the north, at Segamat

in Jcohore (by roadside, planted?) and on Pulau Tioman.

A plant in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, flowered in May

1944. The plant at Segamat had many inflorescences in

April 1947 when the Gardens plant had none. Distribu-

tion: Borneo.

11. Amomum squarrosum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 57: 104. 1910.

Flora 4: 265.

Rhizome supported on stout stilt-roots to 15 em. long.

Leafy stems close together, to 3 or 4 m. long, the basal

2/5 leafless, the sheaths yellowish, reddish at extreme base of’

stem (Corner). Leaves to 55 by 6 cm, upper ones much

narrower, lower surface short-hairy all over, apex acuminate,

base narrowly cuneate; petiole 0-2 cm., slender, short-hairy

beneath or glabrescent; ligule entire, usually short-hairy, to.

about 1 em. long. Peduncle 10-15 em. long, sheaths about 3-5.

cm. long and 3 cm. apart, broad, firm, apex rounded with

a short subapical point. Inflorescence elongating to about 10

cm., the base enclosed by two large sheaths like those of the

peduncle, about 3-5 cm. diameter at flowering. Bracts persis-.

tent, firm but thin, green with broad membranous edges, to

c. 2 by 1:3 cm., apex acute, sometimes reflexed, fringed with

hairs towards the base. Bracteoles funnel-shaped, nearly 2°

cm. long, 3-lobed, short-appressed-hairy all over. Calyx with

ovary c. 1-4 cm. long, funnel-shaped, thin, glabrous, with 3°

rather large unequal lobes, pale pink. Corolla-tube shorter-

than calyx; dorsal lobe c. 1-5 em. long and 1-2 cm. wide,.

Gardens Bulletin, S..

+ 4a

207

concave, apex slightly 3-lobed, white tipped with pink; lateral

lobes c. 7 mm. wide, white. Labellum white with a broad

median longitudinal yellow band edged with red and with

short red lines spreading laterally, distinctly 3-lobed, nearly

2 cm. wide, the lateral lobes broadly rounded and spreading,

erect towards the base, midlobe entire, round, about 7 mm.

wide and 5 mm. long. Staminodes as small triangular lobes

at base of lip, basal edge 3 mm., distal edge 2 mm. Filament

short and broad. Anther about 8 mm. long, the connective

at the apex 3-lobed, lateral lobes spreading, about 1 mm. wide,

distance from tip to tip (i.e. total width of crest) c. 8 mm.,

middle lobe short, rounded, about 2 mm. wide and 1 mm. long;

the whole anther creamy-white. Stigma cup-shaped, the

aperture a narrow transverse ellipse, glabrous. Fruits enclosed

by the more or less persistent bracts, round, smooth, or with

slight longitudinal ridges towards the apex, about 1-3 cm.

diameter, thin-walled, crowned with the persistent calyx.

This small-flowered species has been found in the

lowlands of Perak, Trengganu and Malacca. There is no

record of the use of the fruits as a spice, or of cultivation.

The stilt-roots are reported by Corner only, and the floral

details are described from his Trengganu specimen, with

his colour notes.

SPECIMENS. Malacca. Alvins 3318. Perak. Ulu Temango,

Ridley s.n. July 1909. Tapah, Ridley 14026, Wray 1412.

Selangor. Pahang Track, 15 mile, Ridley s.n. 1897. Treng-

ganu. Bukit Kajang, Kemaman, 600 feet, S.N. 30235

(Corner).

12. Amomum citrinum (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov. Conc-

momum citrinum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 121. 1899.

Flora 4: 255. Amomum cylindrostachys Ridl., J.S.B.

BRAS. 6l¢ 42,:1912..:Flora:4: 265.

Closely related to A. squarrosum Ridl., differing as follows:

Leaves rather broader (to 8 cm. wide), glabrous beneath;

petioles not more than 5 mm. long. Peduncle 25-40 cm. long;

sheaths shorter than internodes. Bracts firmer, a little

broader, not reflexed, entirely green, glabrous. Anther-crest

spotted with red, the lateral lobes red. Labellum with cream

side-lobes.

This might perhaps be regarded as a mountain variety

of A. squarrosum; we still lack full details of the size of the

parts of the flower, which may show further differences.

I have not seen the staminodes of A. citrinum. Ridley says

they are dull red. This species has been found at a number

of localities on the Main Range and Taiping Hills, whereas

A. squarrosum is a lowland species.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Maxwell’s Hill, Ridley 2959. Bujong

Malacca, Ridley 9788. Waterfall, Taiping, Ridley 14447.

Selangor. Sempang Track, Ridley 15614. Fraser’s Hill, Path

to Jeriau, 3,500 feet, S.F.N. 21572 (Holttum).

Vol. XIII. (1950).

208

13. Amomum utriculosum (Ridl.) MHoltt., comb. nov.

Conamomum utriculosum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 122.

1899. Flora 4: 255.

Rhizome supported on stilt-roots, stout. Leafy shoots

2-2-5 m. tall. Leaves to 70 by 18 cm., glabrous, apex shortly

acuminate, base narrowly cuneate; petiole 1-2 cm. long,

glabrous; ligule glabrous, to 2-2 cm. long. Peduncle 12-20 cm.

long, glabrous, covered by overlapping broad blunt sheaths,

the largest c. 45 em. long. Rachis of inflorescence elongating

up to 40 cm. (more commonly to 20 cm.), stout, glabrous.

Bracts 3-42 em. long 1-5 cm. wide, acute, thin, firm,

glabrous, with narrow prominent veins; base of bract joined.

to pedicel of flower for c. 4-5 mm. Bracteoles inflated, to

nearly 3 cm. long, apex unequally 3-lobed, not deeply split,.

glabrous. Calyx shorter than bracteole, with ovary to 2 cm.

long, glabrous, wide, the apex broadly lobed. Corolla-tube-

hardly as long as calyx; lobes 1-7 cm. long, dorsal 1 cm.,.

laterals 6 mm. wide. Lip yellow with red veins, broadly 3-lobed

from a narrow base, lateral lobes broad, round, middle lobe:

smaller, round, slightly reflexed, total length c. 2-2-5 cm.

Staminodes not seen (Ridley says linear). Filament red, 6:

mm. long; anther 6 mm. long; crest red, midlobe small, rounded,

lateral lobes narrow, curved, acute, 4-5 mm. long. Fruit rather

narrowly ellipsoid, smooth, 3 ecm. long.

This species is closely allied to A. citrinum and A.

squarrosum, having the calyx shorter than the bracteole

and the anther-crest with narrow spreading curved lateral

lobes. It is however a much larger species than the other

two, having more the aspect of A. spiceum; but the

bracteole is not split. Probably A. spiceum and A. xantho-.

phebium are allied to this group. A. utriculosum is a

mountain plant, found at many localities, and seems to be

common on the Taiping Hills.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Maxwell’s Hill, Ridley 5190 (Syn-.

type) and s.n. March 1892. Tea Gardens, Curtis 2714

(Syntype). G. Batu Puteh, Wray 1013 (Syntype). Maxwell’s:

Hill, 4,000 feet, S.F.N. 12955 (Burkill and Haniff). G. Kerbau,

4,000 feet, Robinson s.n. 1913. Without locality, Anderson 139:

(p.p.). G. Hijau, Anderson 40. Pahang. Telom, Ridley

13834. G. Tahan 3,300 feet, Wray and Robinson 5424.

14. Amomum ochreum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 135. 1899.

Flora 4: 264.

Rhizome underground; intervals between leaf-shoots 5-12”

cm. Leaf-shoots 2 to nearly 5 m. tall, basal 2/5 covered with

sheaths only, base nearly white. Leaves commonly to about

40 by 8 cm. (sometimes to 52 by 10 cm.), apex caudate (cauda

to 5 cm. or more long) base rather abruptly rounded and

slightly unequal, under surface usually glabrous but sometimes: —

softly hairy (hairs not on sheath or ligule); petiole 1-3 em.

long (usually at least 2 cm.) ; ligule glabrous, broad, unlobed,

to about 7 mm. long. [The leaf of the type sheet of this

species is much larger, of different texture, with very short

broad petiole and large hairy ligule—it must belong to.

another species]. Peduncle 8-20 cm. long, slender at flowering, |

thickening at fruiting, when young covered with broadly ovate.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

209

thin alternate sheaths 2-3 cm. long which do not clasp the axis.

Inflorescence lengthening to about 10 cm., about 5 cm. diameter

at flowering. Bracts thin, pale brownish, soon disintegrating,

ovate, usually about 4 by 1-5 cm. (to 2 cm.), narrowed to

the tip, glabrous. Flower hardly pedicelled. Bracteole 2-2-2-5

em. long, tubular at base, 2-lobed, glabrous. Calyx c. 3-2 cm.

long including ovary, thin, broadly 3-lobed, nearly glabrous,

translucent, brownish. Corolla-tube about as long as calyx,

dorsal lobe 2-5 cm. long and nearly 2 cm. wide, nearly circular,

lateral lobes 1 em. wide; dorsal lobe purple-red outside, paler

with red veins inside, laterals pale yellow with red veins.

Lip obovate, concave, c. 3 cm. long and wide, slightly 3-lobed,

lobes broadly rounded, dull pale orange-yellow richly veined

with red and speckled with red round the edge. Staminodes

narrow, 8-9 mm. long, white with red markings. Filament pale

yellow with red spots, 7-9 mm. long; anther pale yellow c.

1 em. long; anther-crest transversely oblong, c. 1 cm. broad

and 3 mm. deep, or the two halves somewhat triangular, apex

slightly retuse, faintly red-spotted. Style white, stigma

yellowish. Fruits green (when ripe?) almost spherical, to

4-5 em. diameter, surface smooth with short blunt fleshy spines

under 2 mm. long: wall of fruit 8 mm. thick, fleshy, pedicel}

7 mm. long: seeds irregular, to 1 em. long, covered with

thin aril.

This has the largest fruits of any Malayan species, but

they

used

are said to have little flavour and are not recorded as

for cardamoms. The very short irregular scattered

spines are peculiar. The species is found at medium eleva-

tions

on the hills in many parts of Malaya.

SPECIMENS. Kedah. B. Kuala Bintang, near G. Bintang,

S.F.N. 21072 (Haniff). Selangor. Ginting Bidai, Ridley s.n.

May 1896 (Type). Kepong, Forest Dept. 24458 (Symington).

Negri Sembilan. G. Angsi, Lewton-Brain s.n. 1913. G.

Tampin 2,300 feet, S.F.N. 3177 (Burkill), 9558 (Holttum).

Pahang. Fraser’s Hill, S.F.N. 33244 (Corner). Boh Plan-

ast Cameron Highlands, 3,700 feet, S.F.N. 32685 (Md.

ur).

Amomum cephalotes Ridl., Flora Mal. Pen. 4: 264.

1924.

Vol.

Rhizome subterranean. Leaf-shoots apparently about 2 m.

tall, rather slender; leaves about 3 cm. apart. Leaf-blade to

about 42 by 3 cm. (or ? to 50 by 6 ecm.), glabrous, apex

somewhat acuminate-caudate, cauda to 4 cm. long, base rather

abruptly narrowed, midrib pale, broad, very shallowly chan-

nelled above; petiole not over 2-3 mm. long; ligule nearly 1 cm.

long, thin, usually glabrous. Peduncle from slender under-

ground branch of rhizome, to about 10 cm. long, the sheaths

soon decaying, axis short-hairy. Inflorescence at surface of

ground, globose, hardly elongating, about 5 cm. tall and wide

when flowering. Floral bracts thin but rather persistent, the

outer ones to about 3 by 1-2 cm., oblong with inflexed -rounded

apex, densely appressed-hairy towards apex. Bracteole c. 1-5

cm. long, tubular, the apex slightly 2-lobed, short-hairy. Calyx

c. 2-8 cm. long (including ovary and short pedicel), tubular,

2-lobed at apex, split only 5 mm. between the lobes, an up-

curved short-hairy point 2 mm. long just below the rounded

apex of each lobe. Corolla-tube as long as calyx. Dorsal lobe

ATIT. (1950).

210

2 cm. long, with concave hooded apex 1 cm. wide when flattened,

lateral lobes, on either side beneath the lip, 6 mm. wide, all

lobes pink. Lip slightly 3-lobed, c. 2-5 em. wide when flattened

and little over 2 cm. long, side-lobes broadly rounded, white,

midlobe about 8 mm. wide, nearly semicircular; a yellow median

band edged with red extending from midlobe back into throat

of lip, midrib of lip thickened, with a narrower thickened

rib close to each side of it towards the base. Staminodes.

Base of lip each side with 2 separate triangular lobes of almost

equal size, about 3 mm. long and less than 2 mm. wide at

the base. Filament 8 mm. long and 2 mm. wide. Anther 7

mm. long, the. connective produced at the tip into a simple

concave oblong slightly retuse crest little wider than the anther

(c. 4 mm. wide), overarching the stigma. Stigma small,

abruptly widened, cup-shaped. Fruits in a close head, on

pedicels to 2 cm. long (?), similar to those of A. aculeatum

and A. lappaceum.

This species has only been found in Pahang and on

P. Tinggi, in densely shaded damp places. It is nearly

allied to A. aculeatum but. differs in the more persistent

bracts, the teeth of the calyx, the absence of red spots and

lines in the yellow part of the lip and the much smaller

crest of the anther. The P. Tinggi specimen lacks flowers;

it has leaves to 50 by 6 em., which are much wider than

those of the Pahang specimens, but the latter may not

include leaves of maximum size.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Gunong Senyum, Evans 13117

(Herb. F.M.S. Mus., type). Tembeling, S.F.N. 24520 (Hen-

derson). Johore. Pulau Tinggi, S.F.N. 882 (Burkill).

16. Amomum lappaceum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 134. 18°9.

Flora 4: 263. A. perakense Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32:

135. 1899. Flora 4: 266.

Rhizome at or near surface of ground, often supported

on short stout stilt-roots. Leaf-shoots to about. 8 m. tall.

Leaves to about 53 by 9 cm. (rarely wider), apex shortly

acuminate, base cuneate, quite glabrous, midrib prominent and

rather pale beneath when dry, narrow and rather deeply

zrooved above; petiole none or to 5 mm. long; ligule very

short (rarely over 3 mm. long), broad, somewhat retuse,

usually glabrous but sometimes with short hairs. Pedwnele

from rhizome near base of a leaf-shoot, usually about 5 cm.

long at flowering, elongating somewhat later, covered when

young with close thin overlapping sheaths which quickly decay

except for their bases. Inflorescence gradually elongating,

continuing to flower at the apex while the fruits ripen at

the base, the final length sometimes 35 em. Bracts very thin,

soon decaying and exposing the developing fruits, pale green,

somewhat hairy when young, to about 3 cm. long and nearly

1 cm. wide. Bracteole tubular and hairy at the base, c. 1-5

cm. long, 2-keeled and 2-lobed, split deeply down one side.

Pedicel 2-5 mm. long, ovary 3-5 mm., both densely hairy;

calyx nearly 2 cm. long, 2 or 3-lobed. Corolla-lobes c. 1-6—2-0

cm. long, the dorsal lobe ¢c. 1:5 em. wide, laterals much

narrower, all thin translucent, with longitudinal pinkish lines

more or less distinct. Lip a little wider than the dorsal sepal,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

211

concave, ovate, slightly 3-lobed (size of midlobe varies), clear

yellow, edges crisped and apex + retuse. Filament 4-8 mm.

long, anther about 8-11 mm., the connective produced at the

apex to a semicircular crest not or hardly wider than the

anther. Staminodes narrowly triangular, about as long as

the filament, yellow with red base (sometimes almost entirely

joined to the base of the lip). Stigma abruptly widened,

opening narrow with hairy edges, otherwise glabrous. Frwits

ellipsoid, green (when ripe ?) to about 3-5 cm. long and 2-5

em. wide (including spines), covered with large fleshy spines

which are irregularly joined laterally at their bases, not in

longitudinal lines; pedicels stout, appressed-hairy, 1-5-2 cm.

long.

The original A. lappaceuwm had a rather much elongated

inflorescence (22 cm. long without peduncle and _ still

flowering at the apex), was said to have no staminodes,

and no report of stilt-roots supporting the rhizome. A.

perakense was described from a flowering specimen, its

inflorescences Jacking fruits, the lower flowerless part not

much elongated, bearing the pedicels of fallen flowers close

together. Fruiting specimens corresponding to this have

been collected at Cameron Highlands, the fruiting head

rather compact and only 12 cm. (excluding peduncle). The

fruits appear to be just like those of A. lappaceuwm. The

flowers of A. perakense had short stamincdes.

Ridley records that the fruits.are eaten by Sakai. The

species is closely related to A. aculeatum Roxb. (the seeds

cf which are also eaten) but has smaller flowers with a

narrow anther-crest, and the axis of the inflorescence

elongates very much more than in A. aculeatum. The name

lappaceum (bur-like) is appropriate. The fruits have very

much the size and appearance of Rambutans (Nephelium

lappaceum).

SPECIMENS. Perak. Maxwell’s Hill 4,000 feet, S.F.N.

13214 (Burkill and Haniff), Ridley s.n. June 1893 (type of

A. perakense). Taiping Hills, 2,500 feet, Ridley s.n. December

1902. No locality, Wray,.Scortechini 222b. Six miles from

Tapah towards Jor, S.F.N. 13429 (Burkill and Haniff).

Selangor. Semangkok Pass, Ridley s.n. 1904. Ulu Gombak,

1,500 feet, Hume 8562 (Herb. F.M.S. Mus.). Ginting Peras,

Ridley 7802 (type of A. lappaceum). Pahang. Cameron

Highlands: Brinchang, 5,000 feet, S.F.N. 31291 (Holttum) ;

Boh Plantations, 4,000 feet, S.F.N. 32927, 32634 (Md. Nur).

Telom, Ridley 13851.

In August 1946 I found two slightly different forms

of this species at Cameron Highlands, one fruiting, the

other not. The only clear difference between them was in

the lip and staminodes. In a plant in a shady place at

Tanah Rata, the lip had a midlobe 9 mm. wide and 7 mm.

long, and the staminodes were narrowly triangular, 5 mm.

long, separate from the base of the lip; the filament was

8mm. long. In a plant in a clearing at-#rinchang, the lip

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

212

had a midlobe only 4 mm. wide and 3 mm. long, the stami-

nodes were almost entirely adnate to the lip, and the filament

was 6 mm. long. In a former collection from Brinchang,

the midiobe of the lips was about 6 mm. wide and 5 mm.

long. I conclude therefore that the shape of the lip varies

somewhat and also the condition of the staminodes, and

possibly exposure may have some effect on the shape of the

lip. The 1946 Brinchang plants had not a much elongate

fruiting axis. This again may have been due to conditions

of exposure. ;

17. Amomum aculeatum Roxb., Asiat. Res. Il: 344, t. 6.

1810. FL Ind. Ed.-1, 1: 40. 1820: “Valet; Tene

t. 154, 157. 1905. Valet., Bull. Inst. Bot. Buit. 19: 20, -

25. A. flavum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 133. 1909. Flora

4: 268. ?A. aurantiacum Ridl., Flora 4: 262. 1924.

Rhizome underground. Leafy shoots to 4 m. high (usually

not much over 2 m.); leaves rather close, usually about 4-5

cm. apart. Leaf-blade to about 40 by 6 cm., apex acuminate-

caudate (cauda to 2-5 em. long), base cuneate, lower surface,

especially midrib, very short-hairy beneath or more or less

glabrescent, midrib on upper surface broad and shallowly

grooved in dried specimens; petiole to about 5 mm. long;

ligule broad, to about 1 cm. long (usually about 7 mm.), short-

hairy all over or glabrescent; sheaths very short-hairy or

glabrescent. Peduncle subterranean, short. Inflorescence with

base in the ground, short, dense, rounded, c. 4 cm. high and

wide, excluding the flowers. Bracts thin, appressed-hairy,

c. 3-5 by 1-5 em., soon disintegrating, brownish. Flowers erect.

Bracteoles 1-8 cm. long, tubular at the base, short-hairy.

Calyx to 3 cm. long, including ovary and short pedicel, 2-lobed,

appressed-hairy. Corolla-tube hardly as long as calyx; lobes

transparent, orange, the dorsal one to 2-5 by 1-5 cm., forming

a closed cup with the lip, the laterals narrower, close against

the sides of the lip. Lip 2-5-8 cm. wide, .little longer than

the corolla-lobes, slightly 3-lobed, the lateral lobes broadly

rounded, erect, the middle lobe slightly reflexed, edges more

or less crisped; colour of lip orange-yellow, with many small

crimson spots and lines. Filament about 1 cm. long; anther

nearly 1 cm. long, orange, the connective produced at the

apex into a spreading oblong-crescent-shaped crest, the upper

margin slightly lobed, c. 1 em. wide and 4 mm. deep, veined with

orange. Staminodes very small (or absent ?). Stigma cup-

shaped, hairy. Fruits in a dense short head on the thickened

axis of the inflorescence; pedicels short-hairy, c. 1:5 cm. long,

fruit c. 35 by 2 cm., covered with fleshy spines c. 5 mm. long

which are irregularly united transversely at their bases,

greenish. -

This species was described by Roxburgh from plants

cultivated at Calcutta and imported from an unknown

locality in the East Indies. It occurs wild and cultivated

in Java; Ridley reports it (as A. flavum) also from

Sumatra. In Malaya it has only been collected in Penang.

Valeton (Ic. Bog. 2: 203) reports that the bracts decay to

a mucilaginous mass in which the fruits develop. This is

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Pat NXN

‘<

whaa 4 ew ce ay ‘yf

213

not mentioned by Ridley. A drawing made at Penang

shows the inflorescence half buried in the earth, and this is

aiso reported by Valeton. Curtis gave the leaf-shoots as

12-15 feet nigh, but this appears to be exceptional and is

perhaps an exaggeration. Penang plants have all distinctly

hairy (very short-hairy) leaves. In Java the leaves are

reported as glabrous, but a specimen from Buitenzorg has

hairy ligules.

The fruits are very similar to those of A. lappaccum

but that species has a much longer inflorescence and smailer

flowers with small anther-crest. As with A. lappaceum,

the fruits of A. aculeatum are edible.

SPECIMENS. Penang. Waterfall Gardens: Curtis 2275

(type of A. flavum); S.F.N. 7621 (Burkill). Pulau Boetong,

Curtis 2275. Balik Pulau, Ridley s.n. July 1898 (fruit).

Penara Bukit, Curtis 7226.

18. Amomum uliginosum Koenig, Retz. Obs. Bot. 3: 55.

Piso. & hal J S.B.R.AS. 32: -136:..1899. Flora 4:

264. Fig. 26.

Rhizome subterranean, with long intervals between leaf-

shoots. Leafy shoots 2-3 (? to 4) m. tall, sheaths green,

more or less covered with a short woolly brownish tomentum,

the upper ones often glabrescent. Leaf-blades green, to 50

by 7 cm., apex abruptly caudate, the narrow part decurved,

to 5 cm. or more long, base cuneate, without petiole; ligule

slightly emarginate, (apex broad) to c. 7 mm. long, glabrous

or more or less hairy like the leaf-sheaths. Peduncle from

rhizome, to about 10 em. long, slender, more or less covered

with ovate alternate pinkish sheaths. Inflorescence small,

globose, when flowering c. 3 to 5 cm. long and 3 cm. wide,

about 15 flowers. Bracts thin, smooth (veins hardly raised),

at first pale pinkish, then brownish, elliptic-oblong, 2-5-3 cm.

long, to 1:2 cm. wide, appressed-hairy towards the base,

persisting almost to fruiting. Bracteole 2-2 cm. long, tubular

at base, 2-lobed, split nearly half-way to base on one side,

hairy towards base. Calyx 2-5 em. long (including ovary),

3-lobed, a keel ending in a tooth just below apex of each lobe,

appressed-hairy towards base, white with pinkish keels.

Corolla-tube 2-1 cm. long, 2:5 mm. wide at base, 5 mm.

wide near apex when flattened, dorsal lobe 1:5 cm. long,

hooded, retuse lateral lobes close to the side of the lip, about

1-5 cm. long and 5 mm. wide, lobes translucent white, pinkish

towards apex and base. Lip spreading at a wide angle to

upper petal, ovate above the rather narrow fleshy base, c. 2-5

em. long and 1-5 cm. wide, strongly concave; base white,

with or without two dark red spots, blade white with a

median yellow band having a dark crimson stripe on each

side of it and a few short oblique crimson stripes outside

the long stripes at the base. Staminodes at base of lip, c.

4 mm. long, 1-5-2 mm. wide, blunt, white; sometimes absent.

Filament 7 mm. long and nearly 2 mm. wide, white, pinkish

at the base. Awxther 6 mm. long, 4 mm. wide below the crest,

pale cream; crest of connective 3-lobed, white, the side-lobes

spreading, c. 2 mm. long and nearly as wide, the middle lobe

reflexed on to back of anther, 2-5 mm. long and 4 mm. wide,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

214

the end truncate, slightly 2-lobed, the lobes with wavy edges.

Stylodes two, 3 mm. long, flat, apices broad, blunt, quite

separate on either side of excentric base of style. Fruits to

about 2 cm. long and 1-4 cm. diameter (including spines) ,.

obovoid, covered with slender soft red spines to 2-5 mm. long.

This is a common species in Malaya, locally abundant,

found from Kedah southwards to Johore in the lowlands.

The type of the species was collected by Koenig in the island.

of Junk Ceylon. He describes a small plant, and does not —

mention the caudate apices of the leaves, which are usually

conspicuous, but otherwise his description agrees well with

plants collected in Malaya.

There is much variation in size of plants and of leaves..

Small plants often have leaves not over 5 cm. wide, and the.

uppermost leaves only 2 cm. wide. The width of one inch

given by Ridley is exceeded in the majority of plants. The

sessile caudate leaves, the small inflorescences, with lip and.

upper petal at a wide angle apart, the concave lip with

red-bordered median band, the shape of the anther-crest

and the red-spiny small fruits are characteristic. Ridley

records that the plant was planted by Jakuns in Malacca

for its fruits.

A. gracile Bl., as figured by Valeton in Ic. Bog. 2, t. 158,

is nearly related to A. uliginosum, but is evidently a much

smaller species with very few flowers on each inflorescence,

and shorter thinner spines on the fruit.

SPECIMENS. Kedah. Yan woods, Ridley s.n. 1898. Ke-.

lantan. Gua Musang-K.Betis track, S.F.N. 29654 (Hen-

derson). Penang. Balik Pulau, Ridley 9414. Perak. Bujong:

Malacca, Curtis 3780 (cult. Penang). Ulu Temango, Ridley

14421. Larut, King’s Collector 1839. Kulim Valley, S.F.N..

13808 (Burkill and Haniff). Grik, S.F.N. 18829 (Burkill and

Haniff), 31648 (Corner). Selangor. Dusun Tua, Ridley s.n.

May 1896. Malacca. Foot of Bukit Tampin, Goodenough

1934. Bukit Sedanan, Derry 238, Goodenough 1435. Pahang.

Kuantan, Bukit Galang, Burn-Murdoch s.n. 19.6.1913. Peng-

kalang Kasai, Ridley s.n. 1891. K. Tembeling, Ridley 2404.

Kota Glanggi, Ridley s.n. 1891. Johore. Sungei Pauh, Idris.

11345. Ulu Madik, S.F.N. 10641 (Holttum). S. Sebang,.

Jason Bay, Corner s.n. 15.6.1984. Sungei Pelepah, near G.

Panti, S.F.N. 20041 (Md. Nur). Ulu Kahang, S.F.N. 10922:

(Holttum).

10.. ELETTARIOPSIS BAKER

Rhizome slender, wide-creeping, bearing leaf-shoots at

intervals of 10-25 cm. Leaf-shoots with pseudo-stem (of

folded sheaths) up to about 60 cm. long, 1-5 of the leaves

having blades; blades sometimes fairly large, caudate or

not; petioles of the inner leaves rather long and relatively

slender, erect (to 20 cm.) ; ligule small or large. Inflores-.

cence arising at base of a leaf-shoot, the scape prostrate, at

Gardens Bulletin, S..

215

or just below ground level, simple or branched, up to about

' 20 em. long, bearing 2-ranked scale-leaves; flowers well-

spaced along the prostrate branches of the inflorescence or

in a close erect head of up to 10 bracts at their apices;

floral bracts not tubular, more or less ovate; flowers singly

.or In pairs in the axils of the bracts, with an evident pedicel

or not, each bract with a single open (not tubular)

rclatively broad bracteole. Structure of fiowers as in

Amomum, the lip erect, broad, white with a yellow median

band and red stripes; filament short and broad, anther

rather short with a petaloid crest as long as the pollen-sacs

or longer, somewhat concave and slightly reflexed, more or

less quadrate, 3-lobed or slightly toothed, without any

spreading lateral lobes: stigma cup-shaped, much smaller

than the crest. the aperture a broad or narrow triangle or

ellipse fringed with hairs: staminodes absent or very short

and fleshy in known species; stylodes slender; fruits un-

known. Type species: E. Curtisu. Bak., F.B.I. 6, p. 252

(syn. H. serpentina Bak).

This genus is closely related to Amomum. It differs

In having short leafy stems with few almost erect leaves

having rather long slender petioles, and in the prostrate

inflorescences with open, not tubular, bracteoles. The

species #. Curtisu differs strikingly from Amomum in

having solitary well-spaced flowers on a horizontal axis, the

bracts being apparently 2-ranked; but FE. triloba has small

compact erect heads of flowers, with spirally arranged

bracts as in Amomum, the bracteoles open as in EF. Curtisii.

FE’. triloba is thus intermediate in habit between Amomum

and E. Curtis; but it is peculiar in having 2 flowers to

each of its middle bracts, the bracteoles arranged as in

Hornstedtia leonurus but split to the base. There may

rarely be even 3 flowers to one bract.

As the flowers are produced just below the surface of

the ground, often in a layer of decaying leaves, they need

to have a'rather long floral tube to bring their corolla-lobes,

lip etc. well into the air. The actual length of calyx and

corolla-tube seems to be very variable within a single

species, and is very likely due to the thickness of the layer

.of debris through which a flower has to penetrate. The

relation of length between corolla and calyx tubes is

however fairly constant within a species. Few species

of Amomum have such long corolla-tubes as those of

Elettariopsis.

The anther-crest is distinctive, being thin in texture

-and much elongate (about as long as the pollen-sacs) but

‘not widely spreading as usual in Amomum. It lacks

“Vol. XI. (1950).

216

entirely the often widely spreading lateral lobes common

in the anther-crest of Amomum.

Ridley included in this genus Amomum biflorum Jack

(which he re-named Elettariopsis pubescens) ; but A. biflo-

yum has the inflorescences rising vertically from the

rhizome with the structure of typical Amomum, a 3-lobed

anther-crest, and also short petioles to the leaves. The

chief difference between A. biflorum and A. kapulaga (A.

cardamomum sensu Valet.) is the very small number of

flowers on the inflorescence. The only resemblance to

Elettariopsis is in the very long corolla-tube.

Ridley also included his H. longituba and E. multiflora

in this genus; but they differ both from Elettariopsis and

from Amomum in the peculiar structure of their inflores-

cences, which agree exactly with that of Elettaria carda-

momum. They are therefore referred to Elettaria, and

are further discussed under that genus.

The species [lettaviopsis exserta (Scort.) Bak. is a

dubious one as it has never been fully described, but it is

probably related to #. Curtisii.

Owing to imperfect descriptions, it is impossible to

say which non-Malayan species so named by Loesener are

referable to Elettariopsis in the present restricted sense.

Some of them are certainly Elettaria. It may also prove

that some species referred to Amomum should be included

in the present genus. Even as far as Malayan species are

concerned, a good deal of further information is desirable

to establish their status, and that of the genus also.

The leaves of FE. Curtisa and E. triloba, when crushed,

have a rather unpieasant pungent odour, somewhat similar

tc that emitted by various kinds of bugs; that of EB. Curtis

is the stronger cdour.

KEY TO MALAYAN SPECIES OF ELETTARIOPSIS

One leaf-blade enly to each leaf-shoot, blade to 100 cm. long

1. EH. exserta.

Usually more than one leaf-blade to each leaf-shoot; blades.

much smaller

Pseudo-stem of leaf-shoot 10-30 cm. long; flowers.

singly, spaced up to 2 cm. apart; corolla-tube up to

35 em. longer than calyx 2. EK. Curtisii.

Pseudo-stem of leaf-shoot 25 to 60 cm. long; flowers in

compact heads of 6-10 bracts at apex of inflorescence

and of its branches (if any) ; corolla-tube not more

than 1 cm. longer than calyx 3. E. triloba.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

i ace AL J we Sa Cae UB

ees ating ma a sliniete

217

1. Elettariopsis exserta (Scort.) Bak., F.B.1. 6: 251. 1892.

Ridl., Flora 4: 274. Cyphostigma exsertum Scort.,

Nuov. Giorn. bot. Ital. 18: 310, t. 13. 1886.

Rhizome slender. Leafy shoots with one leaf-blade only.

Leaf-blade to 1 m. long and 25 em. (?) wide, petiole long

(including sheath ?). Flowers solitary, terminating an erect

peduncle 1-2 cm. long: scale-leaves on peduncle 1-2 cm. long.

Calyx 2-3 cm. long, slender, tubular. Corolla-tube slender 7 cm.

long, lobes 1-8 cm. long. Ip oblong, entire, 2-3 cm. long,

yellow with 2 red lines. Amnther-crest rounded.

This species was described by Scortechini from a

specimen collected by him in the Kinta Valley (no. 1947).

The details of the above description are taken from

Schumann (Pflanzenreich) ; the width of the leaf is there

stated to be 25 cm. which is obviously an error. Ridley

gives 12 inches in his 1899 paper and 6 inches in his Flora

for the width of the leaf. There is a Sumatran specimen

collected by Forbes which has a single large leaf 90 by 14

cm., with petiole and sheath together about 70 cm.; it has

no flowers but might be this species. I have neither seen

the original description and figure nor any authentic speci-

men. The species is probably a true Elettariopsis allied to

E. Curtisti, but with so large a leaf is surely different.

Ridley refers here a specimen from Tapah with a leaf 54 by

10 cm., which might be a large E. Curtisii: the specimen

has a detached flower but no inflorescence.

2. Elettariopsis Curtisii Bak., F.B.I. 6: 252. 1892. Ridl.,

Flora 4: 274. E: serpentina Bak., l.c. E. latiflora

Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 154. 1899. Flora 4: 274. Fig.

27, 28.

Rhizome slender, bearing leaf-shoots at intervals of 10-25

cm. Leaf-shoots with 1-5 leaves, the longest sheath 10-30

em. long. Leaf-blade 25 by 3-5 to 40 by 10 cm., widest at

or above the middle, apex acuminate, not or only slightly

caudate, base narrowed gradually, glabrous or very short-hairy

beneath; petiole of inner leaves 5-20 cm. long; ligule to 2 cm.

long (see E. triloba). Inflorescence from base of leaf-shoot,

horizontal, just below surface of ground, to about 20 cm. long,

sometimes with lateral branches near the base; lateral branches

short, developing later than the apical part of the inflorescence,

breaking through the bases of the sheaths in the axils of

which they arise; basal sheaths 2-ranked, about 2 cm. long,

appressed to axis; floral bracts on distal part of inflorescence

spirally arranged, spreading; axis and bracts pinkish. Bracts

c. 1-2-1-5 em. long, ovate, acute or broadly pointed; flower on

a pedicel 0-1 to 2 cm. long in axil of bract. Bracteole c.

1-3-1-5 em. long, split to the base on one side, apex broadly

rounded and slightly toothed or 2-lobed, attached at base of

ovary, at top of pedicel. Calyx c. 3-5 cm. long, with 3 short

blunt teeth close together or 2 together and one separated, cleft

1 em. down one side, white. Corolla-tube 1-5-3-5 cm. longer

than calyx, slender; lobes 1-7 cm. long, upper strongly concave

at the tip, ¢. 6-5-7-5 mm. wide, laterals 5-65 mm. wide; all

Vol. XIII. (1950).

218

lobes transparent, cream or whitish. Lip c. 2-8 cm. long and.

2-5 cm. wide, blade almost round, widening abruptly from a

narrow base 8-9 mm. long; apex reflexed and crinkled at

edges; median band thickened: sides white to pale yellow,

median band deep yellow to orange with a crimson line on

either side towards base. Fulament c. 4 mm. long and wide;

pollen-sacs 4 mm. long, diverging towards the apex; crest thin,

obliquely reflexed, about 4-5 mm. long, 3-lobed, the lateral lobes

half or more of the total length, facing each other, rounded,

the apical lobe rounded and slightly retuse (sometimes crest

to 7 mm. long ?). Stigma much smaller than the crest,

nearly spherical, diameter about 2 mm., the aperture apical,

a broad ellipse fringed with hairs. Staminodes small fleshy

blunt hardly 1 mm. long. Stylodes very slender 5 mm. long-

The extreme vegetative forms of this species appear

very different. The type of H. Curtisii from Penang had

solitary rather small leaves and very slender inflorescences.

The type of EH. latiflora from Singapore had much larger

ieaves, five together, and a shorter inflorescence. The

shape of the leaves is however very similar in all specimens,

and the structure of the inflorescence with its solitary often

stalked flowers and non-tubular bracteole, also the remark-

able anther-crest, are identical in all specimens. There is

a fair amount of variation in the length of the corolla-tube,

and in the size of the corolla-lobe and anther-crest, but

there do not appear to be distinct varieties in which such

variations of different parts are clearly correlated. Further

field study may show that such varieties exist, in which

case it may be desirable to revive Ridley’s name latiflora;

but at present there is insufficient evidence to show that a

clear distinction exists.

The inflorescence is branched in strong plants, as in

Ei. tviloba. The apical part of the inflorescence develops

its flowers first, and then the branches in the axils of the

basal sheaths afterwards. This behaviour is also matched

in EF. triloba; likewise the way in which the branches pierce

the bases of the sheath-leaves in whose axils they arise.

SPECIMENS. Trengganu. Ulu Bendong, Kemaman, 1700

feet, S.F.N. 30014 (Corner). Penang. 1,000-1,500 feet, King’s

Collector 1706 (type of EF. serpentina). Western Hill 2,500

feet, Curtis 1570 (type of E. Curtisii). Waterfall, Curtis s.n.

May 1901. Near Crag Hotel, 1,700 feet, S.F.N. 751 (Burkill).

Bukit Laksamana, Curtis 1705. Waterfall Hill, S.F.N. 3369

(Burkill). Behind Convalescent Bungalow, (Pg. Hill), Ridley

sn. March 1896. Perak. Bujong Malacca, Ridley 9789.

Selangor. Klang Water Catchment forest, S.F.N. 6828

(Burkill). Johore. 14th mile Mawai-Jemaluang Road, Corner

s.n. 8.9.1935. Kluang F.R., S.F.N. 9219 (Holttum). Singapore.

Sungei Buloh, Ridley s.n. 1894. Bukit Timah, J.S.G. s.n.

12.2.1890; Ridley 5027. Kranji, Mat s.n. Ap. 1895 and s.n.

1899. .

Gardens Bulletin, S.

219

3. Elettariopsis triloba (Gagnep.) Loes., Pflanzenfam. Ed.

2 15A: 603. 1930. Amomum trilobum Gagnep. Bull.

Soc. Bot. Fr. 1904: 453. Fl. Gen. Indoch. 6: 108, pl.

MD 25-30. ..: Fig: 29.

Rhizome slender. Leafy shoots of 2-5 leaves, the longest

sheath c. 25 to 60 cm. long; basal sheaths purplish. Leaf-blade

grey-green, to about 35 cm. long and 4—7 em. wide, glabrous,

apex distinctly caudate (cauda c. 1-2-5 cm. long), base nar-

rowed very gradually; petiole of lowest blade c. 1-3 cm. long,

of uppermost to 10 cm.; ligule glabrous, barely 2 mm. long.

Flowering-shoot from base of leaf-shoot, horizontal 2-15 cm.

long, with an erect terminal inflorescence and often one or

more lateral ones in the axils of the sheaths, the lateral

inflorescence developing after the terminal one; sheaths on

horizontal part of shoot 1-5-2 em. long. Inflorescence of about

6-10 bracts in a compact head, or sometimes the lower bracts

rather spaced. Outer bracts white, thin, 2-5 to 3 cm. long

and to 2-0 em. wide, inner ones smaller, broadly pointed, a

few outer ones with single flowers, the rest usually with 2

flowers each. Bracteoles not tubular, 1-1-5 cm. long, enclosing

the younger flower-bud only of each pair. Calyx 3-5—-5-5 cm.

long, rather wide, the 3 teeth usually very close together and

hardly distinguishable, split about 1 cm. down the other side,

glabrous except at the very tip. Corolla-tube about as long as

calyx or up to 1 cm. longer; lobes to 2'2 cm. long, dorsal

8 mm., laterals 7 mm. wide. Lip c. 3 cm. long and 2-5 cm.

wide, broadly rounded and 3-lobed, the edges thin and finely

crinkled, the apex reflexed, cream with broad yellow median

pand and a red stripe on either side of it in the basal part, the

midrib thickly fleshy, hairy towards the base. Staminodes nil.

Filament c. 6 mm. long and 5 mm. wide. Anther: pollen-sacs

c. 5 mm. long; crest c. 7 mm. long and 5 mm. wide, oblong,

slightly concave, -with a very small tooth-like lobe at the base

on each side. Stylodes 5 mm. long, cream, not surrounding

base of style, with about 5 slender lobes 2-5 mm. long. Stigma

cup-shaped with a triangular opening, about 3-5 mm. wide:

style slightly hairy, cream.

This species is vegetatively near E. Curtisii but has

never such wide leaves and when well developed the compo-

site leaf-stem (i.e. the leaf-sheaths folded together) is much

longer; the petioles are also never so long and the ligule is

always short. The inflorescence is like #. Curtisii in its

prostrate axis and method of branching, but the flowers are

in small compact erect heads, with much larger bracts

(which are not 2-ranked), and never have long pedicels.

Each bract has two flowers in its axil, or rarely even three

flowers, the one opening first without a bracteole. If there

is only one flower, the rudiment of another, in the-axil of

the bracteole, is always present. The corolla-tube is never

greatly longer than the calyx, and the anther-crest is not

so wide as in E. Curtisii, though it is as long. The stigma

is Jarger, with a transversely widened triangular mouth.

As in E. Curtisti, there is much variation in the length of

Vol. XII. (1950).

220

the flowers, depending probably on environmental condi-

tions; this involves both calyx and corolla, not corolla only

as in E. Curtisu. Burkill’s specimen from G. Tampin is

peculiar in having a short calyx which is copiously short-

hairy all over. Perhaps it may represent a distinct variety.

Malayan specimens agree well with Gagnepain’s

description and figure, except that the peduncle of the

inflorescence is sometimes longer (he says 2 to 7 cm.) and

is often branched, and the floral bracts are usually longer

(he says 15-2 cm. long). His figure of the stigma is

perhaps distorted owing to preparation from dried material.

He evidently only saw plants with their first inflorescences.

It seems that the terminal inflorescence on the flowering

shoot is produced first, while the scape is quite short, close

to the base of the flowering stem. After this has flowered,

the scape elongates more or less by intercalary growth, and

the buds in the axils of the sheaths (which can be seen

while the terminal inflorescence is flowering) develop each

to a new lateral inflorescence. The scape is just at ground

level, and travels laterally among the litter of leaves ete.

on the ground-surface. Herbarium specimens thus some-

times show only small inflorescences on short scapes close

to the base of the leaf-shoots, and, sometimes prostrate

branched inflorescences up to 15 cm. long. The calyx of

this species is thin near the apex and shrivels a little when ~

the corolla has passed it; the corolla-tube then often appears

about 1 cm. longer than the calyx, but if the latter is

stretched to its full length it is about equal to the corolla-

tube. , The range of the species is throughout Malaya and

northwards to Indo-China (Saigon, Bassac in Laos, and

Tourane in Annam; i.e. to 16° N. lat.) ; it doubtless also

occurs in Siam and Tenasserim.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Lumut, Dindings, Ridley 10348,

17223. Hermitage Hill, Ridley s.n. 1892. The Cottage, Ridley

sn. 63.1892. Larut, 800-1,500 feet, King’s Collector 2886

(doubtful). Perlis. Bukit Telor Jambu, Ridley 15192. Kedah.

Kedah Peak, Ridley s.n. June 1893. Pahang. Tanah Runto,

P, Tioman, 1,200 feet, S.F.N. 18381 (Henderson). Selangor.

Sungei Buloh, J.S.G. s.n. October 1899. Negri Sembilan.

G. Tampin 1,500 feet, S.F.N. 3160 (Burkill). Johore. G.

Panti, 1,600 feet, S.F.N. 18088 (Holttum).

11. GEOCHARIS RIDLEY

Leafy shoots fairly tall, the leaf-sheaths with small

cross-bars of white felted hairs between the ribs. Inflores-

cence separate from leaf-shoots, on a rather long slender,

erect peduncle, the rachis erect or somewhat curved, the

flowers spreading evenly on all sides, or secund. Bracts

thin, rather small, each with a single flower in its axil.

Bracteole thin, soon decaying, about as long as the calyx,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

7 ->

yo Seth Sap t,

whe

221

tubular (?) at the base. Flower shortly pedicelled. Calyx

tubular, rather narrow, shortly 3-lobed and 3-toothed, split

slightly down one side. Covrolla-tube slender, as long as or

longer than calyx, dorsal lobe longer and much wider than

the laterals, all lobes much shorter than the tube. Labellum

about as long as lateral corolla-lobes, narrow, 2-lobed nearly

to the base, joined to the stamen to form a short tube above

the bases of the corolla-lobes. Stamen with rather long

broad concave filament, bearing a small tooth-like staminode

on either side near the anther; anther narrower, with a

small hood-shaped appendage at the apex. Stylodes very

short, fleshy. Fruit ellipsoid, large, warty, the walls fleshy,

with persistent calyx at its tip; seeds many, angled, each

covered witn a thin fleshy aril.

Schumann made a section Geocharis in the subgenus

Rhizalpinia of the genus Alpinia. This section included

A. macrostemon Schum. from Sumatra and A. decurva Ridl.

from New Guinea. Ridley found in Johore a plant which

he considered related to these, and adopted Schumann’s

name Geocharis to found a new genus for his species, G.

aurantiaca. He stated that he considered all three species

to be probably congeneric, and distinct from Alpinia, but

he did not make any new combinations. He noted a

resemblance to the Papuan genus Riedelia. He also des-

cribed another Geocharis from Sarawak, G. rubra.

In the same publication, Ridley described a new species

Alpinia secundiflora, from a specimen collected by Kelsall.

He did not see the living plant, and so did not realize that

the inflorescence was not terminal. I collected the same

(or at least a closely similar) species on G. Tampin, and

thus showed its identity with Geocharis. Ridley’s original

species had an erect symmetrical inflorescence; this second

Malayan species had the flowers all pointing to one side, as

in Schumann’s Sumatran species.

It seems clear that these four species all belong to one

genus, and that genus is not Alpinia, unless Alpinia is so

enlarged as to become meaningless. Ridley’s generic name

is the valid one, and we have :—

Geocharis aurantiaca Ridl.

G. rubra Ridl.

G. secundiflora (Ridl.) Holtt. comb. nov. (Alpinia

secundiflora Ridl.). )

G. macrostemon (K. Schum.) Holtt. comb. nov.

-.(Alpinia macrostemon Schum.).

Alpinia decurva Ridl. is probably a true Riedelia, in which

yenus it has been placed by Valeton.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

222

If Valeton is correct in stating that Riedelia species

always have a deciduous calyx, then the above species of

Geochavis are certainly distinct from Riedelia. They agree

strikingly with Riedelia however in the deeply-bilobed

narrow lip which is joined to the stamen in a short tube

above the attachment of the corolla-lobes.

In character of inflorescence, Geocharis has somewhat

the aspect of Cenolophon, the flowers being all borne singly,

and it has also elongated fruits; but it appears to have

tubular bracteoles (though this needs to be confirmed) and.

also the lip is very different from Cenolphon. In the

remarkable cross-bars between the ribs of the leaf-sheaths,

Geocharis exactly matches Hornstedtia scyphifera and allied

species.

Geocharis agrees with Geostachys in having the inflo-

rescence on a separate shoot from the leaves, and also in

having erect symmetrical and decurved secund inflores-

cences within the genus; but again the lips of the two

genera are very different, and Geocharis has solitary

flowers.

There is little doubt that Geocharis is related to Alpinia

and to Riedelia, probably more nearly to the latter, of which

it may ultimately rank as a section. The only known

species of Geocharis are in Western Malaysia, whereas

Riedelia is centred in New Guinea. Probably species from

Celebes and other intermediate countries will throw more

light on the relationships of the two groups.

KEY TO GEOCHARIS IN MALAYA.

Flowers on inflorescence spreading in all directions

1. G. aurantiaca.

Flowers all pointing in one direction 2. G. secundiflora.

1. Geocharis aurantiaca Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 5.: 144. 1908.

Flora 4: 273. Riedelia aurantiaca Loes., Pflanzenfam.

Ed. 2, 15A: 627. 1930.

Rhizome 1 cm. thick or rather more, just below ground surface;

scale leaves when young cross-barred like the leaf-sheaths.

Leafy shoots 10-20 cm. apart, to 2 m. or rather more tall,

basal 30-60 cm. leafless, 3-4 small leaves below full-sized

leaves; sheaths dark green, slightly scabrid, with irregular

small horizontal white bars joining the longitudinal ribs.

Leaves dark green, blade minutely hairy on the midrib and

hairy on the edges beneath, otherwise glabrous, commonly to

about 35 by 7-5 cm., exceptionally to 10 em. wide, apex shortly

acuminate, base cuneate or sometimes almost rounded; petiole

to 2 em. long, very short-hairy; ligule to 1 em. long, short-

hairy. Inflorescences arising at base of leaf-shoots or from

rhizome between leaf-shoots. Peduwnele erect, slender, 25—40

em. tall, covered with 2-ranked sheaths which are shortly

tubular at the base, the upper ones longest, to 10 em. long,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

223

scabrid and cross-barred like the leaf-sheaths. Rachis of -

inflorescence erect, slender, minutely hairy, elongating

gradually to 15-25 cm., bearing many flowers on all sides

(not secund). Bracts very thin, soon becoming broken,

apparently to about 5 mm. long (longer in lower flowers).

Bracteole joined to pedicel, very thin and soon breaking,

apparently as long as the calyx, apparently tubular at the

base. Pedicel about 2-3 mm. long at flowering, 6 mm. at

fruiting; ovary minutely warty. Calyx with ovary e. 3-5-4

em. long at flowering, the apex 3-lobed, the lobes subequal,

5 mm. long, each with a slender hairy tip 2 mm. long.

Corolla-tube as long as calyx; lobes oblong, orange, the dorsal

one about 2-4 cm. long, erect, concave, fitting round the stamen,

about 1 ecm. wide when flattened, laterals a little shorter,

narrower, close together below the lip. Tube of flower densely

hairy within. Lip about as long as corolla-lobes, crimson with

yellow edges, deeply 2-lobed, lobes narrower than corolla-lobes

with acute tips. Filament 1 ecm. long, broad, concave, as

wide as dorsal corolla-lobe which encloses it, with a short

forward-curved tooth on each side just below the anther.

Anther about 7 mm. long, erect, very broad, with a small

hooded appendage at the apex 1 mm. long. Stylodes very

short, blunt, pale violet (Ridley). Fruit narrowly ellipsoid,

about 6 cm. long and 2-5 cm. thick, with 6 rounded ridges,

entirely covered with irregular warty outgrowths 2-3 mm. high

and wide, crowned with the persistent calyx, green when

nearly ripe, wall fleshy; seeds may in each loculus, 6-7

mm. long, angled, entirely covered with a thin fleshy aril.

SPECIMENS. Johore. Tempayan river, Kukub, Ridley

13271 (Type). Kluang-Mersing Road at 7th Mile, S.F.N. 9283

(Holttum). Sungei Kayu, Mawai-Jemaluang Road, S.F.N.

32454, 32777 (Corner).

This species has only been found in fresh-water

swamp-forest in Johore, at three rather widely separated

localities. It has slender erect inflorescences with the

flowers symmetrically arranged. Ridley described the

flower from an unopened bud; his description is therefore

admittedly incomplete. The measurements of the parts

given above are taken from a specimen preserved in alcohol

(S.F.N. 32446). This shows excellently the peculiar con-

cave very broad filament (shaped like half a hollow

cylinder) closely enclosed by the dorsa! corolla-lobe. The

lip and stamen are joined together in a tube about 5 mm.

above the base of the corolla-lobes. The colour notes are

taken from Ridley. Further field notes are needed, and

especially the examination of young inflorescences, so that

clear information about the shape and size of bracts and

‘bracteoles may be obtained, as these are not included in the

alcohol material available.

2. Geocharis secundiflora (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov.

Alpinia secundiflora Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 165. 1899.

Flora 4: 278.

Leaf-shoots to 2 m. tall; basal sheaths with rather regular

cross-flecks of white. Leaves to 43 by 10 cm., glabrous except

Vol. XIIT. (1950).

224

for hairy edges beneath, apex shortly acuminate, base cuneate;

petiole to about 5 mm. long; ligule densely short-hairy or

glabrescent, 5-9 mm. long; sheaths with very broad close white

cross-bars near the petiole. Peduncle erect or with a curved

base, probably to more than 30 ecm. tall, sheaths with close

and rather regular white cross-bars, longest sheath up to 15

cm. long. Rachis 20-30 cm. long when old (the lower part

then flowerless), somewhat decurved, bearing closely placed

secund flowers, short-hairy. Bracts very thin, to at least 7

mm. long. Bracteoles apparently as in G. aurantiaca. Pedicel

at flowering 4—6 mm. long; ovary distinctly warty, not hairy.

Calyx with ovary 2:6 cm. long, slender, the teeth little over.

1 mm. long, hairy, otherwise glabrous, split 8 mm. down one

side. Corolla-tube 3-5 cm. long, hairy inside, with lobes

deep yellow; dorsal lobe 1:8 cm. long and about 8 mm. wide,

laterals 1-5 cm. long and about 4mm. wide. Lip joined to stamen

for a short distance beyond end of corolla-tube, about 1-6 cm.

long, lobed nearly to the base, the lobes apparently about 2

mm. wide near the base, narrowing to the apex, deep orange,

the edges paler. Filament about 1-2 cm. long, basal part 6 mm.

wide, abruptly narrowed to 3 mm. near the apex, with a small

tooth each side. Anther 8 mm. long, with a small concave

rounded apical crest about 1:5 mm. long and wide. Stylodes

broad, fleshy, little over 1 mm. long. Fruit not known.

This species is very nearly related to G. aurantiaca,

but appears to differ constantly in its secund inflorescence.

The calyx appears also to be shorter and the corolla-lobes

smaller, but the measurements are made from dried mate-

rial and may be too small. It is a species of moderate

elevations in the hills, nct of swampy lowland forest. The

floral details are taken from G. Tampin specimen, which

matches the type well in observable characters. The type

has however a stouter rachis, longer pedicels, and a short-

hairy ovary which is ridged rather than warty. Perhaps

we have two species here. It seems clear that Ridley’s

“‘staminodes” which he reports as 1 inch long are the two

lobes of the lip.

SPECIMENS. Selangor. Bukit Etam, Kelsall s.n., January

1891 (Type). Negri Sembilan. Gunong Tampin, 2,000 feet,

S.F.N. 9575 (Holttum). Kelantan. Gua Ninik, S.F.N. 19678

(Henderson).

12. GEOSTACHYS RIDLEY

Rhizome stout or fairly stout, often supported above

ground level on thick stilt-roots, sometimes in contact with

ground surface, never buried. Leafy shoots often very

close together, giving the plant a tufted habit, the false

stem 40 cm. to 3 m. tall; leaves narrow or broad, glabrous

or hairy, the ligule fairly large, broad, entire. Peduncles

from the base of the leafy shoots, erect at the base, often

curved near the apex, completely covered with closely over-

lapping 2-ranked sheaths, the basal sheaths small, the

upper ones as long as the peduncle itself, or nearly so.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

225

Rachis of inflorescence 5-20 cm. long, erect or bent more

or less steeply downwards, bearing many short cincinni in

the axils of small (rarely large) primary bracts. Cincinni

arranged symmetrically on all sides of erect inflorescences,

or all bent upwards (secund) in decurved inflorescences,

each cincinnus bearing 2—5 flowers in close succession, their

bracts and calyces extending little beyond the first floral

bract. Floral (secondary) bracts inflated-tubular, breaking

open near the apex only, usually with a small hairy tooth

just below the apex, each bract entirely enclosing both the

first flower and the next bract with its contents. Flower

shortly pedicelled, the ovary glabrous. Calyx about as long

as the bract which encloses it, in many species with a single

slender point about 5 mm. long, sometimes with two rather

broad lobes, usually split about 5 mm. from the apex,

Corolla-tube a little shorter than the calyx; lobes oblong,

about as long as the tube, the dorsal one wider than the

laterals, with concave apex. Labellum about 114 times as

long as the corolia-lobes, more or less distinctly 3-lobed, the

side-lobes usually erect, triangular, smaller than the broadly

rounded and somewhat reflexed midlobe, usually dull yellow,

often marked with pink or red (sometimes white instead of

yellow). Staminodes usually absent, sometimes present as

small lobes at the base of the lip (?). Stamen with broad

filament and anther of about equal length, the connective

of the anther sometimes produced to form a simple or

3-lobed crest. Stigma small, cup-shaped, the orifice fringed

with hairs, usually standing well above the apices of the

pollen-sacs. Stylodes short, fleshy, blunt. Fruit red,

smooth, ellipsoid or almost round, 1-3 em. long.

_ The species of this genus are all mountain plants.

Most of them have the rhizome supported on stilt-roots

and the inflorescences decurved, with the flowers all bent

upwards, thus giving the plants a very characteristic

appearance. But there are other species, agreeing in every

other character, which have quite erect inflorescences with

the flowering branches spreading equally all round them.

The really distinctive characters of the genus are the

short or fairly short inflorescence from the base of the leafy

shoots, the peduncle covered with closely overlapping rela-

tively large sheaths, and the short cincinni each in the axil

of a (usually very small) bract, each flowering bract

completely enclosing both the next flower and the next

flowering bract. The inflorescence-structure, apart from

its position on a short shoot from the base of a leaf-shoot,

is exactly that of Alpinia in the restricted sense here used,

and the original position given to the genus as a section of

the large large genus Alpinia, by Baker in the Flora of

Vol. XIII. (1950).

226

British India, was quite a natural one. If we could elon-

gate the peduncle and turn its sheaths into foliage-leaves,

Geostachys weuld become Alpinia; and when the correct

generic name for the species here called Alpinia is

established, the question of uniting them with Geostachys

should be considered.

Ridley included seven species in Geostachys. In addi-

tion to these, his Conamomum sericeum and Carenophila

montana clearly belong to this genus. Three new species

are now also added, one based on specimens from G. Tahan

which Ridley wrongly referred to G. rupestris, one on a

specimen from Taiping Hills wrongly named by Ridley

Conamomum utriculosum, and one on a remarkable and

very large plant found at 6,000 feet on G. Batu Brinchang.

Several of the species are rather closely allied, and it

may later appear preferable to reduce one or more to the

rank of varieties; on the other hand, it seems quite likely

that other new species may be discovered. There is little

doubt that some at least of the species are very local in their

distribution. Of the twelve species, nine are known from

one locality only. Of the other three, G. elegans has been

found on Mt. Ophir and on three different mountains in

Pahang, G. penangensis on Penang Hill and rather doubt-

fully at Cameron Highlands, and G. densiflora (again with

some doubt) on G. Kerbau, at Cameron Highlands and on

Fraser’s Hill. G. elegans is thus the most widely distri-

buted species.

The floral form is very constant throughout the genus,

but the anther-crest is variable and perhaps would afford

the best distinguishing character for individual species, if

we had full information. The primary bracts are probably

useful, being extremely small in some species, and in one

species very large. The vegetative habit of the plants,

width and pubescence of leaves, are very distinctive in most

cases, as also the size, habit and density of the inflorescence.

KEY TO THE MALAYAN SPECIES OF GEOSTACHYS

Inflorescences with cincinni spreading evenly on all sides

(never secund), the rachis, like the peduncle, usually

erect but sometimes slightly curved, never strongly

deflexed

Leaves to 5 cm. wide, ligule and lower surface glabr-

ous 1. G. elegans.

Leaves much wider, ligule or lower surface, or both,

densely hairy

Leaves glabrous beneath, except for the edges

Gardens Bulletin, S.

ee | ee ee ae of

-»

‘a

227

Lip nearly 3 cm. long, pale pink, streaked

darker in the throat; leaves to 20 cm. wide

2. G. megaphylla.

Lip about 1-5 cm. long, pale yellow, side-lobes

spotted pink at base; leaves to 12 cm. wide

3. G. sericea.

Leaves copiously hairy beneath

Ligule densely long-hairy; primary bracts

7-12 mm. long; flowering bracts not over 2

em. long 4. G. montana.

Ligule glabrous (or quite glabrescent) ; pri-

mary bracts to 3 cm. long; flowering bracts

2-5 cm. long 5. G. taipingensis.

Inflorescence with deflexed rachis, the cincinni all secund,

pointing upwards

Rachis of inflorescence not over 7 cm. long

Lip yellow with red spots; anther with a small

round crest 6. G. rupestris.

Lip without red spots; anther without crest

Leaves not more than 4 cm. wide

7. G. penangensis.

Leaves to 8 cm. or more wide

Leaves about 4 to each leaf-shoot, midrib

glabrous, blades to 25 by 8 cm.; rachis

of inflorescence glabrous

8. G. tahanensis.

Leaves to 45 by 11 em. (and probably

also longer); midrib hairy beneath;

rachis hairy 9. G. primulina.

Rachis of inflorescence much longer on well-grown

plants

Leaves to 12 cm. wide 10. G. secunda.

Leaves much narrower (to about 5 cm.)

Inflorescence lax (about one cincinnus per cm.

of length), rachis glabrous

: 11. G. decurvata.

Inflorescence dense (about 3 cincinni per cm.

of length), rachis hairy

, 12. G. densiflora.

1. Geostachys elegans Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 160. 1899.

Flora 4: 277.

Rhizome supported on stilt-roots; bearing densely tufted

leaf-shoots. Leaf-shoots to 120 cm. or more tall to apex of

longest sheath; leaves to about 10. Leaves: blade to about

45 by 4-5 cm. (often narrower), glabrous, dark purple beneath

when young, apex narrowly acuminate, base cuneate; petiole

5-10 mm. long; ligule to 5 mm. long, glabrous. Peduncele slender,

15-30 cm. long, erect covered with rather few long sheaths,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

228

longest to 17 cm. or more long. Rachis erect, densely short-

hairy, about 10 cm. long, bearing c. 20 cincinni. Primary

bracts 1-2 mm. long; longest stalk of cincinni 5-7 mm. long,

short-hairy. Outer flowering bracts 1-3-2 cm. long, glabrous or

finely hairy, especially towards the base, containing 2 flowers.

Calyx with ovary c. 1-4 em. long. Corolla-lobes c. 9 mm. long,

buff (Ridley). Labellum 1-5 em. long, orange yellow (Haniff).

Anther apparently with a small crest. Fruit orange red, almost

spherical, glabrous and slightly ribbed, about 1-5 cm. long.

SPECIMENS. Malacca. Mt. Ophir, 3,800 feet, Ridley 3187

(Type); Ridley s.n. December 1898. Bukit Kedondong, Derry

603. Pahang. G. Tapis, Kuantan, 4,000 feet, S.F.N. 28863

(Symington and Kiah). G. Benom, 6,000 feet, F.M.S. Coll.,

20.7.1925. G. Tahan, Ridley 15942; 5,500—7,000 feet, S.F.N.

7968 (Haniff and Nur).

This species has been found at more different localities

and over a wider area, than any other in the genus. Its

slender erect inflorescence is very much like that of G.

sericea (from G. Tahan only) but is smaller, and it always

has narrow leaves, red beneath, glabrous ligule, and diffe-

rent details of the flower as specified under G. sericea.

With some of the collections there are no notes of flower

colour, and no good flower-material, so that local varieties

may exist. There can however be little doubt that the G.

Tahan and Mt. Ophir plants are conspecific. Derry’s

locality Bukit Kedondong is not a high hill; no other lowland

records exist for the species, nor for any other in the genus.

2. Geostachys megaphylla Holtt., sp. nov.

Rhizoma validus, radicibus gralliformibus validis susten-

tus; caules foliati 300 em. alti; lamina folii ad 80 em, longa

et 20 cm. lata, marginibus exceptis glabra, apice abrupte

angustata brevissime acuminata, basi late cuneata; petiolus

10-15 mm. longus; ligula 15 mm. longa, lata, dense hirsuta;

vagina margine hirsuta; inflorescentia erecta, scapo 12 cm.

longo sustenta, rachis c. 8 cm. longa; bracteae primariae

parvae, tenues; cincinni flores 4 ferentes, pedicellis glabris

5 mm. longis donati; bracteae secundariae 2-2-3 em, longae,

apice paulo hirsuto excepto glabrae; calyx cum ovario 2-2 em.

longus, apice bilobatus, lobi fere aequales, apicibus brevibus

hirsuti; ovarium 4 mm. longum, rubrum; corollae tubus quam

calycem leviter brevior, lobi 2-2 cm. longi, lobus dorsalis 15

mm. latus, pallide rubicundus, lobi laterales 10 mm. lati;

labellum tenuissimum, pallide rubescens, fauce striis rubris

ornatum, fere 3 cm. longum, trilobatum, margine crispatum;

flamentum 10 mm. longum; anthera 8-10 mm. longa, crista

connectivi pallide carnea, trilobata, lobo intermedio petaloideo

7-8 mm. longo et lato, rotundato, marginibus irregularibus, lobis

lateralibus patentibus 3 mm. longis et 2 mm. latis; stigma

supra antheram longe exsertum, parvum, cyathiforme, apice

haud 2 mm. latum; stylodia carnosa, obtusa, 2 mm. longa;

fructus ellipsoideus, atro-ruber, glaber, 2:3 cm. longus, 2-0 cm.

diametro. TYPUS: Pahang, Cameron Highlands, G. Batu

Brinchang, 6,000 feet, S.F.N. 31276, leg. Holttum 15.5.1936.

This remarkable species is known only from the type

collection. The details of the description are taken from

dried and alcohol material and from field notes. It appears

Gardens Bulletin, S.

229

to be closely allied to G. sericea from G. Tahan, but differs

in the much larger leaves, glabrous bracts, larger lip of

different colour, and larger anther-crest. It probably

differs also in having a shorter peduncle, but this is un-

certain. It agrees with G. sericea and G. montana in the

densely hairy ligules of the leaves, a character otherwise

unknown in Malayan species of Geostachys.

3. Geostachys sericea (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov. Conamo-

mum sericeum Ridl., Journ. F.M.S. Mus. 6: 185. 1915.

Hera £:.255.

Rhizome large, stilted. Leafy stems 1-20-2-50 m. tall

(Ridl. says 8 feet, Holtt. 4 feet). Leaves to 60 by 12 cm.,

glabrous; apex shortly pointed, base rather narrowly cuneate;

petiole 0-5-1-5 cm. long, glabrous; ligule to 1-2 em. long, densely

short-hairy all over. Peduncle erect, to 25 em. tall, rather

stout, short-hairy towards the apex; sheaths broad, to 15 cm.

long. Fachis erect, to about 14 cm. long, densely short-hairy,

bearing very many closely packed cincinni. Primary bracts

usually to about 5 mm. long; in some specimens the basal

ones very much larger, up to the length of the flowering

bracts: stalks of cincinni to 7 mm. long, densely short-hairy.

Outer flowering bracts to about 2-3 cm. long, minutely hairy

all over, containing 2 or 3 flowers. Calyx broad, with ovary

ec. 1-55 em. long, hairy towards the tip. Corolla-lobes about

1-2 em. long, pale pink or white. Labellum about 1-5 cm.

long (?), pale yellow, the midlobe rather deeper in colour,

the side-lobes spotted with pink at the base. Filament ec. 5

mm., anther c. 6 mm. long; anther-crest 3-lobed, white flushed

and spotted with pink, side-lobes spreading, narrow, about

2 mm. long, midlobe broad, rounded, about 3 mm. long and

wide. Fruit ellipsoid, ribbed, smooth, at least 1 cm. long

(probably longer).

This species has only been found on Gunong Tahan,

at about 5,000 feet altitude. It is closely allied to G.

elegans, but attains a larger size, has much larger and

wider leaves, very hairy ligules, and a much denser inflores-

cence with rather larger floral bracts, longer corolla-lobes,

the lip differently coloured and the anther-crest large,

3-lobed.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. G. Tahan, Ridley 159438 (Type) 5

5,000 feet, S.F.N. 20663 (Holttum); 4,500-6,000 feet, S.F.N

8133 (Haniff and Nur). Corner ,s.n. 15.9.37.

A. Geostachys montana (Ridl.) Holtt., comb. nov. Careno-

_phila montana Ridl., Journ. F.M.S. Mus. 4: 78. 1909.

Flora 4: 256.

Leafy stems to 100 em. tall and possibly to 150 cm. Leaves

densely soft-hairy beneath, the hairs over 1 mm. long,

spreading; blade to about 45 by 8 cm., upper surface glabrous,

apex shortly acuminate, base cuneate; petiole very short,

densely covered like the midrib with longer hairs than those

on the leaf-blade. Ligule 5-7 mm. long, densely yellow hairy;

sheath hairy down the edges and on the back below the petiole.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

2350

Peduncle 5-7 cm. long, longest sheath c. 8 cm. long, broad,

pink (Ridley). Rachis of inflorescence c. 6 cm. long, somewhat

decurved, hairy, completely covered with the very numerous

crowded cincinni which are not secund. Primary bracts 7-12

mm. long, very thin, apex rounded, hairy at base and on edges.

Stalks of cincinni c. 4 mm. long. Outer flowering bracts pink,

to 2 cm. long, hairy towards tip, containing 2 or 3 flowers.

Calyx with ovary 2-3 cm. long, 2-lobed, sparsely hairy through-

out, densely so at apex, ovary glabrous except for a few hairs

at the base. Corolla-tube 5 mm. shorter than calyx, pink;

lobes 1-5 cm. (? to 2 em.) long, hairy outside, white. Labellum

little longer than corolla-lobes, “entire, edges upcurved”,

“white speckled with red” (Ridl.) with basal lateral lobes

4 mm. long (called staminodes by Ridley). Filament 6 mm.

long; anther (apart; from crest) 6 mm. long; crest thin, round,

4 (or ? 5) mm. long and wide. Stigma cup-shaped, 2 mm.

wide, the mouth fringed with hairs. Fruit broadly ellipsoid,

when dry 1-5 cm. long, glabrous, with many small longitudinal

ridges, when fresh smooth, red (Ridl.).

This species is only known from the type, collected on

the summit of G. Berembun (alt. 6,500 feet) in November

1908 by Mr. Ridley. It differs from the other species of

Geostachys in its very hairy leaves (agreeing with G. sericea

and G. megaphylla in the very hairy ligule), in the hairy

corolla-lobes and small basal lobes of the lip. Its inflores-

cence is essentially of the same shape as that of G. elegans

and G. sericea but very much shorter and apparently is

somewhat decurved instead of erect (this is not mentioned

by Ridley and may be due to uneven drying of the

specimen). The primary bracts are rather large, but they

are occasionally so in the allied species. The only possible

reason for making a new genus of this species (which

agrees exactly in inflorescence-characters with Geostachys)

is the presence of the basal lobes of the lip, which Ridley

calls staminodes; I think however that a comparison of

fresh material will show them to be very similar to the

lateral lobes of the lips of other species, but smaller.

5. Geostachys taipingensis Holtt., sp. nov.

Caules foliati alti, validi; lamina folii ad 80 em. longa

et 15 cm. lata, infra dense et molliter hirsuta, capillis costalibus

eis laminae non longioribus, apice breviter acuminata, basi

cuneata; petiolus 1 cm. longus, validus, subtus breviter hir-

sutus; ligula ad 2-3 em. longa, lata, firma, glabra (vel gla-

brescens) ; vagina prope petiolum leviter hirsuta, marginibus

glabris; pedunculus 7 em. longus, erectus vel suberectus,

vaginis latis ad 6 cm. longis vestitus; rachis erecta, c. 9 cm.

longa, capillis patentibus dense vestita; cincinni numerosi,

quaquaversi, rachin obliterantes; bracteae primariae tenues,

ad 4 cm. longae et 1 cm. latae, apicem et basin versus solum

leviter hirsutae; pedicelli cincinnorum ad 7 mm. longi, breviter

hirsuti; flores 2-4; bracteae secundariae primae 2-5 em. longae,

omnino breviter hirsutae; ovarium glabrum; calyx cum ovario

c. 2 em. longus, apice unico donatus, 5 mm. fissus, sparse

hirsutus; corollae tubus extus hirsutus, lobi ¢. 15 mm. (?)

Gardens Bulletin, S. —

Pen aa ee

231

longi, extus pilosi; anthera 8 mm. longa, crista parva rotundata

(?); styleodia carnosa, obtusa, 2 mm. longa. TYPUS: Perak,

Taiping Hills, Anderson 139, pro parte (in herb. Singap., sub

nomine Conamomum utriculosum Ridl.).

This large species is near G. megaphylla in the size of

its leaves, but they are hairy, whereas the ligule (densely

hairy in G. megaphylla) is glabrous. The primary bracts,

at least to half way up the inflorescence, are very large (the

apical ones are probably shorter) as sometimes occurs also

in G. sericea, with which G. taipingensis agrees in its hairy

flowering bracts. The details of the flower are unfortu-

nately not well preserved (the details of dimensions are

thus doubtful), but the species is undoubtedly quite distinct

from all others so far known in Malaya. Of Anderson’s

no. 139 there are two sheets in the Singapore herbarium.

One is Amomum utriculosum (Ridl.) and the other is the

present species. Whether any specimens bearing this

Seer have been distributed to other herbaria is not

nown.

6. Geostachys rupestris Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 159. 1899.

Flora 4: 276.

Rhizome supported on stilt-roots. Leafy shoots to about

100 cm. to top of the longest sheath. Leaves to 35 by 7 cm.,

glabrous, apex acuminate, base rather broadly cuneate,

unequal; petioles to 4 cm. long, slender; ligule to 8 mm. long,

glabrous. Peduncle 4-8 cm. long, longest sheath to about 7 cm.

Rachis of inflorescence short-hairy, to about 6 cm. long with

up to 20 cincinni. Primary bracts hardly over 1 mm. long:

stalks of cincinni to 1 cm. long; flowers 2-3 in each cincinnus.

Floral bracts glabrous, outer ones 1-8-2-5 cm. long. Calyx e.

1-3 cm. long. Corolla-lobes c. 1 em. long. Lnp yellow with

red spots. Anther with a small rounded crest, without spread-

ing side-lobes.

This species has cnly been found on the upper part of

Kedah Peak, in the zone dominated by Baeckia and

Leptospermum. It is moderately tall, has leaves of width

intermediate between the narrow and broad-leaved species,

a short but dense inflorescence, with very short primary

bracts, rather small flowers with red-spotted lip, and a

small simple anther-crest. Mr. Ridley included with this

species some specimens from G. Tahan, which differ how-

-ever in several characters and are as distinct as most

species in this genus; they are now re-named G. tahanensis.

SPECIMENS. Kedah. Kedah Peak, 3,000—4,000 feet, Ridley

sn. June 1893 (Type); 3,500 feet, Haniff 12584. |

7. Geostachys penangensis Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32:° 159.

1899. Flora 4: 276. |

Rhizome at or close to ground level, not on stilt-roots.

Leaf-shoots to 55 cm. tall to top of longest sheath, with 5-8

leaves. Leaves to 33 by 4 cm., often as long but narrower,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

232

glabrous, apex acuminate and shortly caudate, base narrowly

cuneate; petiole of lowest leaf 5 mm., of uppermost to 3 cm.,

slender; ligule to 7 mm., glabrous. Peduwncle 2-5-5 cm. long,

longest sheath c. 5 cm. Rachis glabrous, to 7 cm. long, with

up to about 12 cincinni. Primary bracts 2-3 mm. long; stalks

of cincinni 5-10 mm. long. Outer flowering bracts 2-2-7 cm.

long, glabrous, each enclosing 2—4 flowers. Calyx c. 2 cm. long.

Corolla-lobes reddish, 1:3 cm. long. YLabellum about 2 cm. long,

narrower than long, dull yellow. Filament 5 mm., anther 6

mm, long, without crest.

This species appears to be common on Penang Hill.

The only specimen from outside Penang is one collected by

Ridley at Telom (i.e. near Cameron Highlands), with young

fruits; so far as it goes, this matches Penang specimens

quite well. Specimens collected on G. Tahan agree well

in inflorescence-characters, but have fewer leaves which are

shorter and usually more than twice as wide. I rank them

as a separate species.

SPECIMENS. Penang. Government Hill, 2,000 feet, Curtis

327 (Type). Moniot’s Road, Curtis 327 (1892). Tiger Hill,

2,400 feet, S.F.N. 2650 (Burkill). Penang Hill 2,500 feet,

Ridley 9336. Pahang. Telom, Ridley s.n., November 1908.

8. Geostachys tahanensis Holtt., sp. nov.

Rhizoma in terram repens, radicibus gralliformibus nullis;

caules foliati c. 40 cm. alti, 4-5 foliati; lamina folu ad 25 cm.

longa et 8 cm. lata, glabra, apice breviter acuminata, basi

anguste cuneata; petiolus ad 2 cm. longus (interdum petiolus

folii apicalis longior); kiguia ad 7 mm. longa, glabra; pedun-

culus 5-7 cm. longus, vaginis biseriatis vestitus, vagina

maxima 7 cm. longa; rachis decurvata ad 5 cm. longa, glabra,

7-12 cincinnos ferens; bracteae primariae 3-5 mm. longae;

cincinni 2-3 flores ferentes, pedicellis 8 mm. longis donati;

bracteae secundariae 2-2-8 em. longae, glabrae; calyx cum

ovario 18 mm. longus; corollae lobi 13 mm. longi, lobus dorsalis

7 mm. latus, lobi laterales 6 mm. lati, extus rubri, intus

pallidi; labellum 22 mm. longum, 16 mm. latum, pallide luteum,

nervis pellucidis; flamentum 4 mm. longum, anthera 6 mm.

longa, crista nulla; stylodia brevia, obtusa; fructus non visus.

TYPUS: Pahang, G. Tahan, 3,000-3,500 feet, near Sungei

Reriang, S.F.N. 20582, leg. Holttum. OTHER SPECIMENS:

Wray’s Camp, 3,300 feet, Ridley 16286, 16287.

This species was referred by Ridley to G. rupestris

(only otherwise known from Kedah Peak) ; but it differs

from G. rupestris in being shorter (only half as tall) with

shorter and proportionately broader leaves, shorter glabr-

ous rachis with fewer cincinni, longer primary bracts,

longer floral bracts, larger flowers lacking anther-crest and

lacking red spots on the lip. The G. Tahan specimens were

all collected at the same locality. They constitute a species

which is most nearly related to G. penangensis, but quite as

distinct as most others in the genus. Ridley’s no. 16287

differs from the other specimens in having the inflorescence

almost erect, the flowering branches spreading all round,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Te aT

fase, spi

were

”_ ~~ =” —_—

233

not on one side only. This may be due to some unusual

environmental condition. Further details of the variation

in size of the plants, and of floral characters, are needed to

establish clearly the distinction from G. penangensis.

9. Geostachys primulina Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 82: 201. 1920.

Fiora 4: 277.

Leafy stems tall. Leaves to 45 by 11 cm. or more, with

spreading hairs on the midrib beneath, apex shortly acuminate,

base rather broadly cuneate, slightly and unequally decurrent;

petiole 1-1-5 cm. long, hairy beneath or glabrescent; ligule to

about 1-3 cm. long, broad, hairy or glabrescent; sheaths hairy

near petiole only. Peduncle c. 4 cm. long, erect at base, apex

decurved; largest sheath c. 5 em. long. Rachis c. 6 cm. long,

conspicuously hairy, hairs a little over 1 mm. long; cincinni

to about 14. Primary bracts little over 1 mm. long; stalks

of cincinni to 6 mm. long. Outer fiowering bracts 2-2-5 cm.

long, glabrous containing 2 (? 3) flowers. Calyx with ovary

ec. 2 em. long. Corolla-lobes 1:2 em. long, primrose yellow.

Anther without crest.

This species is only known from the type collection,

from Semangkok Pass (The Gap), Ridley 12029. It is

evidently a large species vegetatively; the leaf preserved

is one of the lower ones, and upper ones might be longer,

though probably not wider. The inflorescence-characters,

except the conspicuous hairs on the rachis, are those of G.

penangensis. The colour of the lip has not been reported,

nor is its size clearly distinguishable from the available

material; it is likely however that a red-spotted lip would

have been noted by Mr. Ridley, who notes the primrose

yellow colour of the petals.

10. Geostachys secunda (Bak.) Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 158.

1899. Flora 4: 276. Alpinia secunda Bak., F.B.I. 6:

257. 1892.

Leaves to 80 by 13 cm., glabrous, apex acuminate; petiole

ce. 3 cm., ligule 1 em. long, glabrous. Peduncle 10 cm. long

(Ridley) ; rachis to 20 cm. long, with short spreading hairs;

cincinni very numerous, their stalks also hairy, the whole

inflorescence very dense. Primary bracts about 1 mm. long

(much wider than long) ; stalk of cincinni to nearly 3 cm. long.

Flowering bracts glabrous, 2-3 cm. iong, each with 2-4 flowers.

Calyx about 2 cm. long. Corolla-lobes about 1-3 cm. long.

Lip about 2 em. long (? 2-5 em.). Anther 8 mm. long,

without crest.

The type collection of this species (Kunstler 8047) is

not represented in the Singapore herbarium. The above

brief description is taken from a specimen of Ridley’s which

he refers to the species. It has much larger leaves than

Baker described (he says 2 inches wide = 5 cm.). The

flowers are in a fairly good state of preservation, and show

no anther-crest. The very dense inflorescence is large,

Vol. XIII. (1950).

234

with long stalks to the cincinni, and unusually short primary ;

bracts. It may be that Ridley’s specimen represents a

distinct species.

SPECIMEN. Perak. Bujong Malacca, Ridley 9785.

11. Geostachys decurvata (Bak.) Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32:

158. 1899. Flora 4: 276. Alpinia decurvata Bak.,

FBT. 6 2257" 13692:

Leafy shoots to 1-5 m. tall. Leaves deep green, glabrous,

to about 60 by 5 cm., apex acuminate, hardly cuspidate, base

cuneate; petiole 2—4 cm. long, ligule to about 1-2 cm., glabrous.

Peduncle erect, curved near apex only, 10-25 cm. long; sheaths

to about 10 cm. long. Rachis ec. 12-20 cm. long, bearing up

to about 22 cincinni, glabrous. Primary bracts usually 2-3

mm. long. Stalks of cinecinni 1-2-5 cm. long below first bract;

flowers 2-4 to each cincinnus. Flowering bracts 2-5-3-5 cm.

long. Calyx and corolla buff (er corolla-lobes sometimes tinged

with red ?), lip deeper. Anther-crest fairly large, exact shape

not certain. fruit red, glabrous, ellipsoid, to 2-5 cm. long

and little over half as wide.

This species is near G. densiflora, but appears to differ

in the longer peduncles and rachis of the inflorescence, more

widely-spaced cincinni and glabrous rachis. The specimens

all have short primary bracts except Ridley’s from Max-

well’s Hill, in which they are up to 8 mm. long. Ridley

says of this specimen that the connective is scarcely

prolonged beyond the anther. The flowers are not well

enough preserved to show the character clearly. There is

certainly a well-developed crest in one specimen of the type

collection. If further specimens from Maxwell’s Hill show

long bracts and crestless anther, Ridley’s specimen probably

represents a distinct species. On the other hand, further

collections may also show intermediates between the type

collection and G. densiflora in the density of flowering

branches.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Larut, 3,000-4,000 feet, King’s

Collector 6310 (type collection). Maxwell’s Hill, Ridley 5189.

Larut Hills, 4,000 feet, Anderson 60.

12. Geostachys densiflora Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 82: 201. 1920.

Flora 4: 276. Fig. 30.

Rhizome raised on stilt-roots 5-20 cm. above ground,

bearing leafy shoots close together, the whole plant forming

a close tuft of stems 1 metre wide. Leafy shoots to about

120 cm. (to 200 cm. ?) tall; basal sheathing portion green,

the old basal sheaths brown. Leaves purple beneath for a

long time, eventually green, with wavy edges; blade to about

50 by 4-5 em., glabrous, apex gradually narrowed and more

or less caudate (cauda to 25 cm.), base cuneate; petiole

slender, to 3-5 em. long; ligule to 1-5 em. long, glabrous or

fringed with short hairs, not lobed. Peduncles many, arising

Gardens Bulletin, S.

235

from base of leaf-shoots, basal %4 erect, then curving down-

wards, c. 6-12 cm. long, covered with large overlapping sheaths

(to 10 cm. long); rachis of inflorescence red, 7-15 cm. long,

curved obliquely downwards, bearing up to 30 short cincinni

which all curve upwards; main and branch-rachises covered

with rather stiff spreading hairs barely 1 mm. long. Bracts

at base of cincinni 3-4 mm. long, rounded, glabrous, the basal

ones to 5 mm., narrowed to the tip. Stalks of cincinni about

1-2-0 cm. long to the first floral bract, each bearing 2-5 flowers.

Outer floral bracts 2 to 4 cm. long, glabrous except for a

small tuft of hairs on the subapical tooth, or sometimes with

scattered short hairs, split about half-way down one side, the

apex acuminate and slightly keeled, with a subapical tooth

15 mm. long. Pedicel up to 6 mm. long, pedicel and ovary

glabrous. Calyx with ovary about 2 cm. long, transparent

whitish, the apex drawn out to a slender tip 5 mm. long on

one side, not evidently lobed, glabrous; the tip terminating a

flower-bud. Corolla-tube as long as calyx without its tip;

lobes pale translucent yellow, (sometimes pink ?), c. 1-4-1-8

cm. long, dorsal 8 mm. wide with strongly concave tip, laterals

6 mm. wide, spreading. Lip 2-5-3 em. long, 3-lobed; lateral

lobes erect, triangular, their tips about 1 cm. from base of lip,

midlobe spreading and reflexed at the tip, almost circular,

with crinkled edges, about 2 cm. across, minutely hairy on

upper surface, pale orange buff, deeper down the midline,

with colourless transparent veins. Staminedes nil. Fulament

about 5 mm. long and 2 mm. wide, pale yellow buff. Anther

bent forwards at nearly a right angle to filament and more

deeply coloured, 7 mm. long, the crest 3-lobed, total width

8 mm., side-lobes spreading, acute, c. 2 by 1 mm., the midlobe

erect, broadly rounded, c. 3-5 mm. wide and 3 mm. long. Stigma

small, with a narrow transversely elongated mouth fringed with

hairs. Stylodes 2-5 mm. tall, fleshy, blunt. Frwit ellipsoid, gla-

brous, more or less finely ribbed, about 2 em. long, red when

ripe, stalked like the flower or the stalk elongated further.

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Cameron Highlands 5,000 feet,

S.F.N. 31205 (Holttum); Batten-Pooll, sn. November 1939.

Fraser’s Hill 4,000 feet, S.F.N. 8636 (Burkill and Holttum),

338154 (Corner). Perak. Scortechini 381. G. Kerbau 4,000

feet, Robinson (not in H.S., Type).

The above description is based chiefly on field notes and

specimens preserved dry and in alcohol by Corner (S.F.N.

33154). Burkill’s field notes agree. The Cameron High-

lands specimens are not so complete as those from Fraser’s

Hill. Holttum’s 31205 was fruiting only; Batten-Pooll’s

is a dried specimen showing floral details well (no colour

recorded) but there is no complete inflorescence. The

Fraser’s Hill specimens have floral bracts little over 3 cm.

long, lip about 2-5 em. long and corolla-lobes about 1-4 cm.

long. Batten-Pooll’s specimen has floral bracts to 4:2 .cm.

long, lip certainly 3 cm. long and corolla-lobes almost 2 cm.

long. It may be that Cameron Highland plants represent

a distinct variety; a difference of flower-colour as well as

Size is possible. Cameron Highlands specimens collected in

1946 had anther-crest 15 mm. wide, its midlobe 75 mm.

wide and 4-5 mm. high, also filament 9 mm. long.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

236 | *

I have ranked these specimens as G. densiflora Ridl.,

but it is possible they are not truly referable to that species.

The type of G. densiflora is a specimen of Robinson’s from

G. Kerbau, presumably at Kew; the collection is not repre-

sented in the Singapore herbarium. Ridley’s descriptions ~

of other species in this genus indicate that no reliance —

whatever can be placed on his dimensions of inflorescence, —

flowers and their parts. All that is clear from his descrip- —

tion of G. densiflora is that the species is not very large, —

has narrow leaves, a fairly large and dense-flowered

inflorescence with hairy rachis, and the anther-crest large

(he says ‘‘anther-crest large, round’, but the lateral lobes

might be broken in a dried specimen). The Fraser’s

Hill and Cameron Highlands specimens agree in these

characters; the Fraser’s Hill specimens differ in having

eorolla-iobes pale yellow, not pink as recorded for G. densi-

flora. It seems best to refer our specimens to Ridley’s

species at present, pending examination of the type.

18. ELETTARIA MATON

Rhizome stout or fairly stout, the intervals between —

leaf-shoots often short. Leaf-shoots tall, with many blade- —

bearing leaves; petioles short. Inflorescences from rhizome ~

close to the base of a leaf-shoot, long and slender, prostrate,

either just at the surface of the ground or just below it

(not bearing roots), protected by alternate fairly large

scale-leaves, in the axils of which cincinni arise, their

attachment being sometimes supra-axillary. Cincinni

short, bearing a close succession of tubular bracts, each of |

which encloses entirely the next flower and also the next —

bract; the flowers in two close rows on one side of the

composite axis of the shoot, all pointing in the same

direction, and curved, opening in succession. Calyx tubular,

split about 14, of its length down one side, shortly 3-toothed;

in some species joined at the base to the corolla-tube for a —

variable distance above the ovary. Corolla-tube about as

long as calyx; lobes not very broad, subequal, the upper

with a concave apex. Labellum as in Amomum, with

yellow median band and red stripes, sometimes so curved —

that it stands as a hood over the top of the flower. Stami-

nodes none, or short and narrow. Filament of anther very

short, broad. Anther longer than filament, the connective

produced at the apex into a small crest. Stigma small,

in close contact with the distal end of the pollen-sacs.

Fruit globose or ellipsoid, thin-walled, smooth or with

longitudinal ridges when ripe. |

Gardens Bulletin, S.

237

This genus has hitherto been regarded as comprising

only the two species EF. cardamomum and E. major, from

southern India and Ceylon. It agrees in all essential

flower-characters with Amomum (in which Gagnepain

includes EF’. cardamomum), but differs strikingly in the form

of the inflorescence, which (as Bentham pointed out when

describing Cyphostigma, in Hook. Ic. Pl. t. 1380) is the

most satisfactory basis for generic distinctions in this group

of plants. In investigating the Malayan Elettariopsis

longituba Ridl. I have discovered that this has exactly the

same inflorescence-structure as Elettaria cardamomum,; and

the same is true of the Sumatran species Elettariopsis

multiflora Ridl. It is clear that Elettariopsis aquatilis

Ridl. (Sumatra) and Cyphostigma surculosum K. Schum.

(Borneo) have the same structure, and should also be

included in the genus; there is also an undescribed Bornean

species in the Singapore herbarium.

The essential feature of the inflorescence of Elettaria

is a prostrate axis bearing 2-ranked sheaths, with a cincin-

nus in the axil of each. The structure is thus identical

with that of Alpinia and Geostachys, except that the axis is

prostrate and the sheaths which correspond to the primary

bracts of Alpinia are 2-ranked. If we stretched out the

decumbent inflorescence of such a species as Geostachys

decurvata, and increased the number of the 2-ranked

sheaths of its peduncle, putting a cincinnus in the axil of

each, we should have Elettaria. If we regard Amomum as

a genus in which the lateral cincinni of the inflorescence are

each reduced to one flower (which seems the only rational

interpretation), then Elettaria cannot be a derivative of

Amomum; rather is it another and distinct offshot from the

Alpinia stock. But the resemblance of colouring of the

ewer in the two genera indicates a near origin in that

stock.

Elettaria agrees with Elettariopsis (so far as Malayan

plants are concerned) in having long-tubed flowers; but

this is probably a superficial resemblance due to the fact

that in both Elettariopsis Curtisti and Elettaria longituba

the flowers are produced just below ground-level and must

have long tubes to bring them up into the free air. Eletta-

ria cardamomum, which has flowers entirely above ground,

has short tubes. There is also an important difference

between Elettariopsis Curtisii and Elettaria longitube in

the matter of variable flower-length (such variation occurs

in both according to the thickness of leaves etc. through

which the flowers must penetrate). The lengthening in

Elettariopsis Curtisii is in calyx or corolla-tube or both;

the lengthening in Elettaria longituba is in the joined part

Vol. XIII. (1950).

238 ae

of the two tubes, at their base. Such a fusion of the two

tubes, forming a separation between ovary and calyx

proper, is only known to occur otherwise in Cyphostigma

pulchellum.

The position of Cyphostigma, which likewise has a

prostrate slender inflorescence, is rather different, as in at

least three characters it shows a relationship to Elettaria

rather than to Elettariopsis. The first has already been

mentioned, namely the fusion of calyx and corolla® The

second is the tubular bracteoles. The third is the position

of the flower, with the lip hooded over the top of it, in

which Hlettaria longituba closely resembles Cyphostigma

as illustrated in Hooker’s Icones (t. 380). It may be that

Cyphostigma is a derivative of Elettaria in which the

cincinni are reduced to one flower; but the details of

branching are not shown with sufficient clearness to make

a definite statement, and I have seen no specimens.

Elettaria occurs in Ceylon and southern India, Sumatra,

Malaya and Borneo. There is no record of any Burma

species; but it is probable that much more remains to be

discovered about Zingiberaceae in Burma. It is however

perhaps possible that Elettaria cardamomum and the

Malaysian Elettarias represent parallel developments from

different points of origin in the Alpinia stock.

The only known Peninsula species is Elettaria longi-

tuba. Corner has made some elaborate field notes of this,

as found at Kemaman; these are incorporated in the

description given below. He records that the flowering

runners may be 11 feet (33 metres) long, crossing small

streams; a similar fact is recorded of FE. aquatilis, which

likewise grows in wet ground (in southern Sumatra) and

may be conspecific with EH. longituba. EH. longituba is

certainly one of the largest species of the genus, having the

vegetative habit of a large Hornstedtia. Its flowers appear

singly, at longer intervals than in some other species, few

to each cincinnus; and it seems that the cincinnus stops

flowering as soon as a fruit is formed. The fruits are large,

but apparently not valuable as a spice, like Cardamoms.

Elettaria longituba (Ridl.) Holtt. comb. nov. EHlettariopsis

erent Ridl,, Trans. Linn. Soc. 3: 382. 1893. J.S.B.

R.A.S. 156. 1899. Flora 4: 275. Cyphostigma

pes Py K, Schum., Pflanzenr. 274. 1904.

Rhizome stout, below ground, bearing leaf-shoots at inter-

vals of 7 cm. or more. Leaf-shoots tall (probably to 3 m.),

swollen at base to about 6 cm., bladeless basal part greenish

to greenish yellow, upper sheaths greenish. Leaves rather

light green, distinctly but faintly ribbed on the upper side,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

2359

midrib yellowish on both sides, blade to 80 by 17 cm., softly

short-hairy beneath throughout, apex caudate (cauda to about

3 cm.), base unequal, cuneate; petiole to about 2-5 em. long,

hairy beneath; ligule 5-10 mm. long, short-hairy, broad, some-

what 2-lobed; sheath short-hairy or glabrescent. Flowering

stolons arising from the under sides of the rhizome and

travelling 1-2 cm. below the surface, to 3-5 m. long, when

old about 1 cm. thick, white, bearing white or pinkish scale-

leaves to 7 cm. long. Cincinni arising well above the axils

of the scale-leaves, each with a stalk 1 to 3 cm. long, and

bearing a succession of a few (5 to 6) flowers opening singly.

Lowest bract on cincinnus ec. 3-2 cm. long, the basal half

or more tubular, glabrous. Within this bract is the first

flower of the cincinnus (usually abortive) and another bract.

Second bract c. 2-5 cm. long, tubular for 2/3 of its length,

the apex unequally 2-lobed, each lobe with a short slender tip,

glabrous, enclosing a flower and also another bract which

in turn encloses a flower and a closed bract. Flowers erect,

the apical part curved over so that it represents the quadrant

of a circle, with the lip uppermost. Calyx glabrous, with

pedicel and ovary to 4 cm. long, split about 1 cm., the teeth

rather fleshy, 2-4 mm. long, with narrow tips bearing a few

hairs, otherwise glabrous, deep red fading to brown. Covrolla-

tube as long as calyx; lobes c. 1:5 cm. long, dorsal 8 mm.,

lateral 7 mm. wide, pale pink. Corolla-tube and calyx joined

together for nearly 2 cm. above ovary (length of this part

varies). Lip about 2 cm. long and wide, white with a rather

pale yellow median band, which in the proximal third is

edged with a fine pink longitudinal stripe and has also 2 pale

pink stripes upon it (i.e. 4 stripes in all); edges towards the

base inflexed to make a tube, distal part of blade spreading,

concave, with reflexed wrinkled edge. Filament nil (at most

1 mm.). Anther 6 mm. long, crest small, reflexed, almost

equally 4-lobed, the lobes quadrangular, each c. 1 mm. long

and wide, the whole crest slightly diverging in a fan-shape,

total width 4 mm., length 1-5 mm., colour pale pink with

white tips. Staminodes none. Stylodes 3 mm. long, relatively

thick and blunt, apex 3-lobed, split to base one side only.

Stigma small, under 2 mm. wide, immediately in contact with

distal ends of poilen-sacs, with forward-turned linear opening.

Fruit on pedicel 3 mm. long, globose-pyriform, slightly 3-

shouldered, smooth and slightly ribbed, with thin walls when

dry, surmounted by base of calyx and corolla 3 mm. long,

maximum diameter 2-8 cm., height rather less, white when

young, brown when ripe.

The flowering stolons do not root. They reach the

surface of the ground at times, and sometimes traverse

small streams, the flowers appearing out of the water. The

details of habit and colour are obtained from Mr. Corner’s

notes. ASS

SPECIMENS. Pahang. Streams and wet spots, Tahan,

Ridley 2403 (type). Perak. Upper Perak, 300 feet, Wray

3586. Selangor. Gunong Hitam, Goodenough s.n. 1897.

Trengganu. Kemaman, Ulu Kajang swamp, S.F.N. 30484

(Corner).

Vol. XIII. (1950).

240

COSTUS LINNAEUS

Stems erect from rhizome; covered near the base with

bladeless sheaths, leafy higher up, at first unbranched, later

branched, with secondary branches also; branches breaking

through leaf-sheaths. Leaves spirally arranged on stem

(spiral sometimes very steep) ; base of blade usually attach-

ed to sheath by a short stalk and articulated at the junction ;

sheath tubular, its apex running round across the base of

the blade as a short ligule. Inflorescence dense, globose or

ellipsoid, terminal on leafy stems or on short leafless shoots ;

bracts in a series of parastichies, usually broad and over-

lapping at the base, with 1 or 2 flowers (one in Malayan

plants) ; bracteoles smaller, laterally flattened, in the case

of one flower facing at right angles to the bract, not tubuiar

at the base. Calyx tubular, more or less deeply 3-lobed,

lobes often acute or thorn-like, the anterior one usually

broader than the other two. Corolla-tube shorter or longer

than calyx, lobes overlapping. No staminodes. Labellum

large, obovate, thin, the edges often crisped, never deeply

lobed, often brightly coloured. Stamen with broad petaloid.

filament which usually curves forwards and closes entrance

to tube of flower, with upturned tip; anther well below

apex of stamen, little raised from its surface. No erect

nectaries in base of tube, but two hollows which secrete

nectar, being connected below to a gland in the apex of the

ovary. Ovary trilocular; ovules many, in 2 rows. Capsule

3-angled, the lateral angles smaller and more spreading,

loculicidal, gaping with 3 slits, not splitting to the apex.

Seeds angular, usually with white fleshy aril, all those in

one loculus adhering together by their arils on dehiscence ;

embryo straight, in copious endosperm; operculum present..

This is the only genus of Zingiberaceae, as arranged

by Schumann, which is pantropic; and it is further remark-

able in that the majority of the species are African and

American, whereas in the family as a whole the great

majority of species are Asiatic. Costus is the main repre-

sentative of the sub-family Costoideae, the only other

important genus being the Papuasian Tapeinochilus.

__ Schumann was the first to point out the important

differences between the Costoideae and Zingiberoideae,

namely the spiral arrangement of the leaves, the closed

(entirely tubular) leaf-sheaths with circular ligule, the

sunken nectar-glands, and the lack of aromatic substances

in the plant. Costus itself is also remarkable for the com-

plete absence of staminodes and the very large convoluted

lip. Loesener (Pflanzenfam. Ed. 2, 15A: 551) quotes Troll

as suggesting that the large lip of Costus represents a

Gardens Bulletin, S-

241

complete union of ali five non-functional stamens, and this

seems likely to be correct. The very broad petaloid stamen

is another characteristic feature of Costus itself. Tapeino-

chilus differs in floral form, but is very close vegetatively

to Costus; this is one of many indications of the importance

of vegetative features (and especially those of the inflores-

cence) in a comparative study of the family.

Ridley considered that Malayan specimens of Costus

represented five species; these are here reduced to three,

two (C. Kingi and C. velutinus) being regarded as varieties

of C. globosus. C. speciosus has a very wide distribution

in Indo-Malaysia, and is variable; it grows on the edges of

forest and in similar half-open places, not in the full forest-

shade like C. globosus, and this tolerance of exposure has

doubtless permitted it to spread. C. globosus is distributed

throughout western Malaysia. The third species, C.

oligophyllus, is still only known from the original collection,

and has been incompletely described.

The West African species Costus lucanusianus was

introduced to Singapore as an ornamental plant. It has

become well established in the Botanic Gardens, reproduc-

ing itself freely from seeds, and has formed dense thickets

in half-shaded places, or even in full sun where the soil is

fairly good. It is in fact a weed which may become

troublesome if not controlled. It has the habit of C.

speciosus but the labellum has crimson sides and orange

centre, with white towards the base only; a vegetative

distinction is a raised ring round the top of the leaf-sheath,

the ring bearing stiff spreading hairs. Another West

African species, apparently C. Schlechteri, is also well

established in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, but only in

full shade. It has white flowers, usually on a short separate

stem close to the ground but occasionally also on the end

of a leafy stem; there are two flowers to each bract, a

character not seen in native Malayan species.

KEY TO COSTUS IN MALAYA

Inflorescence at apex of leafy shoots

Labellum white and vellow only 1. C. speciosus.

Labellum with crimscn and orange patches

[C. lucanusianus (African) }.

Inflorescence on short leafless shoots

Bracts and calyx-lobes ending in stout spines, conspicu-

ously hairy or scabrid 2. C. globosus.

Hairs on bracts and lobes of calyx club-shaped,

about 0-5 mm. long. var. Ridley.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

242

Hairs on bracts and calyx needle-like, 1-2 mm.

long

Leaves and sheaths short velvet-hairy

var. Kingi.

Hairs on leaf-sheaths spreading, c. 3 mm. long

var. velutinus.

Bracts and calyx-lobes acute but not ending in spines,

not conspicuously hairy 3. C. oligophyllus.

1. Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm., Trans. Linn. Soc. 1: 249.

1800. Ridl., Flora 4: 256. Banksia speciosa Koenig

in Retz. Obs. 3: 75. 1783. Costus nepalensis Rosc.,

Monandr. Pl. t. 80. 1828. Fig. 31, 32.

Stem 2-3 m. or more tall, much branching when old; base

of stem covered with sheaths only for 60 cm. or more, rest

leafy. Leaves: sheath c. 4 cm. long, green + flushed with

purple, with many closely pressed fine short hairs, top edge

of sheath with rather long fine soft hairs (not spreading)

to 7 mm. long; petiole 5-7 mm. long, short appressed-hairy

above and below; blade to ec. 23 by 6 ecm., oblanceolate-

acuminate, widest 1/3 from apex or sometimes in middle, base

narrowly rounded; dark green and glabrous or appressed-hairy

above, with paler grooved midrib, finely appressed-hairy below,

paler (hairs pale greenish). Inflorescence to c. 5 cm. diameter

and 10 ecm. long, on short stalk usually curved, close to

uppermost leaf. Bracts c. 1-4 em. long, ovate acute, green

+ flushed with red, with a narrow red fleshy protuberance

up to 5 mm. long below the apex; densely minutely hairy

with distinctly ciliate edges (hairs vary in length) or rarely

glabrous. Bracteole one to each flower, c. 1 cm, long, keeled,

acute, + tinged with red especially at the ciliate edges.

Flower 1 to each bract. Calyx at flowering much longer than

bract, with the ovary c. 2-2 em. long (calyx alone c. 1:3 cm.) ;

2 posterior teeth 3 mm. long, strongly keeled; anterior tooth

nearly 5 mm. long, not keeled; teeth all more or less red,

hairy like the bracts or rarely glabrous, tube of calyx green,

reddening after flowering. Ovary at flowering much flattened,

c. 9 mm. wide. Corolla-tube shorter than calyx; lobes 3-5 cm.

long, faintly pinkish (pink in bud). Labellum curved, trumpet-

shaped, the edges overlapping, tip to apex of ovary c.

5-5—-7-5 em., white with cream median band hardly reaching

apex, with yellow hairs in this band at throat of trumpet,

longest hairs 1 cm. from base of tube. Stamen: free part

2-5 em. long when flattened, 1-2 cm. wide, yellow at apex only,

hairy on back. Fruit bright red, dehiscing loculicidally: seeds

black with fleshy white arils all coming out in one group.

This species is very widely distributed in Indo-Malay-

rk and very common in Malaya, chiefly on the edges of

orest.

Herbarium specimens all have leaves hairy below, but

the amount of hairiness varies much. Some specimens

(including some from Singapore) have leaves hairy above.

A few plants have much longer hairs than the rest, those on

sheaths spreading a little. One collection from Perak has

Gardens Bulletin, S.

esl al

IPT TRIE WEL TIN te 5,

243

inflorescence on leafless stem 12 cm. long, covered with

short overlapping softly hairy sheaths.

It is impossible to tell the size of flowers from herba-

rium specimens. The typical form is said to have large

flowers 10 cm. long, but I have not seen a Malayan specimen

of this size.

var. sericea (Bl.) Schumann, Engl. Bot. Jahrb. 27: 348.

1899. C. sericeus Bl., Enum, Pl. Jav. 1: 62. 1827.

This is said to be more hairy, with flowers 5-6 cm.

long. But hairiness varies much and can hardly be used

to separate varieties clearly.

A plant flowering in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore,

has leaves glabrous above, bracts and calyx quite glabrous,

and lip 7-5 cm. long and 7:5 em. wide in its natural position.

But it is certain that some large-flowered plants have hairy

calyx and bracts. The only specimen with glabrous bracts

and calyx is from Bukit Mandai, Singapore Island.

2. Costus globosus Bl., Enum. Pl. Jav. 62. 1827 (sens. lat.).

Valet., Ic. Bog. 2: t. 163. 1905.

Stems to 3 m. or more tall, much thickened at base, covered

with sheaths only for greater part of height, leafy towards

apex, leaves in a steep spiral; erect when young, when older

often bent over and branching much; erect stems branching

near apex only. Leaves (on main stem): blade to about 30

by 10 cm., widest 1/3 from apex and narrowed evenly to

slightly unequally cuneate base, apex abruptly shortly acumi-

nate, tip c. 2 cm. long, glabrous or hairy beneath; stalk to

5 mm. long and wide; sheath glabrous or hairy. Inflorescence

from rhizome: peduncle usually 2-10 cm. long, exceptionally

to 20 cm., covered with overlapping sheaths 2—4 cm. long, hairy

as bracts; spike globose or slightly elongate, 5-9 cm. diameter:

one bracteole and one flower to each bract. Bracts 2 to 3-5

cm. long, to 2-5 cm. wide, apex broadly rounded with a stout

acute spine-like tip which projects 2-3 mm. and is produced

downwards as a thickening on the back; outer surface more

or less densely hairy, the hairs stiff and needle-like or short,

broad and blunt; colour of bracts red, spiny tips yellowish.

Bracteole nearly as long as bract, but much narrower, similarly

pointed, or sometimes passing right across the back of the

calyx and almost completely embracing the base of the ovary.

Calyx at flowering 2-5-4 cm. long including the ovary, hairy

like the bracts, lobes to 8 mm. long, all three ending in stout

spines like the bracts, red. Corolla-tube shorter than the

calyx: lobes about 3-5 by 2 cm., hairy on back (in Peninsular

plants), apiculate (apiculus longer on dorsal lobe) pink to

deep red. Lip cherry red to bright orange yellow, always

orange in the throat, edges with rather long hairs, inside

towards throat short yellow hairs. Stamen same colour as lip

or paler, with long white or yellow hairs on back. Ovary

hairy, hairs always slender and appressed. Fruit enclosed by

bracts. Rarely an epiphyte: usually in moist forest near

streams, cften very large.

Vol. XHTI. (1950).

244

var. Ridleyi. (Schum.) Holtt., stat. nov. Costus Ridleyi

K. Schum., Pflanzenr. Zingib. 411. 1904. Costus glo-

bosus quoad Ridl., J.S.B.R.AiS. 32: 126" Flora 43 290,

Fig. 33.

Bracts and lobes of calyx bearing swollen club-shaped

unicellular hairs c. 0-5 mm. long, basal part of calyx with

short thin hairs; bracts usually not over 2-5 cm. long;

bracteoles usually embracing whole base of ovary. Leaves

almost glabrous beneath. Corolla-tube hairy. Flowers red.

Throughout Malaya in moist lowland forest but not

north of Perak.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Maxwell’s Hill, Ridley s.n. June 1893

(large bracts). Waterloo Estate, 1,500 feet, Curtis sn. May

1890. Tanjong Rambutan, S.F.N. 28772 (Henderson).

Selangor. Gua Batu, Ridley 8474. Dusun Tua, Ridley s.n.

May 1896. Pataling, Ridley s.n. 27.6.1889. Klang Gates,

Hume 7280 (F.M.S. Mus.). Negri Sembilan. Perhentian

Tinggi, s.n. 1898. G. Tampin 2,000 feet, S.F.N. 3102 (Burkill).

Ulu Bendul, S.F.N. 9848 (Holttum). Bukit Tampin, Good-

enough 1908. Pahang. Tahan River, Ridley 2392. Ulu

Chineras, K. Lipis, S.F.N. 15684 (Burkill and Haniff). P.

Tioman, Joara Bay, S.F.N. 1147 (Burkill). Tembeling,

S.F.N. 21778 (Henderson). Johore. Ulu Madik, S.F.N. 10639

(Holttum). @G. Panti, Ridley s.n. December 1899. Singapore.

Bukit Timah, Ridley s.n. 1892; S.F.N. 126 (Burkill).

var. Kingii (Bak.) Holtt., stat. nov. Costus Kingu Bak.,

F.B.I. 6: 250. 1892. Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 125. 1899.

Flora 4: 257.

Bracts and calyx bearing slender pale needle-like hairs

of 3-4 cells, 1-2 mm. long, bracts usually 3 cm. or more long,

bracteoles narrow. Leaves hairy beneath throughout, the hairs

on the midrib always distinct, close, spreading, on the lamina

close, erect, velvety to the touch, sometimes very short: leaf-

sheaths also short-hairy. Flower bright orange. Lowlands,

many localities, not south of Tampin: occurs in Penang.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Ulu Temango, Ridley s.n. 1909. Penang.

Pulo Boetong, Curtis 1976. Balik Pulau, Ridley s.n. 1898.

Highlands Reserved Forest, S.F.N. 1475 (Burkill). Pahang.

Bentong, S.F.N. 14104 (Best). Sungei Tahan; Ridley s.n.

1891. Selangor. Ulu Gombak, 1,000 feet, S.F.N. 34207

(Md. Nur).

var. velutinus (Ridl.) Holtt., stat. nov. Costus velutinus

Ridl., -J:S:B.R.A.S. 57:.108, 1910. Fiota 4. 2a,

Bracts and calyx hairy as in var. Kingii but hairs denser

and thicker. Sheaths of peduncle similarly hairy. Flowers

orange-red. Leaves hairy as in var. Kingii but the hairs

longer; hairs on leaf-sheaths copious, spreading, c. 3 mm. long.

Perak only near Grik and at Temengoh.

SPECIMENS. Perak. Ulu Temengoh, Ridley (Type).

Grik, S.F.N. 12473 (Burkill and Haniff).

Three species of Ridley’s Flora are here united, namely

his C. globosus, C. Kingi and C. velutinus. They are all

very closely allied, and none of them agree exactly with

Gardens Bulletin, S.

245

cc. globosus Bl. of Java. As far as can be judged from

herbarium specimens, the distinctions are mainly of hairi-

ness only, of the leaves and inflorescence, and thus it seems

preferable to regard them all as varieties of one species.

There may well be differences of vegetative habit (size,

mode of branching etc.) but these have not been established.

If they should prove to exist, it may be well to revert to a

separation of the three as separate species.

Some specimens referred to var. Ridleyi on grounds

of the swollen short hairs of the calyx and bracts disagree

with most others of the variety in having long bracts (3:5

cm. long) and narrow bracteoles on one side of the calyx

only, exactly as in var. Kingii. Some specimens of var.

Kinguvi also have short bracts as in most specimens of var.

Ridleyi, but their bracteoles are narrow. Thus the distinc-

tions between these varieties do not seem very sharp. The

information as regards flower colour does not appear to be

uniform within a variety as at present recognized. More

anformation on this is needed, especially from places (like

Tahan River) where two varieties grow near together.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

INDEX TO NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Note. Names printed in bold-face type refer to new species or new

combinations. Names printed in italics are synonyms.

Achasma Griff., 183.

macrocheilos Griff., 188.

megalocheilos Griff., 191, fig. 23.

pauciflorum (Ridl.) ’ Holtt., 187.

on ats ee (Bak.) Holtt.,

189.

subterraneum Holtt., 187.

triorgyale (Bak.) Holtt., 186.

Alpinia, 140.

assimilis Ridl., 152.

aurantiaca Ridl., 144, 145.

Burkillu Hend., 146.

campanaria Ridl., 146.

cannifolia Ridl., 138.

capitellata Jack, 143.

comosa Ridl., 134.

conchigera Griff., 142, fig. 16.

decurvata Bak., 234.

denticulata (Ridl.) Holtt., 148.

Fraseriana Oliv., 159

galanga Sw., 157.

Hookeriana Val., 158.

involucrata Griff., 145.

javanica Bl., 145.

latilabris Ridl., 153.

macrostephana Ridl., 135.

magnifica Rosce., 181

malaccensis Rosc., 155.

melanocarpa Ridl., 159.

mollissima Ridl., 138.

Murdochii Ridl., 148.

mutica Roxb., 150, 153.

nobilis Ridl., 155.

nutans Rosce., 152.

oxymitra K. Schum., 134.

pahangensis Ridl., 146.

petiolata Bak., 136.

pulcherrima Ridl., 136.

Rafflesiana Wall., 144.

scabra Bak., 158.

secunda Bak., 233.

secundiflora Ridl., 223.

Seimundii Ridl., 149.

Wrayi Bak., 137.

Amomum, 192.

aculeatum Roxb., 212.

aurantiacum Ridl., 212.

biflorum Jack, 199.

cephalotes Ridl., 209.

citrinum (Ridl.) Holtt., 207.

cylindraceum Ridl., 204.

cylindrostachys Ridl., 207.

elettarioides Bak., 199.

Banksia speciosa Koenig, 242.

Boesenbergia O. Ktze., 106.

flavum Ridl., 212.

hastilabium Ridl., 203, fig. 25.

Holttumi Ridl., 203.

kapulaga Burk. and Spr., 200.

lappaceum Ridl., 210.

laterale Ridl., 161.

macrocheilos Bak., 188.

macrodous Scort., 202.

macroglossa K. Schum., 200.

megalocheilos Bak., 191.

micranthum Ridl., 201.

ochreum Ridl., 208.

ophiuchus Ridl., 176.

perakense Ridl., 210.

phaeochoanum x. Schum., 174.

rivale Ridl., 205.

Schmidtii Gagnep., 199.

scyphiferum Koenig, 170.

sphaerocephalum Bak., 189.

spiceum Ridl., 197.

squarrosum Ridl., 206.

stenoglossum Bak., 198.

testaceum Ridl., 205, fig. 25.

trilobum Gagnep., 219.

triorgyale Bak., 186.

uliginosum Koenig, 213, fig. 26.

utriculosum (Ridl.) Holtt., "302.

vitellinum Lindl., 137. :

xanthoglossum Ridl., 208.

xanthophlebium Bak., 198,

fig. 24.

zeodaria Berg., 71.

zerumbet Linn., 59.

albo-sanguinea Schltr., 111.

clivalis (Ridl.) Schltr., 116.

concinna Schlitr., 94.

Curtisii (Bak.) ‘Schitr., 112.

flava (Ridl.) Holtt., 113.

lancifolia Schltr., 104.

legsipes (King and Pr.) Schltr.,

lurida Loes., 110.

pandurata ( Roxb.) Schitr., 115.

plicata (Ridl.) Holtt., 109.

Prainiana (Bak.) | Schltr. Til.

ereiEe (Wall.) O. Ktze.,

scaphochlamys Schltr., 104.

Gardens Bulletin, S._

Camptandra Ridl., 78.

latifolia Ridl., 81, fig. 8.

ovata Ridl., 81.

parvula (King) a 80.

tahanensis Ridl.,

— Carenophila toes ie *Ridl, 229.

Catimbium Juss., 149.

- assimile (Ridl.) Holtt., 152.

latilabre (Ridl.) Holtt., 153,

fig. 18.

malaccense (Burm.) Holtt., 155.

muticum (Roxb.) Holtt., 150,

fig. 17.

speciosum (Wendl.) Holtt., 152.

Cenolophon Blume, 132

Corneri Holtt., 139.

ee (Bak.) Holtt.,

135

mollissimum (Ridl.) Holtt.,

oxymitrum (K. Schum.) Holtt.,

134

petiolatum (Bak.) Holtt., 136.

Conamomum citrinum Ridl., 207.

sericeum Ridl., 229.

utriculosum Ridl., 208.

Costus Linn., 240

globosus Bl., 243.

Kingtit Bak., 244.

lucanusianus, 241.

malaccensis Koenig, 145.

nepalensis Rosc., 242.

Ridleyi K. Schum., 244.

sericeus Bl., 243.

ar icing (Koenig) Sm., 242,

figs. 31, 32.

28 oe Ridl., 244.

Curcuma Linn., 65.

aeruginosa Roxb., 70.

aurantiaca van Zijp, 67.

colorata Val., 69.

68, fig. 4

domestica Val.,

Kunstleri Bak.,

5 longa Koenig, 68.

é mangga Val. and v. Zijp, 70.

yi parvifiora Wall., 68.

é, sylvestris Ridl., 91.

ks viridiflora Roxb., 69.

> xanthorhiza Roxb., 72.

: longituba K. Schum., 238.

Schmidtti K. Schum., 199.

Elettaria Maton, 236.

longituba (Ridl.) Holtt., 238.

speciosa Bl., 181.

Vol. XII. (1950).

138.

pulcherrimum (Ridl.) Holtt., 136.

vitellinum (Lindl.) Horan., 137.

zeodaria (Berg.) Rosc., 71, fig. 5.

Cyphostigma exsertum Scort., 217.

247

Elettariopsis Bak., 214.

Curtisii Bak., 217, figs. 27, 28.

cyanescens Ridl., 124.

exserta (Scort.) Bak., 217.

latiflora Ridl., 217.

longituba Ridl., 238.

pubescens Ridl., 199.

Schmidtui K. Schum., 199.

serpentina Bak., 217.

triloba (Gagnep.) Loes., 219,

fig. 29.

Galanga malaccensis Rumph., 155.

Gastrochilus Wall., 10

acuta Ridl., 112.

albo-sanguinea Ridl.,

biloba Ridl., 89.

calophylla Ridl., 89

clivalis Ridl., 116.

concinna Ridl.,

Curtisii Bak., 112.

flava Ridl., 113.

javanus K. Schum.,

Kunstleri Val., 96.

lanceolatus Ridl., 97, 99.

lancifolius Ridl., 104.

longifolia Ridl., 91

longipes Kg. and Pr.,

lurida Ridl., 110.

minor Ridl., a 114.

oculata Ridl.,

pandurata Ridi.

plicata Ridl., 109.

Prainiana Ridl., 111.

puberula Ridl., 116.

pulcherrima Wall., 109.

scaphochlamys Ridl., 104.

sub-bilobus Burk., 105.

Geocharis Ridl., 220.

aurantiaca Ridl., 222.

macrostemon (K. Schum.) Holtt.,

secundiflora wer Holtt., 223.

Geostachys Ridl.,

decurvata Hie Ys Ridl., 234.

densiflora Ridl., 234, fig. 30.

megaphylla Holtt., 228,

montana (Ridl.) Holtt., 229.

penangensis Ridl., 251.

primulina Ridl., 223.

rupestris Ridl., 231.

secunda (Bak.) Ridl., 233.

sericea (Ridl.) Holtt.; 229.

tahanensis Holtt., 232.

taipingensis Holtt., 230.

Globba Linn., 21

albiflora Ridl., 31.

aurantiaca Miq., 36.

cernua Bak.,

111.

112.

114.

“115.

: maa oh

248 ~ .

Curtisii Holtt., 4 striolata Ridl., 173.

elegans Ridl., triorgyalis Ridl., 186.

fasciata Ridl., 38. venusta Ridl,, 182.

flavidula Ridl., 28.

floribunda Bak., 26.

leucantha Miq., 26, fig. 1. Kaempferia Linn., 117.

macranthera Ridl., 32. concinna Bak., 94.

malaccensis Ridl., 37. cyanescens Ridl., 124.

marantina aes 20. elegans (Wall.) Bak., 123.

montana Ridl., galanga Linn., 121. .

pallidiflora Bak, "36, lancifolia K. Schum., 104.

panicoides Ridl., 29. malaccana K. Schum., 104.

pendula Roxb., 29. pandurata Roxb., 115.

perakensis Ridl., 37. parvula King, 80.

regalis Ridl., 27. Prainiana Bak., 111.

trachycarpa Bak., 32. pulchra Ridl., 122,-fig. 15.

uliginosa Bak., 29. 3 rotunda Linn., 120, fig. 14.

unifolia Ridl., 33.

variabilis Ridl., 37.

violacea Ridl., 27. ‘

soe ? Languas Koenig, 156.

Wallichit Bak., 29. cannifolia Burk., 1388.

conchigera Burk., 142.

Haniffia Holtt., 123. galanga (L.) Stuntz, 157.

, javanica Burk., 146.

H Fea ae ea 124. malaccensis Merr., 155.

chivsclaenia Hook., TA. ger (T. and B.) Burk.,

collinum Ridl., 75. a2:

coronarium, TA.

crassifolium Bak., 17.

denticulatum Ridl., 148.

hirsutissimum Holtt., 76.

longicornutum Bak., 77, figs. 6, 7.

macrorhizum Ridl., 76.

malayanum Ridl., 75.

paludosum Hend., 77.

Hellenia scabra Bl., 158.

mutica Deg., 151.

pahangensis Hend., 146.

Rafflesiana Burk., 146.

scabra (Bl.) Burk., 158.

speciosa Small, 152.

vitellina Alst., 137.

vulgare Koenig, 157.

Hitchemopsis Kunstleri Ridl., 96. Maranta galanga Linn., 157.

lanceolata Ridl., 97. malaccensis Burm., 155.

sylvestris Ridl., 91. Monolophon elegans Wall., 123.

Hornstedtia Retz., 165.

albomarginata Ridl., 189.

alliacea Valet., 175. Nicolaia imperialis Horan., 181.

ca reall pie speciosa Horan., 181.

grandis Ridl., 172.

] i { : P

ae 80, ira: : 2 eibprestneplaats- Odontychium denticulatum K.

macrocheilos Ridl., 188. Schum., 143.

macrodus K., Schum., 202.

megalocheilos Ridl., 191.

metriochetlos, 188. Phaeomeria Lindl., 178. .

ophiuchus Ridl., 176. fulgens (Ridl.) K. Schum., 180, a

pauciflora Ridl., 182. fig. 22.

phaeochoana K. Schum., 174. imperialis Lindl., 181. .

pusilla Ridl., 174. magnifica K. Schum., 181. ;

peers (Koenig) Steud., 170, Maingayi (Bak.) K. Schum., 180,

fig. 19. fig. 21.

scyphus Retz., 170. speciosa (Bl.) Merr., 181. :

sphaerocephala K. Schum., 189. venusta (Ridl.) K. Schum., 182.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

249

Plagiostachys Ridl., 160. rubromaculata Holt., 103, fig. 11.

albiflora Ridl., 164. sub-biloba (Burk.) Holtt., 105.

lateralis Ridl., 161. sylvestria (Ridl.) Holtt., 91.

mucida Holtt., 162. tenuis Holtt., 98, fig. 11. ,

Renealmia nutans Andr., 152. Zerumbet speciosum Wendl., 152.

Riedelia aurantiaca Loes., 222. Zingiber Adans., 48.

aromaticum Ridl., 59.

cassumunar Roxb., 58.

Scaphochlamys Baker, 82. chryseum Ridl., 62.

atroviridis Holtt., 93. chrysostachys Ridl., 55.

biloba (Ridl.) Holtt., 89. citrinum Ridl., 60.

breviscapa Holtt., 95. Curtisii Holtt., 54.

Burkillii Holtt., 102. gracile Jack, 63.

concinna (Bak.) Holtt., 94. Griffithii Bak., 60.

erecta Holtt., 99, fig. 12. Griffithii var. major Ridl., 60.

grandis Holtt., 101. Kunstleri King, 52.

Klossii (Ridl.) Holtt., 100, fig. 13. multibracteatum Holtt., 57,

Kunstleri (Bak.) Holtt., 96, fig. 2.

figs. 9, 10. officinale Rosc., 54.

lanceolata (Ridl.) Holtt., 99. Ottensii Valet., 56.

longifolia (Ridl.) Holtt., 91. puberulum Ridl., 61, fig. 2.

malaccensis Bak., 104. spectabile Griff., 56.

oculata (Ridl.) Holtt., 92. spurium Koenig, 59.

pennipicta Holtt., 93. Wrayi Prain, 53.

perakensis Holtt., 97. zerumbet (L.) Sm., 59, fig. 3.

Vol. XIII. (1950).

2mm

Fig. 1. Globba leucantha. A, single cincinnus with two developing

fruits, a flower, and buds. B, a complete flower. C, two

views of anther and stigma.

Fig. 2. A, Zingiber multibracteatum, single flower. B-J, Z. puberu-

lum. B, inflorescence. C, flower just opened, in morning,

with top of bract. D, flower in afternoon. E, flower from

below, showing junction of lip and lateral lobes of corolla.

F, anther. G, lip flattene H, stylodes. J, base of

flower (bracteole is behind) and bracteole.

Fig. 38. Zingiber zerumbet. A, rather young inflorescence with

flower. B, flower with lip and two corolla-lobes removed.

C, bracteole in natural position and flattened. D, dehiscing

fruit enclosed by bracteole. E, seeds covered with aril.

Fig. 4. Curcuma domestica. A, part of plant with inflorescence.

B, one cincinnus, as exposed by pulling down primary

bract; 1, 2, first and second secondary bracts enclosing

next flower-bud; on right, dead first flower. C, same

cincinnus with first and second secondary bracts removed,

pa poke third secondary bract (3). D, stylodes and base

of style. . P

Fig. 5. Curcuma z ria. A, inflorescence. B, end of primary

bract and a flower. C, a single flower. D, longitudinal

section thrcugh upper part of flower. E, two views of

stamen, style and stigma.

YO. (AMIE

Fig. 6. Hedychium longicornutum. A, end of flowering stem in

natural position. B, flower, with bracteole; the 3 corolla-

lobes pendulous on the left, staminodes to left and right,

lip at back. C, lip, bases of staminodes and of stamen,

with dorsal corolla-lobe at back. D, two views of stylodes.

E, two views of stigma and top of anther. F, transverse

section through filament and style.

et eg AE

Fig. 7. Hedychium longicornutum. A, fruiting inflorescence. B,

dehisced fruit with mass of seeds intact. C, one seed

with its aril. D, section of seed, showing embryo, endo-

sperm and perisperm.

lig. 8. Camptandra latifolia. A, a single shoot with leaves and

inflorescence. B, stamen, style and stigma. C, lip and

stamen; staminodes and dorsal petal removed.

| ;

G Imm 4

UT $ mm

Ut,

Nass TOLL LTT

SF /

sh pe/

Fig. 9. Seaphochlamys Kunstleri. A, single leafy shoot with

inflorescence. B, flower, excluding calyx. C, base of

flower. D, longitudinal section through top of flower, the

stamen intact. E, anther with stigma. F, back of top

of anther. G, section of ovary showing ovules on a basal

placenta and incomplete septa.

eer) wee eae

a eet FEET ae Ne OY Ba Dees

“te,

+ eon

‘peAaouiat Jowiq ALepuodes pAIYy} YIM ‘d se ‘q ‘paaoures IOMOY PUuodes Jo surleuIel pue yoviq Alepuosas

puodes YIIM ‘gq se ‘ ‘I9MOY PAY} JO vseq 4YySI2 uo ‘I9MOY puovas jo SUIVUIAL ST jay uO { peaourer peig

Ailepuoves say ynq ‘g se ‘O ‘yoriq Areutid 24} Suloey apis wor sures ‘q ‘yoviq Arepuoses ysiy 9}

Aq peieAod snuutour JO S01 pue uedo JaMmoy

PITY} YIM “Yovrq Jo opisul ‘yw “2uaz]suny shupjysoydnag

‘OL “SIy

PE SIRI hem a te

Fig. 11. A, Scaphochlamys rubromaculata, inflorescence with one

open flower. B-F, S. tenwis. B, inflorescence; the fifth

bract from the base has a fruit in its axil. C, a flower.

D, stamen and base of staminodes. E, anther, lateral

view. F, fully developed fruit, containing one seed.

| 3mm

D E

Fig. 12. Scaphochlamys erecta. A, inflorescence. B, tips of two

bracts. C, one cincinnus, showing first secondary bract

on left, some shrivelled flowers and one flower-bud. D,

base of cincinnus shown in C, as viewed from right. E,

same viewed from left, with outer secondary bract and

aoe flowers removed. fF, anther-crest and stigma. G,

seed.

Fig. 13. Scaphochlamys Klossii, a small plant with inflorescence;

4 outer sheaths removed.

Fig. 14. Kaempferia rotunda, inflorescence with one open flower;

on right, a stamen with style and stigma.

eS oy ‘ N | cm

ns) i ke

ae S

~.)

Fig. 15. Kaempferia pulchra. A, one leafy shoot with inflorescence.

B, inflorescence and base of leaf-blade. C, inflorescence

and peduncle, one flower expanded, corolla-lobes in normal

position. D, flower from below, showing narrowed base

of bilobed lip, 2 corolla-lobes (untwisted) and 2 stami-

nodes. E, flower with staminodes and dorsal corolla-lobe

removed, showing base of lip clasping stamen; c, anther-

crest. F, inflorescence with 2 outer bracts removed,

showing base of a flower with part of bilobed bracteole;

on left, bract enclosing next flower. G, bilobed bracteole.

H, sessile stamen with its crest (tip of crest turned

backwards) and stigma.

- ree or oe ~~ - oo ag late ea ne em tm Le - ae eee A

owes TO UOTIWSSOS BSISASUPRI’ OUNOA TO WOoTi909S

— [eUIpnyzSuo, ‘y “tamoy Jo uorjoas ‘q ‘sopourureys “SuLMoys “taMoy Jo MATA. quory < eo ee

ee; ‘uedo Jamoy pity} pue (uses you ‘yoeq 4e [eotped) uarey IaMoy puodes ‘ieMmoy 4siy eet

eet Wlory SurdojaAsp 4INAZ YIM SnuuroUID ve ‘gq ‘Ways SuIIomOy Jo doy ‘VY ‘plabvyou0s nwidj)p “QT “BIg ; - ie

ta ote - ; |

- . if i “

f vi \ ¥

Fig. 17. Catimbium muticum. A, inflorescence just expanded, with

flowers in bud, the lower left-hand cincinnus in axil of

a large sheath. B, cincinnus a enlarged, with large

bracteole. C, cincinnus b enlarged, showing 3 flowers

in bud and one small bracteole. D, mouth of flower.

E, side view of flower. F, stamen and stigma. G, longi-

tudinal section of flower.

Fig. 18. Catimbium latilabre. A, young inflorescence, covered by

its two sheaths, just emerging from top of leaf-sheaths.

B, inflorescence with basal flowers open, upper enclosed

by bracteoles. C, an open flower, calyx covered by

bracteole. D, flower with bracteole removed, showing

second flower enclosed by second bracteole. E, same

enlarged, seen from opposite side. F, base of lip and

stamen (dorsal petal removed) showing staminodes.

G, stylodes. H, stamen and stigma.

i le i a

Fig. 19. Hornstedtia scyphifera. A, inflorescence, with one open

flower and three old ones. B, inner part of inflorescence;

a bract removed to show open flower with its bracteole,

calyx and corolla; other flowers in bud covered. with

their bracts. C, bracteole of an outer flower. D, mouth

of open flower (lip and 2 corolla-lobes on right). E,

another view, showing inner surface of lip. F, longi-

tudinal section through lip and dorsal petal, showing

staminode at base of lip. G, base of lip with its auricles

removed, showing staminodes. H, anther from below.

J, stigma. K, stylodes and base of style. L, part of

an involucral bract, showing vertical ribs and white

Sa eps M, inner bracts of an old inflorescence, with

ruits.

Fig. 20. Hornstedtia leonurus. A, base of leaf-shoot and inflore-

scence; dotted line shows surface of ground. B, an old

inflorescence with fruits. C, two views of bracteole

enclosing two flowers; the right-hand drawing shows the

inner bracteole between the flowers; one flower is

represented by shrivelled calyx only. D, 0 of inner

bracteole. E, common pedicel of two flowers with

bracteole-scar at top and bract-scar at base; left-hand

flower shows ovary and base of calyx, right-hand flower

is covered with inner bracteole,

ey.

_ Fig. 21. Phaeomeria Maingayi. A, inflorescence and part of scape.

B, oblique view of top of inflorescence. C, a flower,

showing bilobed bracteole, split top of calyx, dorsal

corolla-lobe (shorter than calyx) and lip. D, corolla-lobes

and base of lip (calyx removed). E, on left an open

flower (showing calyx and lower surface of lip), on right

yesterday’s flower with shrivelled lip. F, stamen and

stigma. G, top of one of the larger involucral bracts.

ee ——— —— = — - =—= 2 ——— so a a —— - =

— . idtbbilie + sal ~ st sO A MUD 8 — ATLU Uo ULL 9: ETS “SepojAys BSuULMOYS ‘ZeMOy FT y eee 2 aaa

” nace casa aseq Ysnory} UOT}oeS [eUIPNysuo[ ‘gq ‘e[oojovrq JNOYIIM ‘TaMOY ajsuls e ‘y ‘suabyn{ DIUIWOaDYT “ZS ‘Bi

k Fig. 23.

Achasma megalocheilos. A, an old inflorescence, with many

shrivelled flowers and one expanded. B, yesterday’s

flower, enclosed in its bracteole; calyx on left of shrivelled

lip, corolla on right. C, top of open flower. D, view

at 45 degrees to vertical, showing position of stigma in

mouth of flower. E, bracteole, calyx (2 tips), corolla and

base of lip. F, top of another flower, showing single tip

of calyx on near side. G, stamen, style and stigma, with

half of base of lip. H, two views of stylodes.

[em

Fig. 24. Amomum xanthophlebium, two views of stamen, style and

stigma; on right, a bracteole.

A-D, Amomum testacewm. A, an old inflorescence with 2 flowers

at top. B, flower from above. C, flower from side, showing bracteole

at base. D, two views of stamen and stigma. E, F, A. hastilabiwm.

E, stamen. F, anther-crest and stigma.

‘Jeorped Jo doz ye afoajoerq pue jeorped sz uo AaMoy Surmoys ‘paaoutar 4o¥1q puoses ‘yoeiq Yyoes Jo [Ixe url

PNq-ToMmoy ouo YIM 4sot ‘sy}BoYys Ysnory} Suryveiq soyoueaq [eseq OM} YIM ‘sdUedsadopUr ‘ns74ND Sisd0vwn}}9)q 8% “BI

wrt

’ Y al

lem

jOem

Fig. 29. Elettariopsis triloba. A, leafy shoot with inflorescence at

its base. B, inflorescence with faded flowers and

unopened buds. C, a complete flower (bracteole removed).

D, two views of front of flower. E, stamen, style and

stigma. F, stigma and top of anther-crest. G, two views

of stylodes. H, scape of inflorescence, with bracts

removed, showing buds which may form lateral inflores-

cences. J, one of the inner primary bracts, and a

bracteole.

ee }

a _oe | "

Qe»

e 4

a eee

nA a "ik x C in 4

orn

ad £s

¥ oT. Y.

| a

(

NEVA

Fig. 31. Costus speciosus. A, top of flowering stem. B, inflores-

cence with one open flower, and base of upper leaves.

C, bracts, bracteoles (lateral) and calyces of two flowers.

D, lower surface of stamen with style and stigma. E,

mouth of flower, showing stamen.

Fig. 32. Costus speciosus. A, fruiting inflorescence with lower

fruits open. B, transverse section of fruit ready to open; —

endosperm cross-hatched, embryo dotted, aril blank. C, —

a group of seeds, each seated on its white aril. D, a

single seed and its aril. E, longitudinal section of flower. —

stamen. G, transverse section of base of flower, showing

calyx tube, nectar ducts in base of floral tube, and base

of style. H, transverse section of ovary of a flower. —

‘SIIBY AV[N[[eoIuN SurMmoys ‘gqo]-xA[e9

jo diy ‘9 ‘apis 10y}0 Woy owes ‘gq ‘xA[eo pue sjooqjoeaq Sy ‘eha7pry ‘aeA snsoqoj)b snjysop ‘gg “BIA

+4 < eeea eos eh a aD

PUBLICATIONS: OF THE BOTANIC GARDENS |

SINGAPORE as

1. The Agricultural Bulletin of the Malay Peninsula (ola eh

Series) nos. 1-9, 1891-1900 (out of print).

2. The Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S. be

(Second Series, monthly issues) Vols. 1-10, 1901—

1911. Most numbers are available, price 50 cents am

each or $5 per volume. a

3. The Gardens’ Bulletin, Straits Settlements.

| Vol. 1 nos. 1-5, January to May 1912 (as Agricul-

tural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., Third

Series); nos. 6-12, December 1913—March ye

1917 (as The Gardens’ Bulletin, S.S.).. |

Vol. 2 nos. 1-12, July 1918—August 1921.

Vol. 3 nos. 1-12, August 1923—March 1925.

Vol. 4 nos. 1-12, June 1926—January 1929. Re

Vol. 5 nos. 1-12, August 1929—June 1982. ac

Vol. 6 nos. 1-15, (issued as parts 1-3) December ae sf

1929—October 1930. Med

Vol. 7 parts 1-38, September 1932—June 1934.

Vol. 8 parts 1-4, October 1934—October 1935.

Vol. 9 parts 1-4, December 1935—March 19388.

Vol. 10 parts 1 and 2, January 1939—August 1939.

Vol. 11 parts 1-3,.May 1939—August 1941. a o

4. The Gardens’ Builetin, Singapore. .

Vol. 11 part 4, September 1947.

‘Vol. 12 part 1, April 1949.

Vol. 12 part 2, December 1949.

The above former issues of the Gardens Bulletin n may? 3s

be purchased from the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, at $5

per volume or 50 cents per number for vols. 1-5 (V f

of 15 numbers, $7.50) ; in some cases two or more nu

were published together. Vols. 7-11 are publishe

per volume; the prices of parts vary according

size. The parts are published at gabe inter

material is Sayeele-

THE

GARDENS’ BULLETIN

SINGAPORE

Vol. XIII Ist September 1951 Part 2

CONTENTS

es ) PAGE

iy A New Malayan Vanilla by R. E. HoLttum ae bent gt BO

& \ The Marantaceae of Malaya by R. E. HoLtTuM .. we 254

ve A New Species of Knema by JAMES SINCLAIR .. A Sey gS

| a4 PALMAE MALESICAE by C. X. FURTADO

XI. The Malayan Species of Korthalsia .. «+. 300

The Malayan Species of Plectocomiopsis 2 ae

The Genus Myrialepis Ser, an ao “Boo

. The Species of Plectocomia in Malaya .. .. . 845

. The Genus Ceratolobus in Malaya as says * SOR

. The Little-known Malayan Genus Calospatha C2 Be

Price $10

_ Published by Authority

Been SU, oa BS ‘Printep AT THE GOVERNMENT io Pattie OFFICE, SINGAPORR,

eee: he < re BY V. C. G. GatRELL, GovERNMENT PRINTER

Gi ut say et

1951

JAN 11 1952

linmpaoy

THE

GARDENS BULLETIN

SINGAPORE

BPAY 2A AMA AAA AAAA MM A2AMMA™A OMS»

Vol. XIII Ist September 1951 Part-I]

VV VV VV VV VV VPP AAA AYA AAO

| A New Malayan Vanilla

By R. E. HOLTTUM

University of Malaya

_ VANILLA plants of all species (with the exception of V.

aphylla) are vegetatively much alike, and in the south of

_ Malaya they rarely flower. The flowers also are short-lived.

_ The few lowland plants actually seen in flower by botanists

have all belonged to the species Vanilla Griffithii, and it has

been assumed that this is the only lowland species of Vanilla

in this country.

Recently however :-Mr. J. A. le Doux found a flowering

plant near Kota Tinggi, Johore, and this proved to be quite

distinct from V. Griffithii in the form of the lip. It is also

different from all recorded species from Sumatra, Borneo

and Siam. In the structure of the flower, this new species.

seems to be nearest to V. aphylla, which occurs in the north

of Malaya. |

Flowers of all species of Vanilla have a mass of append-

ages of some sort in the middle of the lip, opposite the

- anther. Pollination is affected by small bees which enter

_ the tube formed by the joined lip and column. In returning

_ from the bottom of the tube to its mouth, the insect must

- surmount the obstacle formed by these appendages, and

- in so doing comes into contact first with the stigma and

_ then with the anther. In V. Griffithii the appendages consist

— of very fine twisted woolly hairs. In V. montana Ridl., and

in V. kinabaluensis Carr, the appendages are a series of

_ thin plates. In the present new species there is a tuft of

251

INS i

jem SS) NYY \ : : oy.

ae Pa

( SJ a A\\ Gy hon

Vanilla pilifera. Above, on left, a single flower; on right, lip and column fro1

Below, longitudinal section of lip and column.

Li” re

253

fine curved but not twisted hairs, directed backwards to-

wards the base of the column. The midlobe of the lip also

is covered with thicker erect hairs, as in V. aphylla. The

column is joined to the lip for almost the whole of its

length, and then the side-lobes enfold the end of the column,

which is not visible unless they are folded back. This

arrangement contrasts with that of V. Griffithu, in which

the column is joined to the lip for only one third of its

length, and the side-lobes are reflexed, exposing the end

of the column.

Vanilla pilifera Holtt., sp. nov.

Internodia 7-10 cm. longa. Folia c. 10-14 cm. longa,

4-5-5 cm. lata, basi rotundata, apice anguste acuminata;

petioli 10-15 mm. longi. Inflorescentia c. 5 cm. longa, flores

c. 9-12 ferens; bracteae latae, acutae, ad 10 mm. longae;

pedicelli albi, ovaria viridia, pedicellus cum ovario ¢c. 3-5 cm.

longa. Sepala pallide viridia, basi alba excepta, c. 3-4 * 1-1

cm. Petala.lactea, obtusa, dorso carina viride instructa, c.

1:6 cm. lata. Labellum album, intus pallide rubro-striatum,

c. 3 cm. longum, ungue gynostemio adnatum; lobi laterales

imbricati antherae obtegentes; lobus intermedius truncatus,

marginibus tenuibus plicatis ornatus, medio incrassato pilis

rectis 5 mm. longis instructus; unguis supra carinatus,

infra canaliculatus, medio antherae opposito fasciculum

pilorum tenuium basin labelli versus incumbentum ferens.

~Gynostemium 34, longitudine ungui labelli adnatum, 18 mm.

longum, glabrum, album, basi antice carinis aurantiacis

duobus instructum.

TypPus: Johore, Kota Tinggi, leg. J. A. le Doux, April

1951, in Herb. Singap.

Vol. XIII. (1951).

The. Marantaceae of Malaya

By R. E. HOLTTuM

University of Malaya

Summary of characters. Plants rhizomatous, the rhizome

a sympodium, each new element ending in an erect leafy

shoot ; rhizome elements usually short. Branches of all kinds,

both vegetative and on the inflorescence, bearing first a

2-keeled prophyll backing on to the axis which bears the

branch. Erect shoots bearing one to several distichous

leaves, the leaves sometimes all basal, sometimes separated

by short or long internodes, and usually a terminal inflores-

cence; in a few cases the inflorescence borne on a separate

shoot having only short sheaths, without foliage leaves.

Leaf-blade usually elliptic to ovate, nearly always glabrous

except sometimes for hairs on either side of the midrib

beneath, sometimes with the upper surface variegated, the

lower surface sometimes purple; lateral veins oblique, close,

fine, with little distinction between main and subsidiary

veins; petiole short or long, the portion immediately below

the blade being thickened and round in section, often slightly

curved; sheath short or long, sometimes hairy, the edges

usually converging upwards and meeting in a point at the

base of the petiole, often without a distinct ligule. /nflores-

cence always with condensed cymose partial inflorescences

in the axils of primary bracts, each successive branch of

the cyme enclosed in a 2-3-keeled prophyll, often also with

an unkeeled mesophyll opposite the prophyll and closing

the gap between its edges. Primary bracts arranged in a

simple spike, either distichous or spirally, or with lateral

spikes in the axils of the lower bracts; spikes of second

and third order sometimes developed. Flowers always

paired, the two flowers of a pair usually. opening together,

but sometimes not, and sometimes unequally stalked, one

flower being the mirror image of the other. Ovary inferior,

unilocular or trilocular (trilocular in Malayan species), one

ovule in each loculus. Sepals free to the base, usually equal,

usually narrow, sometimes persistent on the apex of the

fruit. Corolla forming a tube with 3 lobes; lobes usually

narrowly triangular or oblong. Staminodés and stamen

Gardens Bulletin, S.

259

attached to the corolla-tube, sometimes forming a tube

which extends some distance beyond the attachment of the

corolla-lobes. Staminodes of the outer whorl two, rarely one;

when two, placed on either side of the stamen, petaloid,

often unequal, large or small. Staminodes of the inner whorl

two, unequal, called the fleshy staminode and the hooded

staminode. Fleshy staminode small or large, petaloid,

usually broad, of thicker texture than the outer staminodes,

bearing an oblique fleshy callus on which the stigma rests

after release from the hooded staminode. Hooded staminode

usually small, with hooded apex and usually a downward-

pointing lobe on one side, enclosing the style and stigma

until disturbed, and then releasing them. Stamen about as

long as hooded staminode, bearing one half of an anther

on one side, the other side more or less developed into a

petaloid lamina (usually narrow). Style and stigma held

erect at first by the hooded staminode, when released the

upper part springing downwards to form an inverted U,

the stigma resting on the callus of the fleshy staminode.

Fruit dehiscent or indehiscent, containing 1 to 3 seeds; in

dehiscent fruits the seeds bearing a bilobed basal aril, in

indehiscent fruits the aril lacking. Seed containing a curved

or sometimes straight embryo embedded in perisperm, with

an opening for germination of the root closed by a special

plug as in Musaceae and Zingiberaceae; a hollow (the

perisperm canal) extending from near the plug into the

interior of the seed, in the bay formed by the curve of the

embryo, or parallel to the embryo when the latter is straight

(Phrynium capitatum).

Rhizome. In most Marantaceae the rhizome elements are

short, the erect shoots standing close together. In Maranta

arundinacea extended horizontal rhizome elements without

leaves are produced, and shorter ones in other species, but

in none native in Malaya. The rhizome bears numerous

roots, which are usually not very thick, stiff, with few main

branches but with many short secondary roots which stand

out at right angles.

Branching. The presence of a 2-keeled prophyll, backing

the primary axis, as the first leaf on every new branch is

apparently universal in the family. A similar prophyll

occurs in several other families of Monocotyledons, inciuding

(in the Order Scitamineae) Cannaceae (where it is hardly

Vol. XIII. (1951).

256 ©

keeled) Lowiaceae but not Zingiberaceae. It is said to occur

also in the sub-family Strelitzioideae of Musaceae, but is not

obvious in several species of Heliconia.

The places at which branches can arise vary in different

genera, and give rise to differences of habit. In some cases

tufts of branches are produced; the basal internode of each

new branch is very short, and a further branch may be

produced in the axil of the first leaf. Such tufts are produced

both on vegetative parts of plants and on inflorescences.

Schumann also states that sometimes several buds may

arise in one axil; but I have not seen this in Malayan

species.

Structure of erect shoots. The first leaf on a new shoot

is a prophyll backing the main axis. Loesner states that the

following leaves are distichous, beginning with the prophyll;

but this is in many cases not clear. It more often appears

that the bladeless sheaths which usually follow the prophyll,

and the following leaves, lie in a plane at right angles to

the prophyll. The transition to this plane seems sometimes

to be abrupt, sometimes apparently gradual; but the exact

relationships of successive leaves are not easy to understand.

Once the plane of the distichous leaves is established, it is

usually quite uniform; but Schumann remarks that in some

cases a slight twist may be observed. I have not seen this

in Malayan species; but, so far as present information goes,

none of them has many leaves on a single shoot. The number

of leaves on each shoot is usually limited and fairly constant

within a species.

Erect shoots of Malayan Marantaceae are of two types.

In the commonest, all leaves on each shoot, or all but one,

are borne close together near the base, the internodes being

very short. In some cases, the last internode may be much

elongated, a single leaf being raised well above the others,

with the inflorescence beyond it at the apex of the shoot.

The long internode is here called the peduncle, because it

functions as such. The inflorescence may be produced imme-

diately above the attachment of the upper leaf, or it may

be raised still higher on a further extension of the axis of

the shoot. Whether a long internode between two leaves

occurs or not, the essential structure is the same. Within

the genus Phrynium both conditions may occur.

The other type of erect shoot is found only in Donax and

Schumannianthus (among Malayan Marantaceae). These

Gardens Bulletin, S.

;

ia!

257

plants are known locally as Bemban and have long slender

shoots of a single internode arising from the base of the

plant, with tufts of leaf-shoots at their upper ends, each

leaf-shoot ending in an inflorescence. The structure of these

groups of shoots is sympodial. The original stem bears two

or three leaves only beyond its long internode; the basal one

of these then bears an axillary shoot, the basal leaf of this

another, and so a series of shoots is produced, all close

together, and each of limited growth with 2 or 3 leaves

only.

Leaf-blade. As in the other families of Scitamineae, the

leaf is rolled in the bud, one half rolled inwards in a series

of coils, the other half rolled outside it. The half rolled out-

side is always narrower than the other half when the leaf

expands. In some genera of Marantaceae the wider half is

always to the same side of the midrib (right or left) ; in

others alternately the right and then the left side is widest.

The former condition is called homotropic, the latter anti-

tropic. Leaves of Malayan genera appear to be all homo-

tropic, but in some cultivated plants they are antitropic.

Variegation occurs in several Malayan species, consisting

usually of darker or lighter oblique stripes on either side

of the midrib. There are several fairly commonly cultivated

exotic species with much-variegated leaves, mostly from

tropical America.

The position of the blade, whether erect or bent back-

wards, is often characteristic and is controlled by the

thickened upper part of the petiole mentioned below. It

should be noted that the turgidity of this organ may vary

_ and with it the angle of the blade.

Petiole. The single character by which any member of

the family can be distinguished at a glance is the thickening

ef the upper part of the petiole (or of the whole petiole

where this is short, as in Donax). This thickened part is

usually somewhat curved, round in section, and closes up

the groove at the base of the midrib. Internally it has long

and closely set radially disposed cells, in one or two series,

which contain no chlorophyll; their turgidity appears to

maintain the rigidity of the whole structure. This thickened

part of the petiole seems to have no special name. It is

sometimes called the knee, on account of its curvature, but

this is not a good name for this whole structure, which may

be 10 cm. long or more. It is sometimes called a pulvinus.

Vol. XIII. (1951).

— S4) A an

* i< s,

mkt 4

258 Lae

The rest of the petiole is usually quite terete, sometimes’ _

laterally flattened. In Stachyphrynium Griffithi (and |

perhaps also in other species inhabiting wet ground) it has

longitudinal lacunae, closed by numerous cross-walls.

The sheath has broad thin edges which overlap the other

sheaths, as usual in Scitamineae. These edges converge up-

wards and usually meet at an acute angle at the base of the

petiole proper; sometimes they form a raised ligule where

they meet, but more often not, and the ligule is never so

conspicuous as in Zingiberaceae.

Inflorescence. In all Malayan species except Stachyphry-

nium Griffithi and S. cylindricum the inflorescence is

terminal on a leaf-shoot. In these two species it is on a

separate shoot branching from the base of a leaf-shoot and

bearing only bladeless sheaths below the inflorescence. Such

inflorescences are rare in Marantaceae.

The inflorescence consists of an axis bearing primary

bracts (usually broad and imbricating) arranged either in

two ranks or spirally. In simple spikes (genera Stachyphry-

nium and exceptionally Phrynium) each bract contains a

condensed monochasial cyme bearing a few flowers. In.

compound inflorescences the lower bracts have secondary

spikes in their axils, and these again may have tertiary

spikes in their lower axils, until in a species like Phrynium

capitatum a compact head of many spikes is produced. This

is exactly comparable with the close tufts of leaf-shoots at

the ends of the erect stems of Donax. In Phacelophrynium

the inflorescence is large and the lower bracts much spaced,

so that it has a series of groups of subsidiary spikes and

then a simple terminal spike. In all cases the subsidiary

spikes bear first a 2-keeled prophyll backing on the axis

of the main spike.

Where the inflorescence is accompanied by a leaf, attached

to the axis just below it (as often in Phrynium), the young

inflorescence is protected by the sheath of the leaf, which

stands erect, its petiole continuing the line of the axis. ~

When the inflorescence emerges, it must do so obliquely ; and :

if it is much branched the branches must spread hori-

zontally or even some of them below the horizontal, owing

to reasons of space. Thus the inflorescence may appear to be

lateral in the axil of the leaf, but it is not so.

The condensed cymes in the axils of the bracts are

peculiar in having all the flowers in pairs (except in a few

Gardens Bulletin, S.

259

non-Malayan species). Each successive branch of the cyme

ends in a pair of flowers, not a single flower as in Zingi-

beraceae. This pair of flowers is backed by the usual

2-keeled prophyll; in front it bears a simple bract enclosed

by the edges of the prophyll, and in the axil of this comes

the next pair of flowers, protected again by their prophyll;

and so on up to as many as ten pairs of flowers in seme

Calatheas, but not more than about five pairs in native

Malayan Marantaceae.

The second and later prophyllis often have a median keel

on their backs (sometimes a very high one) ; this keel lies

between the flowers at the back of the prophyll, and the

three keels together form two small chambers in which the

flower-buds develop. The middle keel is however not always

developed, and even in one inflorescence it is not equally

developed on all prophylis. Schumann states that such

3-keeled prophylls are only found in Phacelophrynium

among Malayan genera, but this is not correct.

The bracts facing the prophylls are called. mesophylls by

Schumann, and we will use that term for convenience. If

the inflorescence in the axil of a bract is truly a monochasial

cyme with a pair of flowers at the apex of each branch

(and this appears to be the simplest interpretation), then

each new branch is in the axil of a mesophyll: the meso-

phylls are in fact an essential feature of the scheme. But

in some genera (e.g. species of Stachyphrynium) the meso-

phylls are quite absent. This must be a secondary develop-

ment, and species lacking mesophylls are then to be regarded

as réduced, not primitive. Schumann states that mesophylls

are lacking in Phrynium, but this is incorrect.

In some genera small bracteoles of various kinds occur,

as well as prophylls and mesophylls. Among Malayan plants

such bracteoles are only found in Donax and Schumanni-

anthus, where they take the form of small fleshy bodies,

quite un-leaf-like in appearance. In cultivated Calatheas the

bracteoles are sometimes rather long and terete.

Flowers. The flowers are quite asymmetrical in structure;

but the two flowers of a pair are mirror images one of the

_ other, so that together they make a symmetrical whole.

_ They usually open together, and appear to be quite equal in

status; but sometimes one is regularly opened a day or two

before the other (Phrynium capitatum), and often the two

have pedicels of different length. In the most nearly related

Vol. XIII. (1951).

260

family, Cannaceae, the flowers are arranged in cincinni of

two flowers only, the cincinni arranged spirally on the main

axis of the shoot. It is possible to imagine that the pair of

flowers of Marantaceae once was in the form of a cincinnus

of two flowers as in Canna; but the arrangement of the

bracteoles (in such species of Marantaceae as possess them)

does not correspond to such an arrangement. Schumann

reports that the rudiment of a third flower between the two

is sometimes found; we may thus perhaps interpret this

rudiment as the real apex of the group, and the pair of

flowers as lateral, as in the ultimate branchings of a

dichasial cyme. The flowers are nearly always quite small.

Ovary. The ovary is inferior, trilocular in all Malayan

species, with one ovule in each loculus. In the tribe

Maranteae only one loculus is present, the other two

remaining rudimentary.

Sepals. The sepals are quite free, as in Canna. They vary

a good deal in length, those of Donax being very short,

while those of some species of Phrynium are 2.5 cm. long.

Corolla. The tube of the corolla varies much in length.

The three lobes are usually narrow and are not the most

conspicuous part of the flower.

Staminodes. The staminodes and stamen together are

joined to the corolla-tube, or sometimes to a longer tube

extending beyond the corolla-tube. There are normally four

staminodes and one stamen, all five organs being different.

They represent five of the six stamens normally present in

a flower of Liliiflorae, one of the outer whor] being always

absent.

The two staminodes of the outer whorl (one only in

Phacelophrynium but two in all other Malayan genera) are

similar in appearance but usually unequal in size. They are

placed one on each side of the stamen. In many cases they

are as long as the corolla-lobes, or longer, and are the

largest organs of the flower. They are usually delicate in

texture, and often difficult to distinguish clearly in dried

flowers.

One of the three inner members is a fertile stamen, but

carries only half an anther. It is joined to a usually narrow

petaloid appendage which may be longer or shorter than

the anther.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

: [

i i

eye cee

Pea ee I

261

The second of the inner staminodes is rather fleshy, much

firmer than the outer staminodes, and usually has a fleshy

flap or callus rising from its face; the callus is sometimes

2-lobed. This is called the fleshy staminode (staminodium

callosum). It is sometimes called the labellum, but this is

not a satisfactory term, as it is not at all comparable with

the labella of Zingiberaceae nor of Orchidaceae.

The third inner staminode is always rather small. It is

called the hooded staminode (s. cucullatum). The apex is

hooded and the sides inflexed, one side having a triangular

appendage or lobe which projects laterally or downwards.

The hooded part of this staminode encloses the style and

stigma.

Style and stigma. The style is joined to the inside of

the flower-tube, not free from it as in Zingiberaceae; it is

free only from the base of the hooded staminode. The stigma

is 3-lobed, more or less irregularly, with a hollow between

the lobes which is the receptive part. At the time of opening

of the flower, the stigma has developed an internal tension

which causes it to bend over with explosive force as soon

as it is liberated from the hooded staminode. This liberation

takes place as soon as the staminode is disturbed by a slight

touch, or even by shaking the flower. When the stigma is so

liberated, it bends over until it comes into contact with the

fleshy staminode, on the callus of which it rests.

The anther sheds its pollen before the flower-bud opens

(probably the day before) as in Canna. The pollen consists

of large clear spherical grains which adhere together. In the

bud, the anther is placed very near the style, and the pollen

is deposited just below the stigma, in exactly the same way

as in Canna (as reported by Costerus; see below). When

the stigma is liberated from the hooded staminode, the

pollen is on its back, on a flattened area, whence it may be

removed by a visiting insect, if an insect has caused the

liberation of the stigma. At the same time, if the insect

has already gathered pollen from another flower, this pollen

may come into contact with the hollow of the stigma. as it

passes downward. The possibility of cross-pollination in

this way may undoubtedly exist, but has been rarely

observed. It is however clear that self-pollination is almost

impossible, as once the open mouth of the stigma is in

contact with the fleshy staminode, no pollen can reach it.

Vol. XIII. (1951).

262

Floral morphology. The above interpretation of the flower

is that of Schumann, based on anatomical investigations of

earlier authors. The stamen, fleshy staminode and hooded

staminode are considered to represent the three members

of the inner whorl of stamens. The Canna flower, on the

other hand, though having the same number of parts, is

much less easy to interpret and various authors have

differed in their interpretation of it. The last investigation

was by Costerus, who arrived at the new conclusion that

the petaloid and fertile parts of the anther of Canna are

of separate origin, the fertile part being a portion of one

of the outer staminodes. Having arrived at this result

(from a study of the course of vascular bundles in the

flower-bud), Costerus proceeded to examine a Marantaceous

flower, to see how the structure compared with that of

Canna. He claims that the structure in the two cases is

identical (see Ann. Jard. Bot. Buitenz. 30: 59-90 and pls.

15-14 1918). His theory is that the inner whorl of stamens

is represented by the fleshy and hooded staminodes and by

the petaloid appendage to the anther, the anther itself being

part of an outer staminode. This would explain the curious

fact that the two outer staminodes are not equal, the smaller

one being that to which the half-anther is said to belong.

The drawings given by Costerus are not very satisfactory,

nor is his statement (to my mind) set forth sufficiently

fully; but if his theory is correct it correlates exactly the

structures of the flowers of Canna and Marantaceae, and

also supplies a more symmetrical arrangement for Maranta-

ceae by balancing the two outer staminodes. It does not

however explain the complete absence of the smaller outer

staminode in some cases (Phacelophrynium and Calathea).

A very remarkable parallel in the structure of Canna

and Marantaceae concerns the stamen and stigma. In both

cases the anther is in close contact with the style in the

flower-bud, and in both pollen is shed before the flower

opens, adhering to the style close to the stigma. The struc-

ture of the stigma in Canna is however quite different, and

there is nothing comparable with the arrangement of the

hooded staminode and the springing style. It is clear how-

ever that Cannaceae and Marantaceae are much more

closely related together than either is to Zingiberaceae,

where the flowers are quite symmetrical.

Gardens Bulletin, S-

263

Fruit and seed. All Malayan Marantaceae belong to the

division of the family having a trilocular ovary, but the

ovules in all loculi do not always develop into seeds, so that

one- or two-seeded fruits are not uncommon, and may he

characteristic in certain species. A more definite distinction

is that between dehiscent and indehiscent fruits.

The seeds have a two-lobed basal aril, the lobes usually

much shorter than in Zingiberaceae. The aril-lobes also here

serve a function which they do not perform in Zingibera-

ceae; they are turgid and assist in forcing the dehiscence

of the fruit. Schumann states that they are absent in.

indehiscent fruits, but Gagnepain describes a small aril for

the seeds of Donax arundastrum; if such an aril is present.

it is rudimentary.

System of Classification. The main basis of classification

of the Marantaceae of the New World (by far the major

part of the family) was established by Ko6rnicke and

Eichler. A large number of the species were introduced to

cultivation in Europe as ornamental plants, and so could

be studied in the living state, and Eichler also received from

S. America material preserved in alcohol. This classification

of Eichler was maintained with minor changes in Schu-

mann’s monograph of the family in the Pflanzenreich

(1902). But the Old World species had not received such

a thorough study, nor had such good or ample material

been available. Schumann sought to remedy the position

by studying such material as he could, and he re-arranged

the genera and described a number of new species. He also

saw the original collections on which Blume based his

species and re-described them. Schumann’s work however

was not altogether satisfactory, as may be judged from the

fact that he entirely overlooked the presence of mesophylls

and tricarinate prophylls in the inflorescence of Phrynium,

and of mesophylls in some species of Stachyphrynium. He

also misinterpreted the genus Donax Lour. and re-named

it Actoplanes, instead of providing a new generic name for

Clinogyne dichotoma.

Malayan Marantaceae (sixteen known species, two of

them from imperfect single collections only) form such a

‘small minority of the family that it is hard to judge the

general validity of Schumann’s scheme of genera from

them alone. When ample good material from Borneo and

Sumatra is available we shall be in a better position to

Vol. XIII. (1951).

264

Judge. At present it is clear that Donax and Schumanni-

anthus, though closely allied, are distinct. Phrynium, in

the sense here adopted, is a group of closely allied species,

but whether it is sharply distinct from Stachyphrynium is

not certain; and Stachyphrynium itself, as represented by

the four Malayan species now known, is not at all uniform.

Stachyphrynium is in fact much less uniform than

Schumann thought. Phacelophrynium appears distinct, re-

sembling Calathea on the one hand in its single outer

staminode, and Phrynium on the other in its much branched

inflorescence and absence of bracteoles (in the strict sense

here used). Thus we retain Schumann’s genera, amending

the descriptions to cover details of the inflorescence which

Schumann had not seen, while doubting the status of

Stachyphrynium.

In general, the floral structure of Marantaceae is so

uniform that it offers few characters by which main divi-

sions of the family can be made. The only one of importance

for Malayan species is the presence of one or two outer

staminodes. Apart from this, as in Zingiberaceae, characters

of the inflorescence (the arrangement of bracts, of branch-

ing, and the nature of the bracteoles) are of the greatest

importance.

KEY TO THE GENERA OF MARANTACEAE

IN MALAYA

Leaves mostly on short shoots from the apex of long slender

aerial stems; axes of inflorescence very slender, with

narrow deciduous bracts

Fruit indehiscent, round and shining; flowers 1—2 cm.

long 1. Donax.

Fruit dehiscent, 3-lobed, not shining; flowers 4 cm.

long 2. Schumannianthus.

Leaves all from the base of the plant, except sometimes

one on each shoot accompanying the inflorescence; axis

of inflorescence stiff and erect; bracts imbricating, not

deciduous

Inflorescence a simple unbranched spike

Bracts 2-ranked 3. Stachyphrynium.

Bracts spirally arranged 4. Phrynium (p.p.). .

Inflorescence with secondary spikes in the axils of basal

bracts, branch-spikes of 3rd and higher orders some-

times present

Gardens Bulletin, S.

ae 1

rie

J e =e

———

-~ es. ee Tl

265

Bracts spirally arranged, all imbricating; two

outer staminodes 4. Phrynium.

Bracts 2-ranked, the lowest two primary bracts

widely spaced; one outer staminode only

5. Phacelophrynium.

Distribution. The family Marantaceae is almost confined

to the wetter parts of the tropics. Like Zingiberaceae, it

contains no xerophytic species, and most are shade-plants

of the forest. The total number of species was stated by

Loesener (in Pflanzenfam. Ed. 2, Vol. 154; 1930) to be

about 360, as against 1,300 in Zingiberaceae. A majority

of the species are found in the northern part of South

America, principally the large genus Calathea of about

130 species, almost entirely confined to that area. There are

a number of species in the wetter parts of West Africa, but

far fewer in East Africa, corresponding with climatic —

conditions. In Malaysia are far fewer species than in the

New World. It is however quite likely that more exist in

Borneo and Sumatra than are hitherto known; and those

known are in most cases not well described.

In Malaya we here admit sixteen species, two of them

known only from incomplete single collections. Four species

are known to be common in all parts of the country; Donax

grandis, Schumannianthus dichotomus, Phrynium capitatum

and Stachyphrynium Griffith. It is probable that several

other species are much more common than is indicated by

existing collections. Often they are neglected by collectcrs

because of the absence of flowers (which may be seldom

produced) or because flowers are not obvious and are

overlooked (e.g. the small species of Stachyphrynium). As

in Tropical Africa and America, a few Asiatic species are

very widely distributed; among these are the first three of

the four listed above. It is very probable that the fourth

also occurs in other parts of Western Malaysia, but it has

not been definitely reported, unless it is identical with

Stachyphrynium latifolium of Java.

It seems arguable from existing information that the

family Marantaceae is not in as active a state of evolution

in Malaysia as Zingiberaceae. It is no doubt a more recent

family, and also it must have originated in the American

tropics, travelling by slow progress to Malaysia; but it has

been here long enough to produce species which, though

confined to shady forest, have spread over very large areas

Vol. XIII. (1951).

266

(e.g. Phrynium capitatum). In Zingiberaceae we have a

number of species which are certainly of local distribution,

indicating active evolution, especially in the genera Scap-

hochlamys, and Geostachys. Perhaps the apparent lack of

such in Marantaceae is due to the shorter time available

and partly also to our ignorance. Though vegetatively most

Marantaceae are vigorous, their floral organization is per-

haps not an advance in efficiency on that of Zingiberaceae,

though it is true that many species fruit quite freely.

— DONAX LOUR.

Tall plants of tufted habit with slender woody stems

rising in a single internode from the ground to 2 m. or

more tall and then in a much shorter internode to the next

leaf. Branching regularly sympodial throughout, each

axillary shoot bearing first a short 2-keeled sheath backing

on to the main axis, then close to it an unkeeled bladeless

sheath and a foliage leaf, then one or two more leaves

separated by longer or shorter internodes and a terminal

inflorescence. Leaf-blades of moderate size, ovate to elliptic;

petioles short, the whole thickened and terete; sheaths much

longer than petioles, with distinct short ligule. Inflorescence

with few to many branches arising near the base, branches

drooping or pendulous, all slender with alternate bracts at

intervals of 1-1-5 em.; bracts narrow with inflexed edges,

much longer than the internodes. Flowers white, 1-2 pairs

in the axil of each bract, each pair with a thin 2-keeled

bract and 2 small fleshy bracteoles near the apex of their

pedicels. Common pedicel of a pair of flowers nearly as long

as the bract; separate pedicels of the two flowers unequal;

pedicels thickened much at fruiting. Sepals short and

narrow. Corolla-tube shorter or longer than sepals, lobes

fairly long. Tube of staminodes and stamen about as long

as corolla-tube. Outer staminodes 2, about as large as

corolla-lobes. Anther with a small petaloid appendage of

equal length. Fruit spherical indehiscent, containing 1-3

seeds; seeds not arillate.

Bentham, in Genera Plantarum, included in the genus

Clinogyne both African and Asiatic species, taking the name

of the genus from Salisbury (1812) who founded it on

Phrynium dichotomum Roxb. (1810). Schumann, in pre-

paring his monograph of the Marantaceae for Engler’s

Pflanzenreich, decided that the African species of Clinogyne

Gardens Bulletin, S.

267

sensu Benth. constituted a genus distinct from the Asiatic

ones; the latter he further divided into two genera. Con-

fusingly, he used the name Clinogyne for the African

species, though it had originally been used for an Asiatic

one, on the plea that Salisbury’s name was a nomen nudum

and that the genus really dated from Bentham. Bentham

indeed quoted the name as nomen tantum, and no other

person had used it.

Having retained the name Clinogyne for the African

Species (a majority in Bentham’s genus), Schumann had

to find two new generic names for the Asiatic ones. One of

them had already been called Donax by Loureiro; but

Schumann (apparently following Ridley) applied Loureiro’s

name to the wrong species, and re-named Loureiro’s genus

Actoplanes. Thus the second Asiatic genus still lacked a

name, which was supplied in 1904 by Gagnepain, who called

it Schumannianthus. If however Salisbury’s name was valid,

this genus should have been called Clinogyne, and the

African genus re-named.

We thus have the confusing situation that Donax arund-

astrum of Ridley and Schumann is Schumannianthus

dichotomus (Roxb.) Gagnep.; the true Donax arundastrum

of Loureiro is apparently equivalent to Actoplanes canni-

formis of Schumann.

That Schumann was mistaken is clear from Merrill’s

statement (Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. N.S. 24: 120. 1935) that

Rolfe had examined Loureiro’s type; but indeed Loureiro’s

description itself is sufficient to indicate the true nature

of his plant.

As indicated under D. grandis, there is some doubt as

to the correct name of our species. If I am wrong in uniting

it with Miquel’s Sumatran species, the name Ridley: of

Schumann must be revived and a new combination made.

The habit of Donax, with its very long slender erect

stems bearing leafy branches at their apex, is peculiar

among Malayan plants and makes it easy to recognize. The

leaf at the top of the long stem bears a branch in its axil;

this in turn bears another branch in the axil of its first

foliage leaf, and this again; after a time the original stem-

apex flowers, fruits, dies and falls off, leaving a scar, and

the next also, so that old stems hear a succession of such

scars, arranged in a spiral manner. The stem then appears

like a continuous axis with the scars of fallen lateral

branches; but it is really a sympodium.

Vol. XT. (1951).

268

Not only the basal leaf of each new shoot may bear an

axillary shoot, but the second leaf also and this again will

repeat the branching process on a smaller scale producing

in time a tuft of shoots, the old ones falling after they

become old. Thus the whole plant consists of tufts of short

leafy shoots separated by longer or shorter lengths of

slender stem. Each tuft is very like the tuft of shoots

produced by a rhizomatous species, but instead of the

Sympodium being at ground level it is raised high into

the air.

The plants are well known to the Malays as Bemban,

and are used extensively for making baskets.

Leaf-blade to 30 by 20 cm. widest near truncate base;

corolla-tube much longer than sepals 1. D. grandis.

Leaf-blade to 20 by 9 em. nearly elliptic; corolla-tube shorter

than sepals 2. D. parviflora.

1. Donax grandis (Miq.) Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 176. 1899.

Flora 4: 286. Maranta grandis Miquel, Fl. Ind. Bat.

Suppl. 616. 1860. Actoplanes Ridleyi K. Schum., Pflanz-

enr. Marant. 35. 1902. Fig. 1.

Main stems 2-5 metres tall, then branching copiously;

stems of second order to 50 cm. or more long. Leaf-blade

varying much in size, to about 30 by 20 cm., sometimes

proportionately narrower, nearly always widest in the basal

half and usually quite near the almost truncate base, apex

very shortly pointed, lower surface pale, hardly glaucous,

with hairs on either side of the prominent midrib; petiole

15-2'5 em. long, hairy on the upper surface; ligule very

short; sheath varying much in length, to about 20 cm. long.

Inflorescence branched, often with many branches, to about

30 cm. long, rachises slender. Primary bracts 1:2-1:5 cm.

apart, 2:3-3-2 em. long, each with 1 or 2 pairs of flowers.

Two-keeled bract c. 15 cm. long. Common pedicel of pair

of flowers 2-5-8 em: long; pedicels of individual flowers

ec. 25 and 5 mm. long; a fleshy conical bracteole c. 2 mm.

long at the junction of the pedicels and another on the

longer pedicel. Sepals about 3 mm. long, narrow, white.

Corolla-tube c. 8-10 mm. long, white ; lobes 1-:0—1:4 cm. long

and 4—5 mm. wide, white. Stamen-tube a little longer (3—4

mm.) than corolla-tube. Outer staminodes equal or slightly

unequal, widening from a narrow base, c. 1:3 em. long and

5 mm. wide, white or tinged with yellow near tip. Fleshy

staminode broad, yellowish, nearly as long as the outer

Fig. 1. Donax grandis.

A, a branch of the inflorescence, showing a stalked pair of

flowers and their bract. B, the unequal pedicels of a

pair of flowers, each with a fleshy bracteole, and of

each flower the ovary, sepals and base of tube. C, a

.\ single flower, showing the three spréading petals, two

broader outer staminodes, and the tall fleshy staminode

fi embracing the inner parts. D, the fleshy staminode,

with stamen (anther dotted) and back of hooded

staminode. E, inner view of hooded staminode, from

the down- Bites stigma has escaped; anther and its appendage in front on

. F, fleshy staminode of the other flower, being a mirror image of that shown

5 callus is marked C. G, a pair of fruits; persistent bract embraces their common

<. H, longitudinal section of seed, showing curved embryo and perisperm canal.

270 —

staminodes, basal part of callus hairy. Hooded staminode

9 mm. long, yellowish, with a broad lateral lobe. Stamen |

8 mm. long, with a narrow petaloid appendage a little longer

than the anther. Fruit on much thickened pedicel, smooth

and shining, almost spherical, 1 cm. diameter or rather

larger, indehiscent. Seeds usually two, sometimes 1 or 3,

without aril; surface rugose.

This is the large species of Donax which is common in

lowland forest throughout Malaya. It does not agree with

Schumann’s description of Donax arundastrum Lour. from

Indo-China, and Ridley was probably right in identifying

it with Miquel’s Sumatran species, though I have seen no

authentic specimen of the latter. The two chief points of

difference between D. grandis of Malaya and D. arund-

astrum are the large leaves with very broad base and the

usually 2-seeded fruit of D. grandis, as against the smaller

elliptic leaves and invariably 1-seeded fruit of D. arund-

astrum. The latter characters are given by Schumann for

his Actoplanes canniformis (based on Thalia canniformis

Forst., type from the New Hebrides), and indeed Gagnepain

gives A. canniformis as a synonym of D. arundastrum. If

the species of Loureiro and of Forster are identical, canni-

formis is the older name and should replace arundastrum.

The largest Peninsula specimens have leaves strikingly

larger and different in shape from any I have seen from

outside Malaya, except a few from Sumatra, which agree

exactly. It seems likely therefore that our species is found

only in Malaya, Sumatra and perhaps in Borneo. It is

however so nearly allied to D. canniformis (or D. arund-

astrum) that some may prefer to unite the two and regard

the species as distributed from Burma and Indo-China

through Malaysia to the islands of the Pacific.

The dimensions of flower-parts given above are from a

living plant in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

2. Donax parviflora Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 53: 59. 1910. Flora

Oe Ay A

Habit of D. canniformis but smaller. Leaf-blade c. 10 by

5-5 to 20 by 9 em., nearly elliptic, apex shortly acuminate,

base broadly cuneate to rounded, lower surface with stiff

hairs on either side of midrib: petiole 1:2-1:8 cm. long, with

short stiff hairs on upper surface; sheaths to c. 12 em.

long. Inflorescence with several branches; internodes bet-

ween primary bracts c. 8-11 mm. long. Primary bracts

Gardens Bulletin, S.

271

ce. 1:7-2:1 cm. long. Common pedicel of pair of flowers.

15-2 cm. long. Individual pedicels c. 2 and 5 mm. Flower

without ovary c. 1 cm. long. Ovary silky-hairy. Sepals 2:5.

mm. long. Corolla-tube shorter than sepals, lobes 8-9 mm.

long. Fruit c. 1 cm. diameter, nearly round, smooth with

sparse hairs, 1l- or 2-seeded, seeds as in D. canniformis.

This species is nearly related to D. canniformis but as.

pointed out by Ridley differs in the much smaller flowers.

as well as in smaller size of plants. The corolla-tube is also

shorter than the calyx, not longer as in D. grandis. No good

flowers are available, so that a comparison of the other

parts is not possible.

D. parviflora is only known from Malaya and Sumatra

(specimens in Singapore herbarium).

SPECIMENS. Pahang: K. Tembeling, Ridley 2402. Pulau Tawar, |

Ridley 2401. Pasir Loyang, Ridley s.n. 7.7.1891. Kelantan: Kota

Bahru, Ridley s.n. February 1917. Perak: Ipoh, Ridley 11931.

Selangor: Batu Caves, Ridley 13393 (lectotype).

SCHUMANNIANTHUS GAGNEP.

Vegetative habit similar to that of Donax. Inflorescence

simple or with one branch only. Corolla-tube much shorter

than calyx (one lobe only is free almost to base of flower) ;

lobes much longer than tube. Tube of staminodes much

longer than corolla-tube. Fruit dehiscent, 3-celled. Seeds

1-3, arillate.

The history of this genus is explained under Donax, as

due to an error by Schumann in interpreting Loureiro’s

Donax arundastrum. The type species of Schumannianthus

is also the type species of Clinogyne Salisb., and if that

genus should prove valid, then it is the correct one for

our species. Schumannianthus has however been accepted

by Merrill and other authors and is here accepted also,

but I have not seen Salisbury’s publication.

Schumannianthus is a genus of two species, S: dichotomus

and S. virgatus. The latter occurs in Ceylon and southern

India, the former in Burma, Indo-China and Malaysia.

The main distinction between Schumannianthus and

Donax is in the fruit, which is dehiscent in one but not in

the other. This appears a valid generic distinction, though

certainly the two genera are nearly allied. There is also a

difference in the flowers, the stamen-tube being greatly

elongated in Schumannianthus but not in Donax.

Vol. XIII. (1951).

i 242

As regards dehiscent and indehiscent fruits in Maranta-

ceae, Schumann points out that in the former the seeds are

arillate but not in the latter. The aril sometimes serves as

a spring to aid the dehiscence of the fruit. In Schumanni-

anthus dichotomus the aril is curiously coiled and flattened; |

whether it can act as a spring in the same way as the aril —

of Calathea figured by Schumann is unknown.

Schumannianthus dichotomus (Roxb) Gagnep., Bull. Soc.

Bot. Fr. 1904: 176. Fl. Gen. Indoch. 6: 122. Clinogyne

dichotoma Salisb., Trans. Hort. Soc. 1: 276. 1812. Bak.,

F.B.I. 6: 258.1892. Phrynium dichotomum Roxb., Asiat.

Res. 11: 324. 1810. Donax arundastrum sensu Schum.,

Pflanzenr. Marant. 33. 1902. et Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32:

177; Flora 4: 286; non Loureiro.

Branching as in Donax arundastrum but main stems

shorter; whole plant c. 1:5 to 2:5 m. tall. Leaf-blade ce. 10-15

cm. long and to 65 cm. wide, elliptic, apex acute (hardly

acuminate), base rounded or broadly cuneate, both sur-

faces glabrous; petiole 5-8 mm. long, short-hairy; ligule

c. 2 mm. long; sheath 6-11 cm. long. Inflorescence to c. 30

cm. long, simple or sometimes with one branch near the

base; internodes c. 1-5-2 em. long. Primary bracts ¢. 3-5—4:2

cm. long; 2-keeled bracts c. 2 cm. long. Common pedicel

of pair of flowers c. 25 cm. long; individual pedicels c.

2-3 mm. and 8-12 mm., bracteoles fleshy, 3 mm. long.

Total length of flower c. 4 em., the whole white except for

yellow on staminodes. Sepals c. 6-7 mm. long, narrow,

faintly pinkish. One corolla-lobe free almost to base of

flower, the others joined together and to staminodes for a

length of 10 mm., distal halves of all lobes spreading; free

corolla-lobe ce. 2‘7-8 ecm. long and 5—7 mm. wide, widening

from a narrow base, blunt. Tube of staminodes ce. 2:4 cm.

long; outer staminodes c. 2:3 em. long and 10 mm. wide;

inner much shorter; stamen c. 5 mm. long. Fruit more or

less hairy, widening upwards from the base, 3-lobed, dehis-

cent; c. 1:2 cm. long. Seeds 1-3; aril present, consisting of

two long narrow lobes which are coiled and flattened to

form a cup round the base of the seed.

This species is distributed from Burma to Indo-China

and widely in Malaysia. In Malaya it is found throughout

the country in swamps and by rivers, ‘forming thickets in

the water’ (Ridley). It has a habit similar to that of Donax

grandis but is smaller, and is easily recognized by its smaller

Gardens Bulletin, S.

273

leaves, inflorescences with longer bracts and larger flowers

and its dehiscent fruits of distinctive shape. Malays recog-

nize the similarity of the two species by calling the present

one Bemban ayer (water Bemban).

STACHYPHRYNIUM K. SCHUM. (Emend.)

Erect shoots very short, bearing 2 or 3 leaves. Leaves

small to large, on relatively long petioles. Inflorescence

terminal on a leaf-shoot, sometimes with a leaf on the

peduncle, or on a separate shoot bearing bladeless sheaths

only at the base; peduncle short or long; flower-bearing

portion a simple unbranched spike of few to many distichous

bracts. Flowers 1-5 pairs in the axil of each bract, each

pair of flowers with a 2-keeled prophyll, mesophylls some-

times also present, apparently all 2-keeled. Sepals short and

narrow, equal. Corolla-tube longer than the sepals. Outer

staminodes 2, obovate from a narrow base, usually about as

long as the petals. Inner staminodes shorter. Fruit dehiscent,

usually 2-seeded; seeds with bilobed deflexed aril.

This genus was founded by Schumann in his Pflanzenreich

monograph, to comprise those species, formerly included in

Phrynium, which had a simple spike, in constrast to the

much-branched inflorescences usual in Phrynium. He fur-

ther stated that Stachyphrynium had 2-ranked bracts (in

Phrynium they are spirally arranged), one pair of flowers

to each bract and no mesophylls. But examination of speci-

mens show that the two latter characters are incorrect.

Not only has S. Griffithii up to 5 pairs of flowers (as

Schumann himself realized), but 2 pairs with a rudiment

of a third occur in S. Jagorianum; and in S. Griffithvi there

are quite large mesophylls present. The only real distinction

from Phrynium then lies in the distichous bracts; for there

are species of Phrynium which have a simple unbranched

spike.

Then we have also the consideration that S. Griffithi

(and probably also S. latifoliwm from Java) has the in-

florescence on a separate shoot, as well as possessing

mesophylls, in both differing from S. Jagorianum. Should

this constitute a generic distinction? If so, we have to

divide Stachyphrynium into two parts, and make a new

genus for S. Griffithii and its allies. In what genus then

shall we place the unnamed species herein briefly described ?

It has a terminal inflorescence with mesophylls present.

Vol. XIII. (1951).

274

On the other hand, the genus Calathea includes species

with distichous and with spiral bracts. If it is possible to

include species-so differing in a single genus, why not

re-unite Stachyphrynium to Phrynium? With the few

species at my disposal, I do not feel able to.-come to a

satisfactory decision on the matter, but my inclination is

to revert to a large genus Phrynium. If this is not done, —

I suggest that the present Stachyphrynium should be sub-

divided. . |

KEY TO MALAYAN SPECIES OF STACHYPHRYNIUM

Inflorescence terminal on the leaf-shoots ;

Peduncle without a leaf attached to it, usually short;

inflorescence of about 4 bracts; no mesophylls

1. S. Jagorianum.

Peduncle c. 18 em. tall with a leaf near the apex; spike

with many more bracts; mesophylls present

2. Stachyphrynium sp.

Inflorescence on separate shoots bearing bladeless sheaths

only

Bracts with spreading ends, forming -pouches; greatest

width of inflorescence including bracts 3:5 cm.

3. S. Griffithu.

Bracts with ends hardly spreading; inflorescence 1:2—1-5

cm. wide (wider when fruiting) 4. S. cylindricum.

1. Stachyphrynium Jagorianum (K. Koch) K. Schum.,

Pflanzenr. Marant. 48. 1902. Ridl., Flora 4: 288. Phry-

nium Jagorianum K. Koch., Berl. Wochenschr. 6: 358.

1863. Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 179.

Leafy shoots bearing 2 or 3 leaves and a terminal in-

florescence. Leaf-blade commonly to about 17 by 5 ecm.,

sometimes to 20 by 8 cm. (or larger ?), nearly oblong with

a broadly cuneate to rounded base and abruptly short

pointed apex, usually short-hairy on lower surface of

midrib and lamina, upper surface with oblique bars of

darker green; petiole thickened part to about 1 cm. long,

rest 10-20 cm. or more, slender ; sheath to about 10 em. long.

Peduncle of inflorescence usually about 1 cm. long, ex-

ceptionally to 15 cm. (?). Spike of about 4 distichous |

bracts c. 2 em. long, glabrous, acute. Flowers small, white,

1 or 2 pairs to each bract, each pair with a 2-keeled brac-

teole; no other bracteoles. Sepals 3 mm. long. Corolla-tube

1:7 cm. long, lobes 9 mm. long. Outer staminodes unequal,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Loe wie =,

Pa eS Pee ee

275

the larger obovate, 9 mm. long. Inner staminodes ce. 5 mm.

long, yellow at apex. Capsule about 1.2 cm. long, 2-seeded ;.

seeds oblong, brown, smooth, rounded on one face and flat

on the other, with 2-lobed red aril.

This species was described from a plant cultivated in

Germany, sent from Malaya. It appears to be locally

abundant in half-shady places, not in primary forest, but

does not flower freely (or the flowers have not been seen),

which perhaps explains why it has been collected few

times. The inflorescence is usually right at the base of the

plant; but two specimens which otherwise seem similar

have it on a slender peduncle, in one case 7 cm. in the other

16 cm. long. The dimensions of the parts of the flower are

taken from Schumann. The dried flowers on Ridley’s Dusun

Tua plants seem rather smaller, but this may be due to

shrinkage on drying. Schumann states that there is only

one pair of flowers to each bract; I have found two, with

rudiments of a third, on the only two specimens showing

good flowering material.

SPECIMENS. Perak: Sungei Kulim, S.F.N. 13807 (Burkill and

Haniff). Grik, S.F.N. 13626 (Burkill and Haniff; sterile).

Penang: Pulau Boetong, Curtis 2523. Trengganu: Kuala Telu-

mong, Holttum s.n. 13.5.1925. Pahang: Pelangai, S.FN. 16773.

(Burkill and Haniff). Selangor: Dusun Tua, Ridley 7793. Batu

Caves Estate, Ridley s.n. 1896. Negri Sembilan: Tampin-K.

Pilah Rd., S.F.N, 2813 (Burkill).

2. Stachyphrynium sp.

Erect shoots bearing 2 or 3 basal leaves and another

leaf on the peduncle below the inflorescence. Leaf-blade

about 30 by 12 em., base broadly rounded; petiole and

sheath of leaf accompanying inflorescence 35 cm. long, the

sheath 7-5 cm. Inflorescence a simple spike; peduncle 18

em. from base of plant, the leaf attached at a height of

14 cm., leaving a free peduncle of 4 cm. below the spike.

Spike c. 10 em. long. Bracts c. 3 cm. long, short-hairy

towards the tips, tips broad, shortly apiculate, not very soon

breaking down to a fibrous condition. Flowers 2-3 pairs to

each bract. Sepals apparently c. 8 mm. long.

This species is represented by a single specimen collected

by Ridley at Temango in Perak (s.n., July 1909).

referred it to Phrynium Jagorianum but it is much lar si

than that species and differs in the long-stalked inflorescence

and the presence of mesophylls.

Vol. XIII. (1951).

276

The flowers are not well enough preserved to show details

and it is impossible to say whether one or two outer

staminodes are present.

In the distichous bracts and presence of mesophylls this

Species agrees with Stachyphrynium Griffithii; but it has a

terminal inflorescence on the leaf-shoot. It adds another

combination of characters to the already rather heterogene-

ous Stachyphrynium, but seems best placed in this genus

pending further information, on account of its simple spike

of distichous bracts. When a decision on the status of

Stachyphrynium is made, it may be necessary to remove this

species to another genus.

3. Stachyphrynium Griffithii (Bak.) K. Schum., Pflanzenr.

Marant. 49. 1902. Ridl-, Flora 4: 287. Phrynium Griffithu

Bak., F.B.I.. 6: 260. 1892. -Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S2 52 eee

Phrynium spicatum Griff., Notul. 3: 408. 1851, (not of

Roxb.). Hitchenia musacea Bak., F.B.I. 6: 225. 1892.

Fig. 2.

Habit tufted, 2-8 leaves to each shoot, stems of shoots

very short. Leaf-blade 35 by 10-5 to 55 by 16 to 65 by 26

cm., narrowly ovate, the basal 2-3 cm. narrowly cuneate,

widening abruptly to a broadly rounded base, then very

gradually to the rounded and very shortly acuminate apex,

surfaces glabrous, upper dark green with paler broadly

channelled midrib, lower slightly glaucous with strongly

raised yellow-green midrib; thickened apical part of petiole

c. 7-9 cm. long, rest of petiole to c. 100 cm. long, not

grooved; sheath to c. 45 cm. long; no evident ligule. Inflores-

cence on a separate branch from base of plant, its base

protected by several 2-ranked sheaths, the longest c. 10-15

cm. long. Scape 5-20 cm. long, glabrous, pale green and

shining. Spike 12-20 cm. long with up to ce. 18 distichous

bracts, total width including the spreading apices of the

bracts c. 3-5 em. Bracts pale green to buff, c. 3:-5—4 cm. long

(lowest often longer), 4 cm. wide when flattened, their

sides closely overlapping, the apical 14, curved outwards

and forming an open pouch, the apex broadly rounded and

very shortly tipped. Flowers to 5 pairs in axil of each

bract, each pair of flowers protected by a 2-keeled bract

to 2 cm. long; broad mesophylls also present; flowers white,

fragrant. Sepals 5-6 mm. long, narrow. Corolla-tube

Slender, widened near top, nearly 3 cm. long; lobes rolled

Gardens Bulletin, S.

2. Wa eachupieytcm Griffithii.

A lowering plant; on the left, an old inflorescence.

IL « (1952).

278

back, ec. 12 mm. long, 455 mm. wide near base, tapering to

blunt apex. Outer staminodes broadly obovate, the larger

one 12 mm. long, 9-5 mm. wide, the smaller 6-5 mm. wide.

Fleshy staminode white, 7-5 mm. long, glabrous except for

a hairy white keel near the base. Hooded staminode as long,

white with yellow edge. Anther attached half-way down

one edge of the fleshy staminode, the smaller outer

staminode attached at the same place. Petaloid appendage

attached only to the anther itself, for rest free, standing

beside the hooded staminode and similar in form and colour

but smaller (when flattened c. 7 by 2 mm.). Fruit c. 2:3

cm. long (Ridley), bilocular, seeds rugose with a white aril.

This species is only known from Malaya. It has been

collected at many localities in lowland forest from Singapore

northwards to Perak and Pahang, and is often abundant.

The floral details given by Schumann are copied from

Ridley and are inaccurate. The petiole has six lacunae as

seen in transverse section; these lacunae pass throughout

the length of the petiole, being closed by thin transverse

walls c. 8-10 mm. apart.

Phrynium latifoliwm Bl. from Java is very closely allied.

It is described by Schumann as having a ‘radical’ inflores-

cence. Koorder’s rather crude figure shows the bracts some-

what different in shape from S. Griffithi but may be

inaccurate. I have seen no specimens.

It is evident that Schumann never dissected an inflores-

cence of S. Griffithii; nor I suspect one of S. latifolium.

The mesophyllis are very large and conspicuous, whereas he

stated that they were absent in this genus (and in Phrynium

also!). The prophylls seen by me are all bicarinate; none

showed signs of a middle keel. They appear not always to

be in a strictly regular series, but lateral displacements are

irregular and perhaps only due to unequal growth of pairs

of flowers.

4. Stachyphrynium cylindricum (Ridl.) K. Schum., Pflanz-

enr. Marant. 49. 1902. Ridley, Flora 4: 287. Phrynium

cylindricum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 178. 1899.

Habit of S. Griffithti, with leaves of similar size and

shape. Inflorescence: scape to 28 cm. long, spike to 28 cm.,

similar to that of S. Griffithii but narrower, the tips of the

bracts spreading very slightly, total width about 1-2-15

cm. except in fruiting specimens. Sepals c. 8 mm. long,

tinged with red-brown. Corolla-tube slender, c. 2:5 em. long,

’

Gardens Bulletin, S.

279

lobes shorter (2 cm. long ?). Outer staminodes with narrow

base and broad more or less round blade of irregular shape,

longer than the corolla-lobes. Inner staminodes and stamen

about half as long as the outer staminodes, tipped with

yellow. Fleshy staminode hairy on the thickened part. Fruit

ellipsoid, flattened, 1:5 cm. long, 2-seeded: seeds with

bilobed defiexed aril.

This species appears to grow only on limestone in the

north of Malaya: It was introduced to cultivation in Singa-

pore and a coloured drawing was made, from which the

above floral details are taken. Unfortunately there is no

indication as to the size of the flower except Ridley’s state-

ment that the corolla-tube is 1 inch long (14 inch in original

description, but this probably applies to the sepals). Ridley’s

dimensions are in all cases very uncertain.

S. cylindricum is very closely related to S. Griffithii; to

what extent the two differ in floral details is uncertain.

SPECIMENS. Perak: Kuala Dipang, Ridley 9787. Ipoh, foot of

limestone hill, Curtis, 3318. Tambun, limestone cliffs, S.F.N.

6296 (Burkill). Kelantan: Bukit Tumangan, S.F.N. 10258

oad and Nur). Kedah: G. Baling, on limestone, S.F.N. 35410

(Kiah).

PHRYNIUM WILLD.

Erect shoots close together, bearing about 1-4 long-

petioled leaves close to the base and a terminal inflorescence,

the inflorescence sometimes accompanied by a leaf attached

to the axis of the shoot much higher than the others. Lear-

blade more or less elliptic, sometimes variegated above and

sometimes purple beneath, small to large. Peduncle of

inflorescence either very short or of moderate length without

a leaf; or nearly as long as the petioles of the basal leaves,

bearing a similar leaf (but short-stalked) near its apex,

the inflorescence protected when young by the sheath of

this leaf, the petiole of the leaf in the same vertical line

as the peduncle. Inflorescence consisting at first of a simple

spike, bearing other spikes in the axils of its basal bracts,

and then again often spikes of a second and third order,

so that the whole is a compact group of many small spikes,

usually spreading laterally or obliquely from the sheath

of the accompanying leaf and thus appearing to arise on

the side of the leaf-stalk; or sometimes the original spike

remaining simple or with few secondary spikes. Bracts

always spirally arranged, nearly always breaking down

near the apex (and sometimes to the base when old) into

Vol. XIII. (1951).

280 !

in the axil of each bract, the flowers protected by prophylls

and usually also mesophylls; first prophyll 2-keeled, subse-

quent prophylls of the same partial inflorescence 3-keeled.

Flowers white or partly purple, pedicelled or not. Sepals

usually fairly long and persistent. Outer staminodes two,

often unequal. Fruit dehiscent, usually 3-seeded, the peri-

carp tough or woody, smooth or rough. Seeds with short

or long 2-lobed basal aril.

The type-species of Phrynium is P. capitatum Willd.,

with which I believe P. malaccense Ridl. to be identical,

one of the commonest species of Marantaceae in Malaya.

This has a very compound and compact, almost spherical

inflorescence, of many separate short spikes, which projects

almost horizontally, apparently from the axil of the leaf

which stands erect on the end of the peduncle (for which

reason the older books state ‘lateral on the side of a

petiole’). The inflorescence itself is of course terminal, the

leaf being lateral, but the leaf assumes an erect position,

continuing the line of the axis, and the inflorescence which

grows out from the protection of its sheath must turn to

one side.

This is the commonest type of inflorescence in Phrynium.

A modification of it is found in Phrynium tristachyum,

in which the individual spikes are fewer and longer, and

in the unnamed species, which appear always to have a

simple spike only. ,

If we reduce the length of the internode between the

inflorescence-leaf and the basal leaves, and then extend the

axis (peduncle) above that leaf, we have an apparently

free-stalked inflorescence, which has room to spread in all

directions equally and so looks very different from P.

capitatum though essentially the same; such is P. terminale.

Schumann makes a curious mistake in his diagnosis of

the genus Phrynium. He states that there are no mesophylls;

but they occur in all our species. He also states that 3-keeled

prophylls only occur in Phacelophrynium and Calathea, not

in Phrynium; but again they occur in all our species. The

middle keel however varies much in development in different

prophylls of the same inflorescence. In some species it is

very broad.

At present eight species of Phrynium are known in

Malaya. Of these, two are here described for the first time,

one of them only being named, material of the second being

Gardens Bulletin, S.

- : 231

insufficient for a full description. Details of the flower are

still lacking in the case of two other species (P. parvum

and P. tristachyum). The flowers of P. terminale are here

described for the first time and new data given for the

flowers of the other species also.

KEY TO MALAYAN SPECIES OF PHRYNIUM

Inflorescence apparently lateral, emerging from the sheath

of an apparently terminal leaf

Inflorescence of a single simple spike 1. Phrynium sp.

Inflorescence with at least one, often many subsidiary

spikes )

Small plants; inflorescence about 3 cm. long with

one or two subsidiary spikes only

) Petiole of leaf accompanying inflorescence

25-5 cm. long; inflorescence sessile in the

: leaf-sheath 2. P. gracile.

: Petiole of leaf accompanying inflorescence

15 cm. or more long; inflorescence on a

: stalk to 3 cm. or more long beyond the

sheath 3. P. parvum.

Larger plants; inflorescence longer, usually with

many spikes

Inflorescence of 2—4 spikes, the longest c. 10

cm. long 4. P. tristachyum.

Inflorescence of many spikes forming a com-

pact head

Fruit marcon, shining; flowers partly

purplish; basal sheath of inflorescence

not very hairy; leaves pale silver-green

beneath 5. P. capitatum.

Fruit dull, not maroon; flowers white;

basal sheath of inflorescence long and

very hairy; leaf red beneath

6. P. hirtum.

Inflorescence terminal on a short or long peduncle, not

accompanied by a separate leaf

Inflorescence nearly spherical, 7 cm. diameter, hairy,

very near the ground, on a short peduncle, appearing

among the bases of the leaf-sheaths

7. P. basiflorum.

Inflorescence much smaller, not hairy, raised on a

slender peduncle

Vol. XIII. (1951).

282

“Peduncle 25-35 cm. long; inflorescence 6-7 cm.

long, with about 7-8 spirally arranged broad

bracts 8. P. terminale.

Peduncle c. 8-16 cm. long; inflorescence c. 4 em.

long, with first two (largest) bracts alternate

3. P. parvum.

1. Phrynium sp.

Hrect shoots bearing 2-3 leaves and 2 long bladeless

sheaths at the base, and one leaf accompanying the inflores-

cence at the top of the peduncle. Leaf-blade 30 by 7 to 40

by 12 cm., elliptic but more narrowed to the acuminate

apex than to the base, base rather broadly cuneate and

slightly decurrent, surfaces glabrous, upper surface pale

green with darker veins, lower surface pale silvery-green ;

petiole of basal leaves to 100 em. long (including sheath)

the thickened part 1:-5-3-5 em. long; petiole and sheath of

leaf accompanying inflorescence 6-18 cm. long. Peduncle of

inflorescence to c. 70 em. long. Inflorescence sessile at point

of attachment of leaf, 6-8 cm. long, apparently always

a simple unbranched spike with spirally arranged bracts.

Bracts 2-25 em. long, green, the apical part soon turning

brown and splitting into fibres, each with a few pairs of

flowers in the axil; mesophylls present. Pedicels c. 1 mm.

long. Ovary 3 mm. long, hairy. Sepals c. 1:3 cm. long. Rest

of flower, and fruit, not seen.

This species is only known from a single collection from

Kemaman (Trengganu) where Corner saw it at two locali-

ties and thought it probably common. It resembles P.

tristachyum in the shape of the spikes, but these appear

always to be quite simple. The leaf also has a much narrower

apex than in P. tristachyum and is never large. It does not

agree with any description I have seen, nor with any

specimen in the Singapore herbarium.

SPECIMENS. Trengganu: Bukit Kajang, Kemaman, 700-1,000

feet, S.F.N. 30397 (Corner).

2. Phrynium gracile Holtt., sp. nov.

Laminae foliorum ad 18 cm. longae et 6 cm. latae (in-

terdum 15 6 cm. interdum 18 X 3-5 cm.), lanceolatae,

apicem versus sensim angustatae, basi rotundatae deinde

cuneatae; supra atrovirides, lineis pallidis obliquis ornatae;

infra pallide virides, prope costam leviter hirsutae; petioli

foliorum basalium ad 45 em. longi (vagina inclusa), omnino

breviter hirsuti, interdum glabrescentes; geniculum 1-2 cm.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

i hee ae

1936.

283

longum; vaginae Jatae, arcte imbricatae, ad 24 cm. longae.

Inflorescentia sessilis, in juventute vagina folii proprii

obtecta; petiolus cum vagina folii obtegentis 2-5-5 cm.

longus. Inflorescentia simplex, ¢c. 3 cm. longa, vel spica

altera in axilla bracteae infimae aucta. Bracteae 1-2-1:5

em. longae, apicem obtusum versus dense et breviter pilosae,

apex demum leviter marcescens. Flores 1-3 pares in axilla

_bracteae quaeque; prophyllum primum bracteam leviter

superans; mesophylla adsunt. Pedicellus cum ovario 3 mm.

longus; ovarium hirsutum. Sepala 7-8 mm. longa; tubus

corollae 1 cm. longus, lobi 4-5 mm. longi, 2 mm. lati, oblong;

staminodia exteriora inaequalia, majus fere lobos corollae

aequans; staminodium carnosum c. 2 mm. longum (2:5 mm.

?); staminodium cucullatum c. 25 mm. longum; stamen

ec. 25 mm. longum, appendiculus petaloideus angustus,

adnatus. Fructus non visus.

Typus: S.E. Johore, locus certus ignotus, S.F.N. 29981

(leg. Corner). ‘

This species is represented only by two collections from

Johore. It is similar in size to P. parvum but diffefs (1) in

the inflorescence always with an accompanying leaf, without

peduncle above the leaf, (2) in the lower bracts being

spirally arranged and not nearly as long as the whole

inflorescence, (3) in the hairy bracts with blunt apex, (4)

in the pale stripes on the upper surface of the leaf. There

are no colour notes on the flowers, which are above described

from a dried specimen only.

The second specimen is an unnumbered one from Sungei

Kayu Ara, Sedili, Johore, collected by Corner on 28th June,

A specimen from Tiang Laju, Sarawak (Hewitt 24) is

very similar vegetatively to the Johore specimens of P.

gracile, but the inflorescences are in such poor condition

that its identification with P. gracile is uncertain. It bears

the note ‘flowers white with red markings near the throat.

3. Phrynium parvum (Ridl.) comb. noy. Stachyphrynium

parvum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 54: 60. 1909. Flora 4: 288.

Stachyphrynium minus Ridl., Mat. FI. M.P. 2: 59. 1907

~ (non Schum.). Fig. 3.

Erect shoots bearing about 3 leaves near the base and a

terminal inflorescence on a slender peduncle, sometimes

Vol. XIII? (1951).

~ ah th Saiey

wi re 4 P ri

k ae ie ee .

ve 4) = eS, it

4 ' wy

eye.

, ‘F

lem

Rome

STj

Fig. 3. Phrynium parvum. ali

A, rhizome bearing a leafy shoot which has a sheath, 3 leaves and an_

B, inflorescence with flower on branch in axil of basal bract; flo

petals and 2 erect outer staminodes. C, inflorescence of which the a

has finished flowering; branch in axil of second bract (on right) r

branch in axil of lowest bract not yet developed. D, shape of leaf

E, leaf in natural position. | aS ae ee

285

(rarely ?) with a leaf at the apex of the peduncle. Leaf-

blade c. 14 by 3-5 to 24 by 55 cm., widest about 14 from

the broadly cuneate base, narrowed very gradually to the

acuminate apex; upper surface dark green, shining, lower

surface pale, with fine darker veins, finely hairy on the

midrib; petioles to about 40 cm. long including sheath,

thickened upper part of petioles ¢. 2 cm. long, sheath to

about 15 cm. long (shorter on inner leaf), glabrous.

Peduncle of inflorescence c. 8-16 cm. long. Inflorescence to

about 4 cm. long; first bract almost as long as whole

inflorescence, separated by an internode of 1-2 cm. from

the second bract, and this by 4—5 mm. from the third; first

and second bracts with axillary secondary inflorescences

which develop after the terminal inflorescence. Bracts

slightly reddish when young, apiculate, slightly hairy near

the tip, thin and breaking when old, not producing groups

of fibres; flowering bracts to about 1:7 cm. long (first two

bracts longer), about 3 in each partial inflorescence, all

reaching the same height. Flowers 2 pairs to each bract

(members of a pair opening separately), with prophylls

and mesophylls, the outer ones as long as the bract. Ovary

2 mm. long, hairy. Sepals 7 mm. long, very narrow. Corolla-

tube white, 1:5 cm. long; lobes c. 6 by 25 mm., reflexed,

blunt, slightly yellowish. Outer staminodes 2, erect, obovate,

concave, white, about 5 by 3 mm. Fleshy staminode 2:5 mm.

long, truncate. Hooded staminode 4 mm. long, yellow-tipped.

Stamen 4 mm. long, appendage hardly longer than anther

and connate with it almost throughout.

This species was placed by Ridley in the genus Stachy-

phrynium, but its branched inflorescence is like Phrynium,

though the first three bracts appear to be alternate, not

spirally arranged (the flowering bracts in each partial

inflorescence are spirally arranged). The terminal part of

the inflorescence flowers first, then the secondary inflores-

cence in the axil of the second bract, then that in the axil

of the first (basal) bract, and finally a tertiary inflorescence

in the axil of the basal bract of the preceding.

In Ridley’s type specimen, one inflorescence has a foliage

leaf (with petiole 15 cm. long) replacing the basal bract,

but this seems rare. No fruits are known.

P. parvum is abundant in the Reservoir Jungle in

Singapore Island, but seems not to flower very freely. It

286

has also been collected in Johore (Ridley reports it from

Sedenak as well as the specimen quoted below).

SPECIMENS. Singapore: Reservoir, Ridley 12565 (type); Cor-

ner s.n. 1944. Johore: North of G. Belumut, S.F.N. 10294

(Holttum). |

4. Phrynium tristachyum Ridl., Flora Mal. Penin. 4: 290.

1924.

Hrect shoots with single leaf only (?). Leaf-blade to

about 60 by 25 cm., almost evenly elliptic with very shortly

pointed apex and cuneate base, glabrous; petiole and sheath

of leaf accompanying inflorescence 25—50 cm. long (of other

leaves not seen), thickened upper part of petiole to 12 cm.

long; sheath glabrous. Peduncle to 1:5 m. tall. Inflorescence

sessile or nearly so at the base of the leaf-sheath, consisting

of 2-4 separate spikes all radiating from the base of the

inflorescence, the longest spike to 11 cm. long. Bracts about

3 cm. long, glabrous, soon breaking down in the apical half

to a group of fibres and later split to the base in many

segments. Flowers white, 3 pairs or more to each bract.

Prophylls and mesophylls present. Pedicel of flower 2 mm.

long. Ovary 4 mm. long, silky-hairy. Sepals c. 1:2 em. long,

narrow. Corolla-tube c. 8 mm. long. Fruit broadly ovoid,

apex not retuse, surface rough and more or less hairy,

slightly 3-lobed, c. 15 em. long, dehiscent, with 1-8 seeds.

Seeds ovate as seen from the back, narrowing to the apex

(always ?), the surface mottled with red and black; aril

2-lobed, the lobes 7 mm. long or more (nearly as long as the

seed when straightened).

Unfortunately no good flowers of this species are avail-

able. It is distinct in the rather few long spikes of the

inflorescence, in the ovoid fruit with long aril-lobes of the

seed, and in the large elliptic shortly tipped leaf. In the

original collection are three long spikes and a short, fourth

one, the four together spread in one plane, forming a fan-

shaped arrangement. Other specimens have very old spikes

which have the bracts so shredded that the inflorescence

hardly has a definite shape, but even here the few rather

long separate spikes (in constrast to the usual mass of

small ones) are conspicuous.

No leaves except those bearing inflorescences have been

collected. This may be because collectors thought other

leaves unnecessary; but one sheet bears the note ‘single leaf

on each shoot’, and another specimen, rather doubtfully of

Gardens Bulletin, S.

“ep a A

287

this species, certainly has only one leaf on the erect shoot.

This may therefore be a distinctive character of the species.

The species has been collected in Selangor, Negri Sem-

bilan and Johore. Two field notes record it as abundant.

SPECIMENS. Selangor: Bukit Lagong, 11th mile Rawang Road

from Kuala Lumpur, Foxworthy and Burkill s.n. 30.11.1921

(type). Dusun Tua, Ridley 7793 (p.p., rest being Stachyphry-

mum Jagorianum). Negri Sembilan: Ulu Bendul, S.F.N. 9995

(Holttum). Johore: Ulu Kahang, S.F.N. 10917 (Holttum).

5. Phrynium capitatum Willd., Spec. Pl. 1: 17. 1797. Schum..,

Pflanzenr. Marant. 53. Phrynium malaccense Ridl.,

J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 180. 1899. Flora 4: 290. Phrynium hir-

tum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 181; Flora 4: 289, p.p. Fig. 4.

Erect shoots bearing c. 3-6 leaves from the base and a

terminal inflorescence at the apex of a long stem, with a

short-stalked erect leaf just below the inflorescence. Leaf-

blade from about 30 by 8-14 cm. to 60 by 15-25 cm. or even

larger, elliptic with broad rounded base and very shortly

acuminate apex, dark green and shining above with slightly

prominent main veins, dull pale green (hardly glaucous)

below, the fine evenly spaced veins darker, glabrous except

for pale silky hairs on either side of midrib. Petiole: thick-

ened part 5-10 cm. long, rest 100-200 cm. tall (in basal

leaves) including sheath; sheath to 75 cm., its back more

or less hairy, the two edges meeting at a narrow angle at

the top, not forming a ligule. Petiole and sheath of leaf

accompanying inflorescence c. 10-80 cm. long. Pedunele of

inflorescence about same length as petioles of basal leaves,

not prolonged beyond base of the leaf which it bears;

sheath of leaf short and broad, usually hairy at least at

the base and sometimes throughout, partly enclosing the

inflorescence. Inflorescence spreading laterally from the

base of the leaf-sheath, with many branches, ultimately

forming an almost round head 5-10 cm. in diameter ; first

basal sheath of inflorescence 3-5 cm. long. Branches of

inflorescence each with about 3-5 bracts; bracts + hairy

towards apex, green, ovate, acute, the apex soon turning

brown and decomposing to a group of fibres, 2-5-3 cm. long,

each enclosing 2—5 pairs of flowers: flowers of same pair

not opening together. First prophyll 2-keeled, 2nd and 3rd

3-keeled, keels sometimes hairy. First mesophyll always

present, later ones sometimes absent (?). Pedicels of indi-

vidual flowers to about 6 mm. long. Ovary more or less

densely silky-hairy, 3-4 mm. long. Sepals narrow, more or

Vol. XIII. (1951).

Fig. 4. Phrynium capitatum. %

A, an inflorescence emerging from the sheath of its leaf. B, same. C, a single

inflorescence-branch, showing prophyll on right, mesophyll on left, one flowe

open and one faded: flower shows narrow erect sepal, reflexed petals (dotted), —

outer staminodes and fleshy staminode (on right). D, transverse section of at

tricarinate prophyll. E, a pair of flowers, one open and one faded; ovaries

and tips of sepals are hairy; petals are reflexed; fleshy staminode is in middle

of flower with outer staminodes behind it. F, a single flower with petals and

sepals pulled down to show the longer stamen-tube. G, hooded staminode afte:

removal of style and stigma. H, stamen, with petaloid appendage on left. I

stigma after release from hooded staminode; receptive surface faces dov wn

wards, pollen deposited from anther is on back of stigma. J, fleshy s: stamineg

K, fruit. L, axile view of seed, with aril at base. M, longitidinal ect mn

nla

289

less densely hairy, 1-1:5 cm. long. Corolla-tube a little over

half as long as sepals, flushed slightly with pink; lobes c.

10 by 3-5-4 mm., reflexed and rolled back in distal halves

only, flushed with dull purple. Tube of stamen and stami-

node c. 3 mm. longer than corolla-tube. Outer staminodes

white or very pale pink, unequal, obovate from a narrow

base, the larger as long as the petals, 6-8 mm. wide, the

smaller about half as wide and shorter. Fleshy staminode

5 mm. long, pink with a transverse line of deeper colour,

the callus glabrous and white or yellowish. Hooded stami-

node a little shorter, pale yellow with darker tip, with a

short deflexed triangular lobe. Stamen cream, with narrow

petaloid appendage a little longer than the anther, adnate

laterally throughout. Stigma pale pink. Fruit short-stalked,

deep maroon, surface smooth and shining bearing scattered

fine hairs, c. 1:2 cm. long and wide, somewhat 3-lobed, the

apex broad with a slight depression, bearing the persistent

sepals, 3-locular, 1-3-seeded. Seeds 9 mm. long, black when

ripe, oblong as seen from the back, the back slightly

grooved, with a fleshy bilobed basal aril, the lobes short

and deflexed, 2-5 mm. wide, hardly seen in dried specimens.

This species is common throughout Malaya, and varies

much in size. The larger plants have larger inflorescences

with larger bracts and larger flowers; but I can see no

other clear distinction. Some of the smaller plants, espe-

cially from the north of Malaya, look very different from

the largest, and have proportionately narrow leaves with

very hairy sheaths; but the structure of their inflorescences

and their fruits are the same and also the flower-colour.

S.F.N. 31635, from Grik (coll. Corner) is one of these

small specimens; a flower in alcohol is identical in struc-

ture with others except that the outer staminodes are small,

the largest being apparently about 4 mm. wide (it is not

quite perfect).

Some mountain plants from the Taiping Hills have bracts

and sepals unusually hairy, the hairy sepals especially being

conspicuous when the bracts are reduced to a mass of fibres.

These plants vary much in size of leaf and inflorescence.

In the field, the plain green leaves (slightly drooping, not

erect) with pale lower surface, the shining maroon fruits

and pinkish flowers are characters by which the species is

easily recognised. The largest plants appear to be those

growing in swamp-forest; those on hill-slopes being

smaller; further observations on this are needed and

290

whether there are differences other than those of size.

Ridley included the largest specimens of this species with

his P. hirtum (as-is evident from his citation of specimens)

but his description of the leaves and fruits of P. hirtum indi-

cates that he was mistaken in so doing. I can see no dis-

tinction between P. malaccense Ridl. (of which I have

examined living plants as well as many dried specimens)

and P. capitatum as described by Schumann and Gagne-

pain, and therefore reduce Ridley’s species. P. capitatum

is very widely distributed from India and southern China

through Malaysia.

6. Phrynium hirtum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 181. 1899. Flora

4: 289. Schum., Pflanzenr. Marant. 54 (copied from

Ridley). Phrynium inflatum Merr., J.S.B.R.A.S. 85: 164.

cS es age Bai

Erect shoots with few basal leaves and another leaf

attached close below the inflorescence on a long terminal

stem. Leaf-blade c. 30 by 7 to 65 by 20 cm., elliptic, apex

acuminate, base rounded and then slightly decurrent to

the petiole, lower surface purple (at least when young,

sometimes throughout), hairy on sides of midrib; petiole

together with sheath to 1:5 m. long, the swollen apical part

to 10 cm. long, the sheath very hairy when young, some-

times glabrescent later, yellowish; leaf on flower-stem with

petiole and sheath c. 30-70 cm. long, sheath long-hairy

when young. Peduncle to c. 100 cm. long, hairy. Inflores-

cence on a stalk 1-6 cm. long beyond the base of the leaf-

sheath, subtended by a deflexed very hairy sheath 5-10

em. long (hairs tawny, 3-4 mm. long, falling when old) ;

diameter of flowering inflorescence to about 5 cm. All

bracts densely hairy, soon decomposing near the tips to

groups of fibres; primary bracts of individual spikes c. 2-5

c.m. long; flowers 2 pairs or more. Prophylls hairy on the

keels, 2nd one 3-keeled. Mesophylls present, the first one

broad. Ovary densely covered with spreading silky hairs.

Sepals 1-5 em. long, hairy towards the tips. Corolla-tube c. 9

mm. long; lobes ¢. 1:0 by 0:3 em. Outer staminodes unequal,

one about 1:4 by 0:3 cm., the other 1-0 by 0-2 cm., both with

long narrow base, widest near apex. Fleshy staminode about

8 mm. long. Cucullate staminode about 7 mm. long. Stamen

c. 7 mm. long with no distinct petaloid appendage. Frwits c.

1:3 cm. long and 1-6 cm. wide, dull ochre (Corner), hairy

when young, almost glabrescent when old with rough

Gardens Bulletin, S.

ar ee

291

surface, somewhat 3-lobed, the apex not depressed, dehis-

cent; pericarp tough and woody when dry. Seeds 3, about 8

mm. long and wide, nearly round as seen from the back,

with 2-lobed deflexed basal aril.

Ridley’s list of specimens under the original descrip-

tion of P. hirtum includes two distinct species. Most of the

specimens are large plants of P. malaccense; but the des-

cription applies almost exclusively to the others (two only).

The significant points in the description are: (1) young

leaves with the backs red, (2) stout sheath near the inflo-

rescence woolly, (3) seeds large, the backs rounded; none

of these apply to P. malaccense. The large very hairy

deflexed sheath below the inflorescence is the most conspi-

cuous distinguishing feature of plants with young inflores-

cences; in fruiting plants the fruits are distinctive. The

details of the flower given above are taken from a dried

specimen (Ridley’s from Bujong Malacca) and may not be

very accurate.

‘In Ridley’s list of specimens, the two representing the

true P. hirtum (G. Panti and Perhentian Tinggi) are not

very good. I therefore have chosen another to serve as the

type of the species. It was collected by Ridley before 1899

and must have been in his herbarium when he described

the species, though he does not mention it. It is the only

_ sheet which bears the information ‘flowers white’, which is

mentioned in the description.

This species is allied to P. basiflorum, having very simi-

lar fruits, but differs in the inflorescence much raised above

the ground, in the large deflexed hairy basal sheath, in the

leaves not being variegated, and in the flowers, which are

said to be white (Ridley) smaller than in P. basiflorum but

with longer outer staminodes. In contrast to P. basiflorum,

P. hirtum has been collected many times and is evidently

locally abundant in swampy forest in the lowlands and at

moderate elevations on the hills.

The species is distributed to Sumatra (Mentawi Islands,

Kloss 14807 ) and Borneo (Sarawak, Hewitt 31). Merrill’s

P. inflatum from North Borneo is perhaps also the same.

SPECIMENS. Perak: Bujong Malacca, Ridley 9817 (p.p., the

flowering specimen, Type). Ulu Temango, Ridley s.n. J uly 1909.

Trengganu: Ulu Ayam Swamp, Kemaman, S.F.N. 30265

(Corner). Selangor: Kwang, Ridley s.n. August 1908. 15th mile

Pahang Track, Ridley 8460. Negri Sembilan: Perhentian Tinggi,

Ridley 10,001. Without locality Alvins 2277. Johore: Sungei En-

dau, S.F.N. 24945 (Holttum). Kukub, Ridley 13272. G. Panti,

1,000 feet, Ridley, sn. December 1892. Ulu Segun, G. Panti,

Corner s.n. 10.4.1936.

Vol. XIII. (1951).

292

7. Phrynium basiflorum Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 182. 1899.

Flora 4: 289. Schum., Pflanzenr. Marant. 56 (copied

from Ridley). var. nobile Ridl., Journ. F.M.S. Mus. 4: 79.

1909.

Erect shoots bearing 2 or 3 leaves and a terminal inflo-

rescence close to the ground. Leaf-blade drooping, purplish

beneath when young, above rather light green with dark

green oblique stripes from midrib to edge (sometimes

unstriped ?), to about 55 by 20 cm., ovate, base broadly

rounded, apex very shortly pointed, hairy on either side

of the midrib beneath. Petiole with sheath to 2 m. long,

base very stout, densely silky-hairy (hairs 5 mm. long),

apical thickened part c. 10 cm. long. Inflorescence nearly

spherical, c. 7 cm. diameter, on a scape 3-4 cm. long

covered with densely hairy sheaths. Bracts c. 2-5 cm. long,

hairy when young, when old disintegrating into fibres; each

bract with 2 or more pairs of flowers. Prophylls hairy on

the keels, second prophyll 3-keeled. Mesophylls present.

Ovary densely hairy. Sepals c. 2-2:2 cm. long, hairy at tips,

narrow. Corolla-tube 1-5 cm. long; lobes c. 1:3 by 0-4 cm.,

reflexed and curled, pink to rose-red. Outer staminodes

joined at base to stamen, unequal; free parts c. 9 by 1 mm.

and 5 by less than 1 mm. Fleshy staminode broadly obo-

vate; white, c. 1-6 by 0-9 em., with large 2-lobed callus, one

lobe hairy. Hooded staminode yellowish, c. 9 mm. long.

Stamen 9 mm. long with narrow petaloid appendage free

half-way to the base. Fruit pinkish purple, then blackening,

glabrescent when old, when dried with a rough dull sur-

face, c. 15 em. long and wide, 3-lobed, apex retuse, often

2-seeded.

In Ridley’s orignal description of this species, he did not

mention the colour of the leaves; later he described var.

nobile, with leaves purple beneath and bearing dark stripes

above. The only other collections, from G. Panti, Johore,

have striped leaves purple beneath; and the dried leaf of

Ridley’s original specimen appears as if it also was purple

beneath. The details of the flower are taken from a specimen

preserved in formalin. Ridley did not describe the very

narrow outer staminodes.

This is a large handsome species, which is very conspi-

cuous, but has only been collected at three rather widely

separated localities, G. Panti (Johore), Perhentian Tinggi

(N. Sembilan) and Tapah (Perak). Corner reports that it

Gardens Bulletin, S.

293

is common in granite valleys round G. Panti, especially in

swampy places. It is closely allied to P. hirtum, but differs

in being usually larger, in the variegated leaves and the

basal inflorescence; also in the absence of the long hairy

downward-pointing sheath of P. hirtum.

In its very narrow outer staminodes and very large

fleshy staminode it is strikingly different from P. capita-

tum. The colour of the fruit is reported by Corner only.

SPECIMENS. Johore: S. Segun, G. Panti, S.F.N. 30680 eee

G. Panti, west, low elevation, in Dryobalanops forest, S.F.N

30957 (Corner). Negri Sembilan: Perhentian Tinggi, Ridley

10,000 (Type). Perak: Bidor, near Tapah, Ridley 14036 (form-

ing huge clumps in forest swamps).

8. Phrynium terminale Ridl., J.S.B.R.A.S. 57: 105. 1910.

Flora 4: 290.

Erect shoots each bearing 2 leaves with several bladeless

sheaths (one sheath much longer than the others, c. 20-30

cm. long) and a terminal inflorescence on a slender pedun-

cle, without any accompanying leaf. Leaf-blade c. 30 by 10

to 50 by 16 cm., nearly elliptic, widest a little above the

middle, apex shortly acuminate, base rounded and then

slightly decurrent to the petiole, texture thin, glabrous,

lower surface of young leaves purplish (?); petiole with

sheath to about 50 cm. long, thickened part 4—5 cm. long,

sheath to about 20 cm., glabrous. Pedunele 25—35 cm. long,

slender. Inflorescence erect, 6-7 cm. long, with about 8

spirally arranged broad bracts, the lowest one 5-6 cm. long,

all soon decaying at the apex to a group of fibres, the lower

ones with axillary spikes, glabrous. Basal azillary spike

with about 7 bracts, bracts c. 3-5 em. long. Flowers white,

2-3 pairs in axil of each bract, flowers of a pair not open-

ing simultaneously. Prophylls after the first 3-keeled.

Mesophylls not seen. Pedicels of flowers c. 5-7 mm. long.

Ovary 3 mm. long, covered with appressed silky hairs.

Sepals 2:3-2-5 cm. long, nearly 4 mm. wide, ends blunt,

glabrous. Corolla-tube 1-0 cm. long; lobes c. 1:6 cm. long

and 0-6 ecm. wide, not reflexed, ends broadly rounded. Sta-

men-tube c. T mm. longer than corolla-tube. Other stami-

nodes 2, subequal, narrow at the base and joined for some

distance to the back of the stamen, about as long as the

petals, their blades c. 5 mm. wide. Fleshy staminode a little

longer than the petals, c. 9 mm. wide. Hooded staminode

and stamen about same length, much shorter than fleshy

staminode; stamen with adnate lateral narrow petaloid

Vol. XII. (1951).

294

appendage a little shorter than the anther. Fruits on pedi-

cels 5 mm. or more long, oblong in outline as seen laterally,

about 1:4 cm. long and 1:0 cm. diameter, surface dull and

slightly hairy, dehiscent, 3-seeded. Seeds c. 1:1 cm. long, 8

mm. wide, oblong in outline as seen from the back, outer

face slightly roughened, inner faces smooth, aril 2-lobed,

the lobes 3—4 by 1-5 mm.

This interesting species, peculiar in its erect inflores-

cence without an accompanying leaf, has only been found

three times, in the north of Malaya. The flowers are now

described for the first time, from the collection S.F.N.

35005 (alcohol and dried material). Ridley only saw the

fruiting inflorescence. The pedicelled very oblong dull

fruits with oblong seeds are distinctive among known

Malayan species.

Sometimes the inflorescence has a large sterile basal

sheathing bract a few centimetres below the others, but

this is unusual.

A specimen from Sumatra named Phrynium obscurum

T. et B. (Lampong, Forbes 1043A) agrees closely with

Peninsula specimens of P. terminale. The description of

the species also agrees (so far as it goes, including sepals

25 cm. long) except that the corolla-tube is said to be 3 cm.

long and the lobes violet-spotted. A study of fresh material

from Sumatra is desirable. |

SPECIMENS. Kedah: Ulu Lugong, S.F.N. 35005 (Kiah). Perak:

Ulu Temango, Ridley 14416 (Type). Ulu Luat, Lenggong, F.D.

10372 (F. Ranger Hamid).

PHACELOPHRYNIUM K. SCHUM.

Vegetative habit of Phrynium. Inflorescence a compound

spike with distichous main bracts, and a group of subsi-

diary spikes in the axil of each of the lower bracts, which

are widely spaced. Prophylls with 2 and 3 keels, and meso-

phylls, present in the partial inflorescences; bracteoles not

seen. Flowers as in Phrynium but only one outer staminode

present.

This genus is very nearly allied to Phrynium and Cala-

thea. It differs from Phrynium in the 2-ranked bracts and

the single outer staminode; and from Calathea in the very

compound inflorescence. Schumann was much impressed

with its resemblance to Calathea in the presence of tricar-

niate prophylls and also mesophylls; but he did not know

that these occurred also in Phrynium.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

. a.

” —.

P 4

“_-”"* -_

=¥

295

I have stated that the bracts are distichous in Phacelo-

phrynium maximum; but in the young subsidiary spikes

they are not clearly so, and I suspect that the basal bracts

of these spikes are in fact not distichous, as the basal leaves

of a vegetative shoot are not always so. The main bracts of

the inflorescence are however certainly distichous, and also

those of the well-developed subsidiary spikes, and I believe

this distinction from Phrynium to be a good one, Phrynium

being limited as it is at present.

If the genus Phrynium is again extended to include

Stachyphrynium, then probably Phacelophrynium should

also be included, as it would only be distinct in its single

outer staminode. This character is however so constant in

the large genus Calathea that it may be regarded as of

sufficient importance to warrant the maintenance of Phace-

lophrynium as a separate genus.

Phacelophrynium maximum (BI.) K. Schum., Pflanzenr.

Marant. 122. 1902. Phrynium maximum BI., Enum. PI.

Jav. 1: 37. 1827. Phacelophrynium tapirorum K. Schum.

le. Ridley, Flora 4: 289. Phrynium tapirorum Ridl.,

Trans. Lin. Soc. 3: 382. 1893. J.S.B.R.A.S. 32: 180. 1899.

Erect shoots close together, each bearing 2-4 leaves at

the base, with broad bladeless sheaths outside, and a ter-

minal long-peduncled inflorescence usually without a leaf

accompanying it. Leaf-blade to 60 by 25 cm., nearly elliptic,

apex very shortly pointed, base rounded and slightly decur-

rent, glabrous, light green above, pale greenish beneath

(not glaucous, never purple) ; petiole with sheath 100-150

cm. long, sparsely hairy towards the base, thickened part

of petiole to about 10 em. long, olive green, rest light green ;

sheath pale yellowish. Peduncle of inflorescence to 70 cm.

long, hairy near the apex. Inflorescence c. 18-25 cm. long,

the basal three bracts widely spaced with axillary spikes,

the upper bracts forming a simple spike; lowest bract

5-10 em. long, with 1-3 spikes in its axil and separated by

an internode of 35-10 cm. from the next; second bract

with 1-2 axillary spikes and separated by a shorter dis-

tance from the third. Longest axillary spike c. 11 cm. long

with distichous bracts c. 3 cm. long. Bracts pale brown,

their apices only soon decomposing, never rotted and fibr-

ous to the base; about 3 pairs of flowers to a bract. Flowers

white, the two of a pair not opening on the same day.

Vol. XII. (1951).

296

Ovary with pedicel c. 5 mm. long, the ovary with appressed.

silky hairs. Sepals 1:1 cm. long. Corolla-tube 1 cm. long;

lobes 1:0 by 0-4 em., bluntly rounded, not reflexed. Stami-

node-tube 3 mm. longer than corolla-tube. Outer staminode

1:0 by 0-5 em., obovate. Fleshy staminode 1:2 by 0-8 cm.,

obovate, with 2 glabrous fleshy calli. Hooded staminode 9

mm. long, with triangular lateral lobe. Stamen 8 mm. long

with no distinct petaloid appendage. Frwt c. 8 mm. long as

seen from the side and somewhat flattened, outer surface

smooth and sparsely hairy, apex not retuse, usually 2-

seeded. Seeds oblong as seen from the back, c. 7 by 3:5

mm., the rounded back shining and finely wrinkled; aril of

two narrow lobes about half as long as the seed.

Ridley described the inflorescence of his P. tapirorum as

arising from a petiole, by which he meant that it had a

leaf attached to the peduncle just below the inflorescence;

but his specimens do not show this, and later collections

show that the peduncle is normally leafless to the base of

the plant. Corner reports that sometimes a leaf may be

borne between the base of the plant and the base of the

inflorescence, but this is exceptional.

The subsidiary inflorescences subtended by the basal

bract are usually of unequal length, and have an arrange-

ment exactly like the whole inflorescence of Phrynium

tristachyum Ridl.

The species has been collected in four widely separated

localities and no doubt occurs elsewhere in Malaya. It

grows in large dense clumps, probably in wet ground near

streams. Corner reports it ‘common in all the stream

swamps’ in the Kemaman area in which he collected.

Schumann’s description of Phacelophrynium maximum

(Bl.) agrees well with the specimens of P. tapirorum

(except that the bracts of the Peninsula plants are not

much over 3 ecm. long, whereas in P. maximum they are 4

cm.), and I think it almost certain that the two should be

united. P. maximum occurs in Java, Sumatra and Borneo.

There are Bornean specimens in the Singapore herbarium.

SPECIMENS. Pahang: Tahan River, Ridley 2398 (Type of P.

tapirorum). Selangor: Ginting Bidai, Ridley 7793. Trengganu:

Ulu Bendong swamp, Kemaman, S.F.N. 30292 (Corner). Johore:

Bukit Tinjau Laut (Sedili), S.F.N. 37084 (Ngadiman). Sungei

Kayu, in swamp, Kiah s.n. 13.3.37.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

~~ -_

A New Species of Knema

By JAMES SINCLAIR B.Sc.

Knema meridionalis J. Sinclair, sp. nov. Fig. 1.

K. furfuraceae (Hk. f. et Th.) Warb. similis sed foliis

non cordatis, minoribus, nervis paucioribus, fructibus

minoribus.

Frutex vel arbor parva 5-7 m. alta, dioicea. Ramuli folia-

que novelli cum tomento stellato floccoso ferrugineo tecti,

mox glabri. Folia adulta coriacea, lanceolata, supra viri-

dissima, subtus. albido-viridia, apice et basi acuta, circiter

18-19 cm. longa, circiter 5 cm. lata; petioli 7 mm.—1 cm.

longi, pubescentes ; nervi per pares 19-21 dispositi, curvati,

in marginibus anastomosantes, omnes costaque elevati;

reticulationes subtus praecipue in sicco visibiles, supra vix

visibiles. Flores masculi 3-5, in tuberculis lignosis axillares

vel in axillis foliorum delapsorum orti. Pedicell1 3-4 mm.

longi, ferrugineo-tomentosi, bractea minuta truncata prope

basin praediti. Perianthii segmenta 3-4, circiter 5 mm.

longa, coriacea, ovato-rotunda, a basi conjuncta, extus fer-

rugineo-stellato-tomentosa, intus punicea, apice acutiuscula

vel obtusa, erecta vel leviter incurva. Discus staminalis

triangularis vel peltatus, stipite circiter 1 mm. longo rubro;

anthera 11-12, brevissime stipitata, sub-erecta. Flores

feminei sessiles, 7-10, in tuberculis lignosis axillaribus

orti. Perianthui segmenta ut in masculo, sed magis coriacea

et rigida. Stigmata viridia, infundibuliformia, apice multi-

lobata. Ovarium hemisphericum, atro-fusco-stellato-pubes-

ens, ovulo solitario. Fructus ec. 1-7 em. longus, obovatus;

sessilis, ferrugineo-stellato-tomentosus, apice obtusus, ad

basin sensim angustatus, pyriformis. Semen basale, car-

pellum implens, arillo pallido-aurantiaco apice laciniato

tectum.

JOHORE: Sungei Sedili, Mawai, Corner S.F.N. 29277;

Sungei Berassau, Mawai-Jemaluang Road, Corner S.F.N.

28975; 514 mile, Kota Tinggi—Mawai Road, Corner, date

10: 5: 1935; 8th mile Kota Tinggi—Mawai Road, Corner

S.F.N. 28711; 1314 mile Mawai-Jemaluang Road, Corner

S.F.N. 29420; Sungei Tementang, Mawai-Jemaluang Road,

Corner S.F.N. 29290; North of Gunong Blumut, Holttum

Vol. XIII. (1951).

é x SS WN

SSS SSS

EEA ar SE a5" |

we hae oe

eee:

MY ~~

EZ LS

= ga Na

pie

\\)

5 ’ \\\ AN

Ju RAIMI Det

Fig. 1. Knema meridionalis J. Sinclair, sp. nov.

A, Portion with leaves and male flowers. B, Twig with female flowers. C an

acne flowers top and side views. E and F, Male flowers top and side vi

, Fruit. Sia

Oe wT ee

299

S.F.N. 10606; Bukit Tanah Alang, Lake and Kelsall 4012;

Bukit Abu Bakar, Nur and Kiah S.F.N. 7757; Mt. Austin,

Ridley, date 1906.

SINGAPORE: South side of MacRitchie Reservoir near

golf course, Sinclair S.F.N. 38561; Maranta Avenue, Bota-

nic Gardens, Sinclair S.F.N. 38914; Lawn 0, Botanic

Gardens, Sinclair S.F.N. 28915; Bukit Timah, Ngadiman

S.F.N. 274957; Chan Chu Kang, Goodenough, date 27: 11:

1890 and Ridley 6737; Kranji, Ridley 2.43; Bukit Pan-

jang, Ridley 12541; Sungei Morai, Ridley 6440.

This species appears to be confined to the south of the

Peninsula. It is not uncommon in the MacRitchie Reservoir

forest in Singapore. The description of the male flowers is

taken from Sinclair S.F.N. 34914, the female from Sinclair

S.F.N. 38915 and that of the fruit from Sinclmr S.F.N.

38561. The midrib and the veins are red and they are cons-

picuously raised on the upper side of the leaf as well as

the under. This species is near K. furfuracea (Hk. f. et

Th.) Warb. but the latter has more veins, larger leaves

and a larger fruit. The leaf base is never cordate in mevi-

dionalis. It is nearly always acute but occasionally

slightly rounded.

PALMAE MALESICAE—XI

The Malayan Species of Korthalsia

By C. X. FURTADO

Botanic Gardens, Singapore

1. Introduction

KORTHALSIAS form a small group of clump-forming rattans,

the species of which are inadequately known. This inade-

quacy of our systematic knowledge is due primarily to the

‘inadequacy of herbarium specimens obtained by collectors

not well conversant with the needs of the systematist.

The one thing that the collector should notice in Korthal-

sias is the great deal of variation not only in the different

parts of an individual stem, but often also in the different

individual stems of the same clump at different stages.

Thus the ocrea of the first leaves on a new stem is some-

what different in texture and in dimensions, and sometimes

also in armature, from its condition on the later leaves;

after the first few leaves, it soon acquires its definitive

form, which is retained by all leaves on the stem except the

reduced leaves which are associated with the terminal

inflorescence.

Similarly in some species the first leaves on a stem are

flabellate (undivided, fan-shaped), and are sometimes of a

peculiar colour and indumentum (special covering on the

surface). On later leaves the leaflets begin to separate but

the terminal two leafiets may remain connate or united.

Subsequent leaves may show a gradation of change in shape,

size, indumentum, and colour of leaflets and of their stalk-

like bases (ansae), and the two terminal leaflets may be

separate; in still later stages the leaves have a clawed

whip-like end (cirrus). As the stem approaches its maximal

growth and terminates in an inflorescence, the changes in

the leaves continue. The main branches of the inflorescence

are produced in the axils of leaves showing various grada-

tions in reduction, so that some of the terminal leaves

consist each of a leaf-sheath surmounted by a small cirrus,

with no leaflets. Side by side with these changes, there will

be noticed variations in the thickness of the stem, the size

of the petiole, and in the armature on sheaths, ocreae, etc.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

a01

However, since the ocrea early acquires a definitive form

and changes but very little except in the terminal leaves,

it has been found that Malayan Korthalsias can be separated

from other rattans both generically and specifically on the

adult leaves having ocreae. No other rattan genus has leaves

which produce both leaflets which are rhomboidal in shape

or have premorse lips (as if bitten off), and long ring-like

ocreae at the junction of sheath and petiole. Since leaf-

sheaths and petioles are also essential for the correct specific

identification of most rattans collectors should therefore

be instructed to include a sufficient number of representative

bits of stems to show the petioles, sheaths and ocreae. In

order to clarify accurately the status of many species based

on juvenile material only, or on material without leaf-sheath

and ocrea, it would be useful if sets carefully numbered

in the field were made to show all the important variations

noticeable in a clump.

This should not be taken to mean that the flowering parts

are unimportant for a systematic study of Korthalsia; they

are useful especially to give an additional confirmation that

the identifications made on the vegetative characters are

correct and also to show their affinities; but it is extremely

difficult to identify species on specimens having no ocreae

and petioles. Of the inflorescence, spikes and fruits are of

very great importance in separating species, but these parts

are rarely represented in most specimens.

2. The Inflorescence

Each individual stem in a clump produces flowers and

fruits once in its life in a terminal inflorescence of short

branches, and then dies. This monocarpic habit causes the

collector difficulties not only to see whether a certain indivi-

dual stem has produced spadices, but also to collect the

spadices when seen. Further the jungle folk cut Korthalsia

stems long before they flower, for the stems are very

useful long before they flower and it is believed that they

lose their durability and strength after flowering and

fruiting. Such cutting of stems in their sterile stages may

therefore be an additional reason why collectors do not

easily find flowers and fruits of the species of this genus.

- As said above, the primary branches of the inflorescence

are produced in the axils of reduced leaves; but as in

Salacca, they emerge usually by puncturing the leaf-sheaths

Vol. XIII. (1951).

302

in their dorsal side below the petiole. The spikes are amenti-

form in all Malayan species, that is, they are cylindrical,

having their membranous spathels closely packed together.

Each spathel shields one small hermaphrodite flower, which

is attended by two or more woolly bracteoles. On the length

of these bracteoles depends the glabrous or tomentose

appearance of the spikes. Because of this amentiform

character of the spikes—a character found also in the genus

Metroxylon (Sago Palms, formerly also known as Sagus),

a genus that has scaly fruits lke Korthalsia and other

rattans—and because of the calamoid appearance of the

stem, GRIFFITH named the genus Calamosagus, being un-

aware that it had already been named Korthalsia a few

years earlier by BLUME, in honour of the Dutch naturalist

Dr. P. W. KORTHALS, well-known for his Indonesian plant

collections made between 1831-37. There are some non-

Malayan species in which the spikes have loosely-packed

spathels as in Salacca and so are not amentiform.

The perianth of the flower consists of a cupular 3-lobed

calyx, and of a deeply 3-parted corolla which is usually

much longer than, but sometimes as long as, the calyx.

Stamens are six, borne on filaments adnate to the corolla

tube, slightly united at their bases to form a small ring.

The ovary is incompletely three-celled, terminated by three

punctiform stigmas, each cell having an ovule. The fruit is

one-seeded, the pericarp being covered with imbricating

scales; the number of vertical rows and the colour of the

scales form important diagnostic characters for specific

differentiation. The seed is covered with scanty flesh

(integument) and the endosperm is more or less ruminate,

with a deep chalazal cavity in the middle of one side, and

with the embryo placed on the other side opposite the

cavity. (A few non-Malayan species have a homogeneous

endosperm).

3. Geographical Distribution

So far only 26 species are known, of which 18 are found

in a region occupied by Malaya, Borneo and Sumatra—-a

region which appears to be the centre of the generic develop-

ment. Of these 18, six are endemic in Borneo, four in Malaya

(K. grandis, K. paludosa, K. Scortechinti and K. tenuis-

sima), and two in Sumatra. One Sumatran species (K.

Teysmannii) has been recorded in Java, the only other

Javanese species (K. Junghunii) being endemic there. K.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

~~.

: 303

laciniosa is widely distributed in the region north of

Malaya, being found in the Andamans, the Nicobars, Lower

Burma, Indo-China and also in Sumatra. The other six

species are endemic in the following regions: the Andamans

(K. Rogersi), the Philippines (K. Merrilli, K. scaphigerot-

des and K. squarrosa), Celebes (K. celebica) and New

Guinea and Aru Islands (K. Zippelii).

This high endemism plus its wide distribution, its mono-

carpic habit, cylindrical spikes and hermaphrodite flowers

seem to suggest that the genus is much more ancient phylo-

genetically than the other calamoid genera, and that it has

long lost its ability to produce variations and new species.

The absence of sufficient flesh in the integument of the seed

fails no doubt to attract birds to distribute the seed, and

may therefore be a probable cause of much local endemism.

The usefulness of the stems is an inducement to man to

cut them before they produce flowers and fruits and thereby

to contribute to their extermination in easily accessible

areas. The Sago palm which is also monocarpic and soboli-

ferous and much cut for its sago in the stem before it fruits

is a palm now extinct in the wild state, and has numerous

endemic varieties in different areas where they have been

long cultivated.

4. The Malayan Species

The following eight species have been definitely recorded

in Malaya: echinometra, flagellaris, grandis, paludosa,

rigida, scaphigera, Scortechinii and tenuissima. The only

new species described here is K. paludosa which is closely

allied to K. rigida. RIDLEY (1907 and 1925) records eleven

species for Malaya. Of these the following reductions have

been made: K. rubiginosa (to K. flagellaris) , K. polystachya

(to K. rigida) and K. ferox var. malayana (to K. rigida).

K. Wallichiaefolia, as described by GRIFFITH (1844),

appears to be a mixture consisting of the leaves of K. rigida

and of the spikes of K. echinometra or K. Scortechini, and

so it is excluded from this account. K. Machadonis was

based by RIDLEY entirely on a juvenile form of which no

specimens are available, but which, from the description,

appears to be a non-cirriferous juvenile form of K. scaphi-

gera. The Bornean K. horrida, based on a juvenile form,

has been reduced to K. echinometra. Korthalsia grandis was

based by RIDLEY on two distinct specimens, one of which

has been transferred to K. Scortechinii; thus restricted the

Vol. XIH. (1951).

504

species appears to be closely related to K. Teysmanni, to

which K. grandis was reduced by BECCARI. The spadix and

the fruit of K. grandis are described here for the first time.

K. Scortechinii,-which RIDLEY considered as a doubtful

species, has been found to be very widely distributed and

its spadix is also described; RIDLEY had confused the

specimens of this species with K. echinometra and K.

grandis. Good collections of K. Scortechinui are required in

order to study the variation of the leaflets and also of the

ocreae. K. tenuissima is a distinct species known only from

the type collection, which I have not seen, though I have

seen the published photograph.

5. A Nomenclatural Problem

According to Art. 60 of the 19385 Rules, K. scaphigera is

a ‘superfluous’ name, because MARTIUS in publishing its

brief diagnosis as communicated by GRIFFITH, mistakenly

quoted Calamosagus Wallichiaefolius as its synonym. From

the citations made in Palms Brit. Ind. (1850) it is obvious

that GRIFFITH wanted to adopt the name K. scaphigera

only for that specimen which he had tentatively mentioned

in the notes under C. Wallichiaefolius; but MARTIUS un-

fortunately thought K. scaphigera was a new name for the

old species. However, since the rule of ‘superfluous’ names,

if rigidly applied, would cause many changes not foreseen in

the Rules, I have retained K. scaphigera not as a synonym

to K. Wallichiaefolius, but as the correct name for the —

Species represented by the specimen indicated by GRIFFITH ;

this is also the interpretation adopted by BECCARI and by

all subsequent botanists.

6. Key to the Species

OCREA INFLATED

Ocrea ovate or oblong, 25-6 cm. long, not more than two

times as long as broad, armed with short spines. (Leaf-

lets eiongate-rhomboidal, smooth)

K. scaphigera Griff. et Mart.

Ocrea elongate, elliptical, 10-18 cm. long, two, three or

more times longer than broad, armed or not

Leaflets elongate-lanceolate or ensiform, narrowed at

apex, sometimes spiny in the nerves above. Ocrea

with spines 3-8 cm. long

K. echinometra Becc.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

305

Leaflets rhomboidally elongate, unarmed on both

surfaces. Ocrea armed with spines less than 1 em.

long Kk. Scortechinii Bece.

OCREA CLOSELY SHEATHING

Ocrea 15-20 mm. long, smooth. Leaflets 2-3 on each

side on a leaf. Sheathed stem 4—5 mm. thick. Inflores-

cence of 2-3 spikes directly borne on the main axis

| Kk. tenuissima Bece.

~ Ocrea much longer, in some up to 30 em. long, often

prickly. Leaflets many on each side. Sheathed stems

1—2:5 cm. in diam. or more. Inflorescence with several

spike-bearing branches produced in the axils of reduced

leaves

Ocrea almost horizontally truncate above the petiole,

about 1-3 cm. long. Spikes thin, 5 mm. in diam,,

glabrous outside |

Ocrea conspicuously fibrous and often split on

ventral side, nearly smooth. Leaf-sheaths thin

and split ventrally, unarmed or armed with

2—4 mm. long prickles on the ventral side, and

rarely also on the dorsal side in a vertical

line below the petiole. The sheath and the

petiole dry yellowish. Axillas of the petioles

conspicuously callused or swollen in adult

leaves kK. rigida Bl.

Ocrea and leaf-sheaths coriaceous, almost uni-

form in texture, not split ventrally, armed

ventrally and in vertical line below the petiole

with many laminar, 6-10 mm. long, often

approximate spines. Axillas of petioles not

swollen. The sheath and the petiole dry dull

brown K. paludosa Furtado.

Ocrea much longer, 15-30 cm. long, obliquely marces-

cent and deciduous from the base of the petiole.

Spikes thick, tomentose outside (no callus in the

axillas of petioles)

Leaflets long-rhomboidal, first glaucous beneath,

later almost equally green. Sheathed stem 3-5

em. thick, straw-colour when dry

K. grandis Ridl.

Leaflets cuneately or lanceolately elongate, ab-

ruptly and irregularly premorse and toothed,

covered at first with tobacco-brown scurf

Vol. XIII. (1951).

306 gi,”

underneath, later nearly glaucous. Sheathed

stem 2-8 cm. thick, dull yellow covered with

deciduous whitish powder K. flagellaris Miq.

7. The Species

1. Korthalsia echinometra Becc. in Malesia II (1884) 66,

t. 7 et (1886) 276; Hook. f., Fl. Brit. Ind. VI (18938)

474; Ridl., Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. II (1907) 215; Bece. in

Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 38 (1918) 115 tt. 68 and

69; Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925) 68 pp. (Fig. 1).

kK. horrida Becc. in Malesia II (1884) 66 t. 6, et in Ann.

eit.. XT; ° 3.441998) “1a7 1. 70 Wier aan Enum. Born. PE =

(1921) 72: syn. nov:

Stem scandent slender, when sheathed 1-2 cm. in diam.

Leaf-sheaths short, slightly longer than the ocreae, more or less

spinous in exposed parts, covered with deciduous dark brown

scurf. Ocrea elliptical, inflated-cymbiform, 10-18 cm. long, shortly

pedicelliform at base, thinly coriaceous, deciduously scurfy, armed

all round with spreading, slender, elastic, distant, 3-8 cm. long

spines. Leaves elongate; petiole flattened, prickly along edges

and sometimes on dorsum also, 30-60 cm. long, shorter in the

upper leaves; rachis in the middle leaves about 1 m. long, armed

with 1—3-nate claws, terminating with a cirrus as long, or longer

than, the rachis. Leaflets 12-16 on each side, opposite to alter-

nate, whitish beneath, plicately 3—5-costate, elongate lanceolate,

papyraceous, acute at base, toothed or indented at apex; 30-50

cm. long, 2-25-3-5 em. broad, upper ones gradually smaller, more

or less spinulous above in the main nerves. Inflorescence a ter-

minal diffuse panicle; primary branches solitary in the axils of

reduced leaves; secondary branches many; spathes tubular,

smooth, obliquely truncate at apex; spikes cylindrical 15-20 cm.

long, 12-15 mm. in diam.; spathels suborbicular, striately veined;

bracteoles small, woolly; flowers 8 mm. long; calyx 3-lobed;

corolla deciduous. Fruit oblong to obovoid, slightly narrowed to-

wards the base, suddenly rostrate at apex, about 2-5 cm. long,

10-13 mm. broad; scales arranged in 18-21 vertical series, cin-

ammon coloured with darker margins; seed 15 mm. long, 10-11

mm. in diam., oblong, with a slight groove on the raphal side

running from the base to the chalazal cavity; the last is deep

and broadly expanding in the centre; albumen deeply ruminate,

embryo seated slightly above the middle opposite to the chalazal

cavity. 3

MaLayA: Kemaman, Bukit Kajang (Corner, 30,467, sub. vern.

nom. Rotan Udang). Johore, Kuala Sembrong (Lake and Kel-

sall). Singapore, Bukit Timah (Ridley in 1894, 1903 and in

1907); Chan Chu Kang (Ridley 3,521); cult. in Hort. Bot.

Singaporense (Furtado 37,946).

BORNEO: British North Borneo, cult. in Hort. Bot. Bogor.

(Furtado 30,91la); Sandakan (Enggoh 7,432 as Rotan Wakau —

Mevak).

DISTRIBUTION: Sumatra and Bangka.

From the descriptions and plates given by BECCARI and

from study of the material quoted above, I have reduced

—

Wp = :

Vita aa ,

UM Cb ad

AUTY,

’

0 Fon

Aan

1. Korthalsia echinometra (A-E: Furtado 37,946; F-H: Corner ae ). ay

A, Fragmentum inflorescentiae terminale. B1, Pars superior caudicis : — podem

folioque instructa. B2, Pars caudicis juvenilis. C, Spathella. D, Bracte

, Semen verticaliter

3 ciliata. E, Bracteola barbata. F, Fructus. G, Semen. H

_ discissum.

Ss +

Piet

eretoe

HL SEC Ooh ean.

, Bracteola barbata

discissum.

‘\

AP ET Precag a teS EDs

gmentum spadicis terminale. C, Seeti

SUR Nt

, Bracteola ciliata. F

H, Alabastrum 9 verticaliter

pathella. E

iy ,

flagellaris (Nur 34,007).

eg NS

Fragmentum caudicis cum fronde. B, Fra

spicae transversa. D, S

Alabastrum femineum.

1 cw

Korthalsia

Fig. 2.

309

K. horrida to K. echinometra. Variations mentioned by

BECCARI also occur in the same species. RIDLEY confused

with this species several flowering and fruiting specimens

of K. Scortechinit, and so he was not able to recognize K.

Scortechinit.

According to ENGGOH’S field notes, the stems of K. echi-

nometra are used in Borneo for binding purposes and the

leaves for making mats. It is possible that the spadix

described by GRIFFITH for K. Wallichieafolia is of this

species; the spike collected by LAKE and KELSALL at Kuala

Sembrong, Johore, and cited by RIDLEY under K. Wallichiae-

folia also belongs here.

2. Korthalsia flagellaris Mig. in Journ. Neerl. (1855) 15

et Prodr. Fl. Sum. (1860) 255 et 591; Bece. in Malesia

II (1886) 276 t. 64 f. 3; Becc. et Hook. f. in FI. Brit.

Ind. VI (1893) 476; Ridl., Mat. Fl. Malayan Pen. (1907)

219; Bece. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 3 (1918)

143 t. 94-96; Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925) 70. (Fig. 2).

K. rubiginosa Becc. in Malesia II (1884) 72; Ridl., Mat.

om Tl (1907) 219 et Fl. cit. V (1925) 70.

Stems tufted, climbing, up to 20 m. long, 2-4 cm. in diam.

Leaf-sheaths smooth or sparingly armed, mostly on the dorsal

side in line with the petiole, with short scattered prickles 5-10

mm. long, covered when young with deciduous cinnamon-brown

seurf. Ocrea 20-30 cm. long, membranous, closely sheathing,

covered with similar scurf, unarmed, tubular at first, split ven-

trally later and finally dissolved into fibres. Leaves in very young

plants undivided, 50-100 cm. long, 10-12 cm. broad, cuneate at

base; the subsequent ones divided and longer, becoming cirrifer-

ous from the middle of the stem upwards; petiole deciduously

rusty furfuraceous, 20-35 cm. long, clawed along the margin, or

considerably shorter and unarmed in apical leaves; in juvenile

leaves armed also on ventral and dorsal surfaces; rachis bearing

leaflets 1-1-5 m. or slightly longer in the leaves of the middle

stem, with stout 1—3-nate claws beneath. Leaflets numerous, 8-18

on each side, ansate, broadly linear and shortly cuneate at base

or oblanceolate-cuneate, irregularly truncate at apex and sharply

dentate, pluricostulate-plicate, 20-35 cm. long, 1-3-5 cm. broad,

ferrugineous-scurfy or whitish beneath, the leaflets in, apical

leaves considerably smaller and sometimes abortive or absent.

Inflorescence a terminal diffuse panicle the primary branches

being in the axils of reduced leaves; spathes closely sheathing,

tubular, unarmed, those subtending the spikes 3-5 cm. long;

spikes on secondary or tertiary branches, 5-18 cm. long, cylind-

rical, reddish-tomentose outside; spathels almost immersed in the

wool of the flower bracteoles; flowers hermaphrodite. F'ruit

obovate-oblong, gradually narrowed towards base, suddenly

beaked at apex, 17-20 mm. long, 10-11 mm. broad; scales yellow-

ish-brown with reddish-brown margins, arranged in 19-21 ver-

tical series; seed 11-12 mm. long, 7-9 mm. in diam., deeply

ruminate, with chalazal cavity expanding in the centre of the

Sees

z , Turmory Der

Fig. 3. Korthalsia grandis (Furtado 37,945).

Al, Pars caudicis juvenilis. A2, Particula rhacheos, folio instructa.

511

seed; embryo slightly above the middle on the side opposite to,

the chalazal cavity.

MaLaya: Perak, Asam Kumbang (Wray 3,127). Selangor,

Bukit Changgas, Klang (Nur 34,007). Johore, Soga (Ridley

11,214); Tempayan River (Ridley, 13,294); Mount Austen (Rid-

ley 12,591).

BORNEO: Mapat River at Semporna (Puasa 7,404, as Rotan

Asas and Rotan Merah).

DISTRIBUTION: Sumatra (type locality) and Billiton.

According to RIDLEY and BECCARI this species appears

to be very common but not collected because it is seldom

found in flower or fruit.

BECCARI has rightly reduced K. rubiginosa to K. flagel-

laris; the former was described from the long furfuraceous

reddish leaves growing in the early stages of the stem,

whereas K. flagellaris was based on leaves taken from the

apical parts of the plant. RIDLEY has ignored this reduction

made by BECCARI, and listed the two names as representing

two species.

5. Korthalsia grandis Ridl., Mat. Fl. Malayan Pen. II (1907)

217 partim; Becc. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 3

(1918) 154 t. 88; Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925) 69 partim

(ex altera parte = K. Scortechinii). (Fig. 3 and 2).

K. Teysmannii Mig. sensu Bece. op. cit. p. 136 t. 88 as to

Singapore specimen only.

Stem stout, long, with sheaths 3-5 cm. in diam. Leaf-sheaths

yellowish when dry, somewhat marcescent and less firm along

ventral side, unarmed except slightly below the base of ocrea on

ventral side. Ocrea about 13 cm. long, truncate, thinly coriaceous,

obliquely marcescent, decidously scurfy when young, finally

longitudinally split on ventral side, and partially disintegrated

above, armed with a few but short flattened spines usually on

ventral side. Leaves large, in the adult stages ending with a

robust cirrus; petiole in the specimens cited below 8-15 cm. long,

hardly callused in the axilla; rachis with 8-9 leaflets on each

side, 130 cm. long in the type, armed beneath with solitary robust

claws along the margins in the lower half, and with 2-3-nate

claws in a semi-whorl in the upper half. Leaflets 17 in all in the

type, strongly ansate at base, oblong-cuneately rhomboidal, 20-30

cm. long, 6-13 cm. wide, 9-13-nerved, the apical margins double-

toothed with a slight depression at each main nerve, whitish or

paler beneath. Inflorescence terminal, the main branches in the

axils of reduced leaves; spathes tubular, unarmed; spikes inserted

at the base of the secondary spathes, 15-25 cm. long, 8-10 mm.

broad, tomentose outside. Fruit 10-12 mm. long, 7-8 mm. broad,

oblong, slightly narrowed at base, suddenly apiculate above;

scales in 12 series, yellow with brownish tips; seed 8-9 mm.

long, 6-7 mm. broad, oblong-obovate, deeply ruminate, with a

deep chalazal cavity on one side in the middle; embryo seated a

little below the middle on the anti-raphal side.

MALAYA: Singapore, Selitar (Ridley in 1894, lectotype) ;

Bukit Panjang (Ridley on 1907); cult. in Hort. Bot. Singap.

(Furtado 37,945, apotypus). -

Juanes a | 1

2 cm

Pig. 4. Korthalsia grandis (Furtado 27,945). ‘a

A, Fragmentum caudicis adulti, cum fronde. B, Pars spadicis fructiferi. C, Spi

sectio transversa. D, Spathella. E-F, Bracteolae. G, Fructus. H,

grum. I, Semen verticaliter discissum.

515

This species is closely allied to K. Teysmannii to which

it was tentatively reduced by BECCARI: but the latter differs

from K. grandis in having its leaf-sheaths and ocreae

conspicuously spiny, more vertical series of fruit-scales, and

a sort of subulae at ends of the nerves of the leaflets.

RIDLEY’S K. grandis was a mixtum compositum, being based

on the sterile specimen of K. grandis as restricted here and

fertile specimens from Bukit Mandai belonging to K. Scor-

techinu. The apotype that enabled me to identify the species,

to amend it, and to supply the description of its spikes and

fruits is taken from a clump that was growing without a

name in the Botanical Gardens, Singapore. Its origin is

unknown and duplicates have been made for distribution

to many herbaria.

4. Korthalsia paludosa Furtado spec. nov. (Fig. 5).

A. K. rigida cui valde affinis, ocreis et foliorum vaginis

ventre coriaceis, integris, aculeis valide majoribus pluri-

busque, petiol axilla vix callosa, vaginis et racheis foliorum

siccis brunnescentibus, facile distinguenda.

Caulis cum vaginis 2-2-5 cm. in diam. Vagina frondis coriacea

dorso per linean infra petiolum et ventre aculeis pluribus 6-10

mm. longis, triangularibus, saepe approximatis praedita, deciduo

glaucescens. Ocrea 2-3 cm. alta, coriacea, fere horizontaliter

truncata, ventre paulo altior et magis aculeata. Petiolus circa

8-10 cm. aut magis longus, in axilla vix callosus, inferne ungui-

bus solitariis interdum approximatis armatus, deciduo fusco lep-

rosus. Rachis circa 60 cm. longa, utrinsecus foliolis rhomboideis

5-7, longe ansatis, subtus glaucis praedita. Cirrus cirea 60 cm.

longus, unguibus 3—4-natis. Inflorescentia terminalis, ramis pre-

mariis pluribus; spathae inermes, spicis infra spathae apicem

insertis, circa 10 cm. longis, 4 mm. in diam., exteriore glabris.

Fructus ignotus.

Stem tufted, scandent, with the sheaths 2-2-5 cm. in diam.

Leaf-sheaths coriaceous throughout, drying dark brown, not

split on ventral side, covered with a whitish deciduous subs-

tance, armed dorsally in line with petiole and on ventral

side with many triangular, 6-10 mm. long spines often approxi-

mate at base. Ocrea 2-3 cm. long, horizontally truncate, entire,

coriaceous, of the same texture and colour as the sheath, armed

more on the ventral side than on the side nearest to the petiole

with spines similar to those on the sheath. Leaves long-cirrifer-

ous in adult stages; petiole 8-10 cm. long, or longer, not swollen

in axilla, often deciduously scurfy, armed dorsally with remote,

solitary, sometimes laterally approximate, claws; rachis about 6

em. long, with 5-7 leaflets on each side, armed beneath with 2-3-

nate claws; cirrus long, strongly clawed. Leaflets coriaceous,

rhomboidal, whitish or glaucous beneath, 15-20 cm. long, 9-lo

em. broad, at base each with an ansa 1-5 cm. long, alternate or

subopposite, upper margins irregularly undulate and erose-

toothed, 9-10-nerved. Inflorescence terminal, with many main

2mm 4mm

- ) ga

Fig. 5. Korthalsia paludosa (Holotypus: Kiah 32,344). a

Al, Fragmentum caudicis juvenilis cum fronde. A2, Pars superior caudicis, |

florenti instructa. B, Particula caudicis adulti. C, Spica. D, Pist.

anthesim. E, Sectio transversa ex spicae medio. . ras “5 oe .

a wi

aur ee en a "

O15

branches, each emerging by puncturing the sheath of a reduced

leaf; spathes unarmed, elongate, tubular, somewhat withered at

apex, obliquely truncate; spikes borne on secondary branches,

inserted much below the mouth of the spathe, amentiform, 10

cm. long, 4 mm. in diam., glabrous outside; flowers small, sub-

tended by small bracteoles; fruit unknown.

MALAYA: Johore, juxta ripas Sungai Kayu (Kiah, S.F.N.

32,344, Holotypus). Negri Sembilan, Bukit Senaling in Kuala

Pilah (Moorhouse sub. nom. vern. Rotan Dahan).

_ This species is easily confused with K. rigida, from which

it is distinguished by the dark brownish sheaths, ocreae and

leaf-rachis, by the petiole-axillas not being conspicuously

swollen, by its longer and conspicuous armature on the

sheaths and ocreae, and by the coriaceous texture of sheaths

and ocreae which also remain entire and unsplit on the

development of the stem. The Negri Sembilan specimen is

sterile and my identification of it has been made by com-

parison with the Johore one.

5. Korthalsia rigida Bl., Rumphia II (1836) 167 t. 157;

Mart., Hist. Nat. Palm. III (1849) 211; Kurz in Journ.

As. Soc. Beng. XVIII (1874) 207; Becc. in Malesia II

(1884) 73 et in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Calc. XII, 3 (1918)

124 tt. 77 et 78. (Fig. 6).

K. ferox Becc. var. malayana Becc. in Hook. f., Fl. Brit.

Ind. VI (1893) 476; Ridl., Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. II (1907)

218; Bece. in Ann. cit. XII, 3 (1918) 140 t. 91; Ridl., Fl.

Mal. Pen. V (1925) 69 (syn. nov.).

K. polystachya Mart., Hist. cit. III (1849) 210 t. 172

fig. 1 et ZXIII; Becc. in Malesia II (1884) 74; Hook. f., Fl.

Brit. Ind. VI (1893) 476; Ridl., Mat. cit. IT (1907) 218

et Fl. cit. V (1925) 69.

K. Wallichiaefolia (Griff.) H. Wendl. in Kerch. Palm.

(1855) 248; Becc. in Malesia II (1884) 75; Hook. f., Fi.

cit. VI (1893) 475; Ridl., Mat. cit. II (1907) 217 p. p.;

Bece. in Ann. cit. XII, 3 (1918) 141 t. 92; Ridl., Fl. cit. V

(1925) 69 p.p. (quoad folia tantum) : syn. nov.

Calamosagus Harinaefolius Griff. ex M’Clelland in Griff.,

Palms Brit. Ind. (1850) 29 t. 184 (quoad foliolum).

C. ochriger Griff., Palms Brit. Ind. (1850) 31 t. 216 fig. 1.

C. Wallichiaefolius Griff. in Cale. Journ. Nat. Hist. V

(1844) 25 (quoad folium).

Stem climbing, with sheaths 12-25 mm. in diam. Leaf-sheaths

smooth or armed with small, short, 2-4 mm. long, ascendent or

reflexed prickles, (which are fewer or often absent on the dorsal

side), coriaceous but thinner and soon fibrous and split on the

hy ww ‘

———

P, soit-ts a AER) RY IY Hed SY

Fig. 6. Korthalsia rigida (Furtado 37,947). (

A, Fragmentum caudicis, fronde instructum. B, Pars superior caudicis cum spadi

pistillumque appareant. F, Spathella. G—-H, Bracteolae. I, Fructus. J, Semen

K, Semen verticaliter discissum.

517

ventral side. Ocrea 2-5 cm. long, or more, but upper, part mem-

branous deciduous, about 1-5 cm. or less long in the persistent

base, horizontally truncate, ventrally thinner and split, sometimes

also armed with short prickles. Leaves in the middle of the stem

about 40-50 cm. long, cirriferous; petiole 2-5 cm. long, or almost

absent, armed dorsally with a few short prickles conspicuously

swollen in the axilla; rachis armed with 1-3-nate claws; upper

leaves smaller, lower leaves often longer. Leaflets in the inter-

mediary leaves 5-6 on each side of the rachis, alternate, almost

glossy above, pale or glaucous beneath, cuneate-rhomboidal, 12—

18 cm. long, 5-7 cm. or more wide, 6-7 or more nerved, upper

margins erose-toothed, conspicously ansate at base. Inflorescence

a diffuse terminal panicle; primary branches emerging usually

by puncturing the sheath of the reduced axillant leaf, 50-60 cm.

long, sub-divided again into several spike-bearing secondary

branches; spathes elongate-tubular, unarmed, obliquely truncate

at apex; spikes pedicelled, inserted at the bottom of secondary

spathes, slender, somewhat flexuous, 8-15 cm. long, 3-5 mm. in

diam., glabrous outside; spathels broadly triangular, striate,

free; bracteoles small; reduced to tufts of woolly hair; flowers

hermaphrodite, seated in the midst of the woolly bracteoles, 4

mm. long in buds; calyx cyathiform, strongly striate, 3-fid up

to the middle; corolla twice or three times as long as the calyx,

divided into deeply tripartite striate segments; stamens 6; ovary

ovoid, narrowed at apex into the 3-fid stigma. Fruit 8-12 mm.

long, 8-10 mm. in diam., oblong, depressed or flattened and muc-

ronate at apex, slightly narrowed or rounded at base; scales

arranged in 12-15 vertical series, uniformly brown, polished,

grooved; seed oblong, 8-11 mm. long, 5-9 mm. in diam., rumi-

nate with a deep broad chalazal cavity in the centre on the

raphal side and embryo seated on the side opposite the cavity

in an area which is scarcely ruminate.

Mauaya: Pahang, Kota Glanggi, at base (Henderson 22,480).

Trengganu, Brang, Tersat, about 800 m. (Moysey and Kiah

33,397). Penang, Penang Hill (Ridley in XII, 1895). Perak,

Larut Hills (Kunstler 6,563, type of K. ferox var. malayana,

seen plate only). Selangor, Rotan Tungal Reserve at Rantau

(Burn-Murdoch sub Ridley num. 13,298 as Rotan Hudang).

Negri Sembilan, Bukit Senaling (Moorhouse as Rotan Dahan).

Johore, Batu Pahat (Ridley 11,208). Singapore, Bukit Timah

(Ridley: 6,674; 8,782 and 10,407); cult. Hort. Bot. Sing. ef. un-

known origin (Furtado 26,051, 32,344, et 37,947).

BoRNEO: Timbun Mata Isle (Keith 6,257).

DISTRIBUTION: Sumatra, Billiton and Bangka.

There is a good deal of variation in the thickness of the

stem, the armature of leaf-sheaths, the size of leaflets, etc.

depending upon the age of the individual stem, the position

of the stem in the clump and also perhaps upon soil condi-

tions. The specimen depicted as K. ferowx var. malayand._1s

exactly like some of the specimens taken from K. rigida,

where armed and unarmed leaf-sheaths may be obtained

on stems of the same clump. Further, spikes with partly

exserted pedicels are also found in typical K. rigida,

especially in more distal parts of the plants.

Turret: Des.

Fig. 7. Korthalsia scaphigera (Furtado 30,926).

Al, Fragmentum caudicis cum fronde et vagina, A2, Pars su

Dd ( & »

-aaate

4 f

‘ ¥ j I *

ot ¥i VLD

“ isover iT! ’

519

As described by GRIFFITH and subsequently identified by

BECCARI and by RIDLEY, K. Wallichiaefolia appears to be

K. rigida as to leaves. The type material was collected by

a Malay in the jungle near Malacca, and was a mixture.

The spadix, as depicted by GRIFFITH, appears to belong

either to K. echinometra or to K. Scortechinii.

I have not seen KEHEDING’S specimen cited by BECCARI

first (1884) under K. laciniosa and then (1918) under K.

Wallichiaefolia; but I have no doubt that several specimens

RIDLEY cited under the latter species, and the specimen

which formed the subject of BECCARI’S plate 92, represent

true K. rigida, and show the characteristic swellings in the

axillas of the petioles. The Kuala Sembrong specimen

collected by LAKE and KELSALL and cited by RIDLEY under

K. Wallichiaefolia consists of a solitary spike which belongs

to K. echinometra; and the Sumatran material referred to

K. Wallichiaefolia by BECCARI appears to be K. rigida.

6. Korthalsia scaphigera Griff. et Mart., Hist. Nat. Palm.

III (1849) 211 t. z. viii f. IJ-iv et (1850) 343; Migq., FI.

Ind. Bat. III (1860) 750; Becc. in Malesia II (1884) 67

t. 5; Becc. et Hook. f. in Brit. Ind. VI (1893) 475; Ridl.,

Mat Fl. Malayan Pen. II (1907) 216; Bece. in Ann. Roy.

Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 3 (1918) 112 tt. 64 et 65; Ridl.,

F!. Mal. Pen. V (1925) 68. (Figs. 7 and 8).

Kk. Lobbiana H. Wendl. in Bot. Zeit. XVII (1859) 174.

Calamosagus scaphiger Griff., Palms Brit. Ind. (1850) t.

184-A.

Stem monocarpic, tufted, climbing, slender, 7-12 mm. in diam.

with sheaths. Leaf-sheaths armed with short horizontal spines.

Ocrea inflated, elliptic-cymbiform, closely sheathing, frequently

a non-inflated ring at base (pedicel) interposing between the

petiole and the inflated portion, 2-5-6 cm. long, 10-25 mm.

through, shorter in apical leaves. Leaves cirriferous in the mid-

dle of the stem and upwards; petiole 3-15 cm. long, armed along

the margins and the dorsum with short hooked spines; the rachis

usually with 4, but rarely with 5-7, leaflets on each side, 35—50

em. long, armed irregularly with short solitary or 2-3-nate claws.

Leaflets sub-opposite or nearly alternate, more or less rhomboi-

dal cuneate towards the base, premorse in the margins of the

upper half, caudate at apex, paler beneath; those in the, basal

leaves usually longest, whitish or sometimes ferrugineous

beneath. Inflorescence in a diffuse terminal panicle; each primary

branch 30-50 cm. or less long, emerging by puncturing the sheath

of a reduced leaf; spikes borne on primary, secondary or on ter-

tiary branches, 10-15 cm. long, 5-8 mm. in diam., cylindrical,

yellowish-tomentose; flowers hermaphrodite, solitary at the base

of each spathel, but accompanied by more than two different-

\ \\ \

ed,

7cm.

Fig. 8. Korthalsia scaphigera (Furtado 30,847).

Al and A2, Partes caudicis cum frondibus. B

florigerentibus.

, Pars caudicis cum spadici

321

sized, hairy-paleaceous bracteoles; spathel free, bracteiform, con-

cave, broader than long, ciliolate, often split; calyx small, short,

1 mm. long, 3-lobed; corolla much longer, lobed in upper two-

thirds; stamens 6; ovary oblong narrowed upwards into a trifid

style. Fruit ovoid- elliptical or slightly obovoid; mucronate, 15-18

mm. long, 9-11 mm. in diam.; seales in 15 longitudinal series;

seed erect, ovoid-elliptical, 9 mm. long, 7 mm. in diam., veined;

albumen deeply ruminate; embryo large, seated in the middle on

one side opposite the chalazal cavity.

MALAYA: Perak, Larut (Kunstler 3,722); Assam Kumbang

(Wray 1,917). Malacca, Sungai Udang (Goodenough 1,704).

Negri Sembilan, Bukit Sutu (Alvins 2,078 as Rotan Sumut).

Johore, Ulu Kahang (Holttum, 10,916). Singapore, Selitar (Rid-

ley in August 1892 and September 1904); Woodlands (Ridley

in 1903); Bukit Timah (Ridley 6,272 as Rotan Simut); Botanic

Gardens wild and cult. (Ridley 11,217 and 9,217; Furtado).

BORNEO: Sandakan (Matusop 7,427, as Rotan Lagi-Lagt) ;

Semawang River (Pascual 1,089); Pettotan (Boden-Kloss

19,031); Tawao (Elmer 20,476); Baram (Hewitt n.F); West

Borneo, cult. in Hort. Bot. Bogor. (Furtado 30,847).

SUMATRA: Palembang, cult. Hort. Bot. Bogor. (Furtado

30,926).

This species was based on a specimen collected by

GRIFFITH in Malacca. In 1844 it was described without a

name in the observations made under Calamosagus Walli-

chiaefolius in Cale. Journ. Nat. Hist. V. However in 1845,

GRIFFITH decided to separate it as a new species and give

it the name K. scaphigera, and communicated its brief

diagnosis to MArTIUS. Apparently MARTIUS understood that

GRIFFITH wished to adopt the latter name in place of the

former, and so in addition to giving the diagnosis, he also

quoted C. Wallichiaefolius as a synonym of the species.

Under Art. 60 of the 1935 Rules, K. scaphigera has to be

rejected as a superfluous name. However, in view of the

fact that many strong objections have been raised to that

provision, and since botanists in general have ignored the

rule, I have retained for the species the name K. scaphigera

as interpreted on GRIFFITH’S specimens quoted under Cala-

mosagus scaphiger Griff. (1850), an interpretation also

adopted by BECCARI (1884). Thus interpreted, this species

is not synonymous with K. Wallichiaefolius (Griff.) Wendl.

7. Korthalsia Scortechinii Becc. in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. Ind.

VI (1893) 475; Ridl., Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. II (1907) 216;

Bece. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 3 (1918) 118

t. 72; Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925) 68. (Fig. 9).

K. echinometra sensu Ridl., Mat. cit. IJ (1907) 215 et FI.

cit. V (1925) 68 (partim).

; i \ Si ibis.

G H lcm ] i, .

% ; '

othe >

GIA ff Wn

Cee | Pe

ll S re eer . a 7

2 ~ oo ~ ‘ —_ ‘ “« P

ee _ *

ee ee ee ee eee eee

33cm

TU Wein,

atc

“3

Fig. 9. Korthalsia Scortechiniti (A: Moorhouse sn.: B-I: Alvins 1,065), =

A, Fragmentum caudicis, fronde cum vagina et ocrea instructum. B, Fragm ent

spadicis fructiferentis. C, Sectio spicae transversa. D, Spathella, E-F, B

teolae. G, Fructus. H, Semen, I, Semen transversaliter liscissum. ai

; > py. e . 4

A ® & ete

323

K. flagellaris sensu Ridl. in Journ. Roy. Asiat. Soc. Straits

Branch 33 (1900) 176 partim.

K. grandis Ridl., Mat. cit. II (1907) 217 et Fl. cit. V

(1925) 69 partim.

Stem climbing, 12-17 mm. in diam. or probably more in adult

stages. Leaf-sheaths slightly longer than the ocrea, armed with

a few, short, almost tuberculiform spines. Ocrea up to 18 cm.

long, inflated, 2-5-3-5 ecm. broad, with a short, closely sheathing,

pedicelliform base, armed with a few, scattered, 5 mm. long

spines. Leaves cirriferous in adult plant; petiole 8-35 cm. long,

armed with small spines on the edges and also on the dorsum,

and on the ventral side of its younger leaves also; rachis 50-60

cm. long, armed beneath with a few 1-3-nate claws. Leaflets 10-

14 on each side of the rachis, almost equidistant, opposite in the

basal half, alternate or sub-opposite in the upper, whitish

beneath, cuneately elongate, 35-40 cm. long 4—5 cm. broad, 5—7

nerved, very irregularly toothed at apex. Inflorescence a terminal

panicle with primary branches in the axils of reduced leaves;

secondary branches with their pedicellar part more or less en-

closed in the primary spathes, and bearing each 2-4 spikes;

spathes tubular at the base, somewhat enlarged and marcescent

upwards, ligulate at apex, slightly split on one side; spikes soli-

tary, pedicelled, each inserted at the base of a secondary spathe,

flower axis often also partly enclosed by the spathe, 20-25 cm.

long, 10-15 mm. in diam., tomentose outside, but with spathels

clearly visible or considerably produced beyond the wool of the

bracteoles. Fruit obovate, abruptly beaked at apex, slightly

attenuate towards the base, about 20 mm. long including 2 mm.

beak, 9-11 mm. in diam.; scales cinnamon brown with paler

margins, grooved in the middle, arranged in 16—18 vertical series;

seed 12 mm. long, 7 mm. in diam., elliptical, deeply ruminate;

embryo in the middle on the side opposite to the deep chalazal

cavity.

MALAYA: Perak, Maxwell Hill, alt. 1,000 m. (Burkill and

Haniff, 12,787); Taiping Hills (Ridley in 1903). Malacca, loc.

incert. (Alvins). Negri Sembilan, Bukit Senaling in Kuala Pilah

(Moorhouse as Rotan Hudang); Bukit Kandang (Alvins 1,065

as Rotan Udang). Singapore, loc. incert. (Mat. IA); Bukit

Timah (Ridley in 1890—syntype of K. grandis).

RIDLEY (1925) stated that he had not seen any specimens

of this species and that it might be a form of K. scaphigera;

this was due to the fact that he had transferred the speci-

mens of this species either to K. echinometra or to K.

grandis.

Though K. Scortechinii is widely distributed in Malaya,

good specimens are yet wanting to indicate its variation.

Leaf-sheaths with ocrea of an adult stem are not yet known.

K. angustifolia as depicted by BECCARI (1918) has an

ocrea very like that of K. Scortechinii and its leaflets come

very near to this species.

324

8. Korthalsia tenuissima Becc. in Malesia II (1886) 275;

Bece. et Hook. f. in Fl. Brit. Ind. VI (1893) 476; Ridl.,

Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. II Be: 218; Bece. in Ann. Roy.

Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 3 (132 t. 84; Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen.

VV C1925) 69.

Stem slender up to 30 m. long, with sheaths 4-5 mm. in diam.

Leaf-sheaths glabrous, finely striate, armed with a few scattered

claws. Ocrea cylindrical, very closely sheathing, glabrous, un-

armed, 15-20 mm. long, upper part deciduous. Leaves 20-30 cm.

long including the cirrus; petiole short, much callused in the

axilla. Leaflets 4-6 in all, alternate, inequidistant, cuneately

rhomboidal, undulately and obsoletely erose-toothed in the upper

margins, chalky white beneath, the largest leaflets being 10-12

mm. long, 3-4 cm. broad, about 7-nerved. Inflorescence terminal,

with 2-3 spikes; spathes smooth, dilated in a broad acuminate

limb; spike 8-10 cm. long, 6 mm. in diam. without flowers,

slightly tomentose; spathels concave, longer than the woolly

bracteoles; flowers arranged in 12 longitudinal series; calyx

campanulate, obsoletely 3-toothed, striate; corolla longer than, or

as long as, the calyx, deeply divided into 3 striate segments.

Fruit unknown.

MALAYA: Perak, Larut in low swampy ground, in dense forest

at 100 m. altitude (Kunstler 4,057).

This distinct species is easily recognized by its small

leaves bearing a few chalky white rhomboidal leaflets,

small unarmed closely sheathing ocreae, and by its inflores-

cence which produces a few spikes directly on the main axis.

The species is known only from the type collection in the

Calcutta Herbarium, of which I have seen only the photo-

graphic plate cited above.

Gardens Bulletin, S.-

PALMAE MALESICAE—XII

The Malayan Species of Plectocomiopsis

By C. X. FURTADO,

Botanic Gardens, Singapore

1. General Characters

PLECTOCOMIOPSIS is a genus consisting of a group of tufted,

climbing palms characterized by the following :—

The inflorescence is a terminal panicle (monocarpic

plants) with its primary branches issuing out of the leaf-

axils through the mouth of the tubular sheaths of reduced

leaves; the male and the female flowers occur in different

plants (dioecious) ; all the spathes including the secondary

ones are tubular; the fruits have small scales which are

arranged in distinct vertical rows; the seed globose com-

pressed at apex and at base, so as to make it look almost

cylindrical; albumen is homogeneous; and the embryo is

basilar. The female flowers are borne either directly on

secondary branches, or, like the male flowers, on a small

tertiary axis which either remains almost included within

its axillant spathel or is developed up to 1-3 cm. long.

2. General Remarks

Without the fruits, this genus is separated with difficulty

from Myrialepis, the fruit scales of which are very minute

and irregularly arranged. In view of this, the generic sta-

tus of the two species that occur exclusively in the regions

outside Malaya, is yet uncertain, although Beccari has

tentatively placed them under Plectocomiopsis. Both these

are known from male specimens only, which are moreover

very imperfect.

P. ferox described by Ridley, was based on scrappy

material collected in Langkawi Island. It certainly belongs

to the genus Calamus, though I am not able to determine it

specifically.

P. Corneri, a new species described here, is the only

species of the genus so far known to have a conspicuous

ocrea.

Vol. XIII. (1951).

526

3. Distribution vi

So far only six species are known, of which two are not

found in Malaya: P. paradoxus from Pegu in Burma and

P. floribundus from Indo-China. The other four are P.

geminiflorus, P. Wrayi, P. dubius and P. Corneri. Of these

the first mentioned is very polymorphous and widely distri- ;

buted, being known to occur either in the type or in its 4

varietal form, also in Lower Burma, Sumatra, Billiton and

Borneo. The remaining three are exclusively Malayan.

4. Specific Key

Leaf sheaths armed with many, irregularly spread spines,

truncate at the base of the petiole so that ocrea is absent

or obsolete. Leaflets often setose in the midrib and some-

times also in the margins, narrow lanceolate. (Female

flowers borne either on long spikelets, or on special short,

abbreviated spikelets almost included in the axillant

spathel)

Petiole up to 6 cm. long. Leaf-sheaths obliquely trun-

cate from petiole-base down. (Female flowers 1-3

congested on small axis at the mouth of the spathel)

P. geminiflorus (Griff.) Becce.

Petiole much longer. Leaf-sheaths horizontally trun-

cate at the base of the petiole

Male calyx not striate. (Female flowers solitary

at each spathel on a long spikelet axis)

P. Wray? Becc.

Male calyx strongly striate. (Female flowers not

known) P. dubius Bece. -

Leaf-sheaths unarmed, or armed with 1-5 rigid spines

arranged in one vertical row below the petiole; ocrea 2—

55 em. long. Leaflets smooth, broadly elliptic lanceolate.

(Petiole obsolete or long. Female flowers on short, 1-2

cm. long horizontally spreading spikelets)

P. Corneri Furtado.

5. Enumeration of the Species

Plectocomiospsis geminiflorus (Griff.) Becc. in Hook. f..

Fl. Brit. Ind. VI (1898) 479; Ridl., Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. IT

(1907) 214 pp.; Beee. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Cale. XI

(1908) 507 et XII. 2 (1918) 48 tt. 30, 31, et IITA fig. 1-8;

Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925) 65. (Fig. 10).

em, |

4 7 iy

‘Fe _

7 _ —_— , “ - -

a re

ig. 10. Plectocomiopsis geminiflorus (Nur 21,748).

A, Fragmentum frondis basale. B, Fragmentum frondis apicale. C, Pars spadicis

cum spicis. D, Particula spicae ut spathella et insertio spiculae distincte

appareant. E, Spicula, spathella axillante abscissa. f, Fructus maturus. G

Semen integrum. H, Semen verticaliter discissum.

328

Calamus geminifiorus Griff. apud Mart., Hist. Nat. Palm.

Jit (1850) 338 tt. 175 fig. xiii, Z xviii fig. xviii ett. Z xxii fig.

xivl; Griff., Palms Brit. Ind. (1850) 70 t. 199A.

C. turbinatus Ridl., Mat. cit. I] (1907) 212.

P. Wrayi Becce. in Ann. cit. Suppl. (1913) iii quoad syn.

C. turbinatus tantum.

Stem tufted, climbing with sheaths, 3-4 cm. in diam. Leaf-

sheaths striate, obliquely truncate, with thin, scariose and lace-

rate margins at the mouth, light straw-coloured when dry,

deciduously scurfy when young, armed with scattered or approxi-

mate, ascendent or horizontal spines up to 2 cm. long, but

gradually shorter or almost tuberculiform or absent in the upper

parts of the stem. Leaves about 2 m. long in the pinniferous

part, considerably reduced in the parts bearing floriferous

branches; petiole of varying length, almost absent or obsolete in

the upper leaves; rachis armed with short, solitary or digitate

spines along the margins and on the dorsum, and sometimes also

in the upper surface of the basal part; cirrus elongate, armed at

regular intervals with half-whorled claws. Leaflets numerous,

very closely set in the upper leaves, more remote in lower leaves

produced early in the life of the plant, sub-opposite, equidistant,

4-9 cm. apart, lanceolate, acute at base, bristly acuminate at

apex, glossy above, paler and minutely lepidote beneath, thick-

ened and remotely spinulose along the margins, occasionally

armed with remote bristles on midcosta above. Female inflores-

cence a large terminal leafy panicle, each primary branch 25-50

em. long issuing from the axil of a reduced leaf and divided in

3-5 secondary branches; primary spathes borne on primary

branches, 3-5 cm. long, straw coloured, tubular, funnel-shaped,

considerably narrowed towards the base, obliquely truncate with

an ear-shaped ligule produced on one side; each secondary branch

seated in the axil of the primary spathe, 25-40 cm. long; secon-

dary spathes short, up to 10 mm. long, funnel-shaped, partly

sculptured on one side by the pressure on it from the young

spikelet in the unopened spadix branch, obliquely truncate, the

apex being on a higher level than the other part; spikelets com-

posed of a short porrect stalk, bearing 2—4 female flowers, each

flower being furnished with a cupular, truncate involucre, quite

deep in some specimens, shallow or disciform, entire or even

formed at times of two imbricate bracts in others; calyx 3-

toothed, deciduously hairy with obtuse apex; corolla twice as

long as the calyx, 3-parted, covered with deciduous adpressed

hairs; staminodes united into a cup, with 6 free teeth, adnate

at base to the corolla. Fruiting perianth callous and hard at

base, sub-pedicelliform, broadly campanulate, the lobes alter-

nating with the three, ridged, staminodal lobes. Fruit obovate

turbinate to broadly fusiform; scales numerous, arranged in

29, 35 and 42 series, according to the form; seed compressed at

the top and at the base so as to appear almost cylindrical,

broader than tall, 15-18 mm. in diam., 5-6 mm. high, slightly

depressed at apex; albumen yellowish-brown with dark layer

all round in the margin, with no chalazal cavity at apex;

embryo basal.

MALAYA: Pahang, Pulau Tioman on Bukit Sukak (Nur

21,748). Perak, Temango River (Ridley sn. in July 1909). Negri

Sembilan, Kuala Pilah (Moorhouse, the holotype of C. turbi-

natus).

Gardens Bulletin, S.

529

From the plate given by Griffith, Nur 21,748 and Moor-

house’s specimens appear to be typical in the characters of

the secondary spathes and the secondary branches. Perhaps

Moorhouse’s specimen must be considered as representing

the type form of the species; it has shallow or disciform

involucre made of two imbricating bracts and an obovate-

turbinate fruit with scales arranged in 29 vertical series.

‘Nur 21,748. differs from this by its involucres being entire

(one-bract), and deeply cup-shaped, and by its fruit being

fusiform and having the scales arranged in 42 vertical

series.

Scortechint 283 (from Perak), which is depicted in

Beccari’s plate 31 cited above, is very like Ridley’s speci-

mens from Temango; both these differ from the type form

depicted by Griffith on the following characters: secondary

branches are borne often far apart, each with a short pedi-

cel; primary spathes are shorter, broader and less obliquely

truncate; the secondary spathes sculptured fully on one

side (not partly as in the other); and the spikelets are

almost horizontal (not porrect as in other varieties) so as

to push the apex of the axillant spathe below the margin

on its opposite side.

Plectocomiopsis Wrayi Becc. in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. Ind. VI

(1893) 480 et in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 2

(1918) 55 tt. 35 and 36; Ridl., Fl., Mal. Pen. V (1925)

65. (Fig. 11).

P. geminiflorus sensu Ridl., Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. II (1907)

214 partim.

Myrialepis Scortechinii Becc. in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. Ind.

VI (1893) 480 quoad specimen Scortechini 457° citatum.

Stem tufted, slender, scandent, with sheaths 18-22 mm. In

_ diam. Leaf-sheaths horizontally truncate at the mouth almost at

the same level as the petiole base with indistinct or obsolete ocrea,

deciduously scurfy, eventually glabrescent, almost smooth or

‘armed with a few short, conical, scattered prickles. Leaves ap-

parently very long, but only the reduced leaves towards the apex

so far known; petiole short, armed along the margins with short

spines; rachis armed on the dorsum with solitary or digitate

spines; cirrus long, with semi-whorled claws. Leaflets, numerous,

equidistant, linear-lanceolate, unicostate, glabrous, tapering into

a long fine apex; the largest leaflets seen 30-35 cm. long, 2 cm.

wide. Female inflorescence a terminal panicle, with primary

branches in the axils of reduced leaves; one primary branch seen,

20 em. long with 5 secondary branches on each side of its sinu-

ous axis; primary spathes_ tubular, funnel-shaped, closely-

sheathing; secondary branches 8-13 cm. long, sinuous, each in the

axil of a primary spathe and bearing 8-10 alternate spikelets on

Vol. XIII, (1951).

psis

picae ut spathella

, Particula s

421; D: Kunstler 3,282).

, Fructus maturus.

padicis ¢.C

Wrayi (A-C: Wray 2,

superior. B, Pars s

spicula distincte appareant D

Fig. 11. Plectocomio

A, Pars frondis

dol

each side; secondary spathes about 5 mm. long, tubular, sud-

denly expanded into a spreading, triangular spikelet-supporting

limb; spikelet one at each secondary spathe, with only a pair of

flowers seated on a considerably reduced axis; involucre flat,

with 3 acute lobes; female flowers about 1 cm. long, ovoid-ellip-

tic; calyx broadly 3-lobed, cupular-campanulate; corolla about

twice as long as the calyx, 3-lobed, thick and very hard, striately

veined, minutely papillose outside; staminodal cup 6 lobes (3

long and 3 short), adnate at base to the corolla; ovary 3-celled,

terminating by 3 conical stigmas. Fruiting perianth somewhat

woody, splitting together with the staminal cup into 5-8 thick

lobes, no staminal segments being visible between the lobes.

Fruit globular turbinate, shortly beaked; scales in 24-25 vertical

series, cinnamon-brown colour with a darker intramarginal line;

seed not developed in the fruits seen. Male inflorescence some-

what similar to the female but with longer branches and spike-

lets; primary branch 50 cm. or less long; primary spathes 15-20

mm. in the upper half, up to 4 cm. long in the basal half of

primary branch, almost horizontally truncate with a triangular

ligule on one side; secondary branches inserted each at the bot-

tom of the axil of a primary spathe, 8-30 cm. long, bearing

numerous distichous spikelets; secondary spathes funnel-shaped,

enlarged at the mouth, ligulate on one side, rusty furfuraceous

and slightly puberulous, about 10 mm. long; male spikelets the

largest 10-12 mm. long, bearing flowers in two series, each of

7-8 flowers; spathels bracteiform, striate, scurfy, puberulous,

with a long acute lobe on one side; involucre shallow, concave,

bidentate, striate, puberulous, scurfy; male flowers terete, 5 mm.

long, 1 mm. thick; calyx urceolate, glabrous, not striate; corolla

twice as long, much narrower than the calyx; stamens biseriate;

ovary rudimentary.

MALAYA: Perak, Sungai Larut (Wray 2,421; Kunstler 5,282).

Wray 3,086 (male) from Perak, has been distributed

from Calcutta under P. Wrayi to which it resembles in

some respect; but the specimen is too young for a conclu-

sive comparison; from the indumentum and the shape of

the secondary spathes it looks more like P. geminiflorus.

The collection Scortechini 457° which is a sterile young

plant, has been identified by Beccari as young stages of P.

Wrayi; Hooker had cited it under Myrialepis Scortechinu,

of which species the type was not available to Hooker ; I

have not seen any material of this Scortechini’s collection,

nor any drawing.

Plectocomiopsis dubius Becc. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Calc.

XII, 2 (1918) 56 t. 37; Ridl., Fi. Mal. Pen. V (1925)

P. geminiflorus sensu Ridl., Mat. FI. Mal. Pen. II (1907)

214 p.p.

Stem tufted, 20 m. or more long, with sheaths 3-5 cm. in diam.

Leaf-sheaths horizontally truncate at the mouth, deciduously

scurfy, light straw coloured, armed densely with small, sharp,

JuRMme

B, Fragmentun

picis spiculisqu

Fig. 12. Plectocomiopsis dubius g (Ridley: 12,119).

gmentu

Fra

, Spicula cum fl

parte petioli.

frondis medianum, C, Fragmentum spadicis terminalis cum s

Fragmentum caudicis cum spadice laterale.

spiculae, floribus valde diffusis instructum. F

Db,

approximatis.

A, Fragmentum caudicis cum vagina frondis et

diffusis.

Ly sy |

oribus |

’ —=t

303

upturned or horizontal, scattered prickles. Leaves large, cirrifer-

ous; petiole in one specimen more than 13 cm. long, armed on

the dorsum and on the margins with distant small spines; rachis

armed on the dorsum with 1-3-nate claws. Leaflets numerous

equidistant, linear-lanceolate, minutely dotted with scales in the

lower surface, narrowed into a long fine bristly point, the midrib

slightly armed above with 1-3 mm. long setae; the largest leaf-

lets seen 38-45 cm. long, 3-4 cm. broad. Male inflorescence a

terminal panicle with primary branches issuing from the axilla

of reduced leaves; primary branches 45-65 cm. long, bearing

many pendulous secondary branches; primary spathes tubular

closely sheathing, 15-30 mm. long, striate, almost horizontally

truncate, produced on one side into a triangular ligule; secondary

branches inserted each at the base of a primary spathe, 30-45

cm. Jong, or much shorter in the terminal parts of the branch;

secondary spathes puberulous scurfy, striate, funnel-shaped,

expanded at the mouth, truncate, ligulate on one side, ciliate in

the margins; male spikelets inserted within the axil of the

secondary spathe, the largest being 10-12 mm. long and bearing

flowers in 2 series consisting each of 8-10 flowers; spathels one-

sided, bracteiform, acuminate, puberulous scurfy, striate;

involucre shallow concave, bidentate, single or formed of 2 con-

nate bracts, puberulous, scurfy, striate; male flowers 2 mm.

long, ovoid, immature; calyx 3-toothed, striate; corolla 3-parted,

ovate lobed; stamens connate at their bases. Female plants

unknown. .

MaLayaA: Selangor, Rantau Panjang (Ridley 12,119, isotype).

This species is known only from an imperfectly deve-

loped male specimen collected under the number cited

above. Beccari suggests the possibility of this being a juve-

nile form of P. Wrayi; however he indicates the following

differences :

Leaflets of P. dubius have more secondary nerves and are

more distinctly lepidote underneath than those of P. Wray.

In P. dubius the calyx is striately veined and the corolla is

deeply parted having ovate lobes.

Further study is needed to see whether these characters

noticed in underdeveloped flowers disappear as the fiowers

become older, and whether the leaflets produced in the

early stages of the plant of P. Wrayi would show the same

characters as shown in the leaflets described under P.

dubius,

There is some error in the remarks made by Ridley

(1925) about his confusing this species with P. Wrayi; for

previously Ridley (1907) had confused P. dubius and P.

Wrayi with P. geminiflorus.

Plectocomiopsis Corneri Furtado sp. nov. (Fig. 13).

Ab omnibus hujus generis speciebus adhuc cognitis

differt: frondium vaginis inermibus vel secus dorsum tan-

tum armatis, spinis vaginalibus 1-5, per seriem verticalem

- x P “ —

. or = y " 9 ‘ 2 a . i : a e

* a. * 2 oy th ¢ anh - 2

ee eR ie 9 a en or fre ttl fe te a ee Tine gly ny ei i pice tn cattle

~ - anes - a ~ —— —- . . —— .

TuRMa DEL

Fig. 13. Plectocomiopsis Corneri (Holotypus: Corner 30,562).

A, Fragmentum caudicis, cum petiolo, vagina frondis, et ocrea. B,

; superius caudicis cum petiolo longiore et spadice f ifer

integrum. D, Semen verticaliter discissum. — x Steet

997

009

unicam dispositis; ocreis 2-3-5 em. longis tubularibus,

truncatis, inermibus; foliolis latis elliptico-lanceolatis; spi-

culis vel ramulis tertiariis 1-2 em. longis, rarissime usque

4 cm. longis; fructus squamis per series verticales 31-35

dispositis.

Caulis soboliferus, 30 m. usque longus, scandens, cum vaginis

3-4 cm. in diam. Vaginae frondium in juventute furfuraceae,

dein glabrae, longitudinaliter striatae, inermes vel infra petiolum

secus dorsum per seriem unicam spinis 1-5 rigidis, 1-1-5 em.

longis, reflexis, basi tumescentibus, armatae. Ocrea 2-3-5 ecm.

longa, coriacea, striis obliquis validis et striis verticalibus tenuis-

simis praedita, inermis, tubularis, fere horizontaliter truncata.

Frondes magni; petioli in dimensione variabiles, in frondibus

basin caulis versus et apud basin inflorescentiae 10-15 cm. longi,

alteri breviores 6 cm. usque longi, vel obsoleti, basi spinis utrin-

secus 1-2 rigidis, 5-10 mm. longis, armati; rachidi basin versus

inermes, apicem versus unguibus in dorso 2-3-natis, utrinsecus

foliolis 5-9 praediti, in cirrum unguiculatum terminati. Foliola

alternantia, lanceolato-elliptica, utrinque fere pariter angustata,

apice acuta, basi nonnihil oblique plicato-acuta, utrinque et secus

margines inermia, supra nitida, infra opaca pallidiora, unicos-

tata, nervis primariis sub-primariisque 15-17 longitudinaliter

percursa, 25-30 cm. longa, 6-5-8-5 cm. lata. Inflorescentia

feminea terminalis, paniculata, ramis primariis in frondium

axillis reductorum orientibus; ramuli secundarii in spatharum

axillis primariarum siti, spathas secundarias et in earum axillis

ramulos tertiarios vel spicas 1-4 cm. longos gerentes; spathae

secundariae tertiariaeque, spathellae et involucra furfuracei

puberuli; flores feminei ignoti. Perianthium fructiferwm sub-

pedicellatum; calyx callosus, 3-lobatus; corolla 3-partita calyce

duplo longior; segmenta staminodialia inter corollae lobos visi-

bilia. Fructus late-fusiformis, 30 mm. altus, 22-25 mm. in diam.,

squamis cinnamomeis, secus margines albescentibus scariosis, per

series verticales 31-35 dispositis; semen globoso-cylindricum,

crassum, 20 mm. latus, 5-7 mm. altus; embryo basilaris;

albumen homogeneum.

Stems in a rosette, each about 30 m. long, climbing, with

sheaths 3-4 ecm. in diam. Leaf-sheaths when young covered

with tobacco coloured scurf, later glabrous, striate longitudi-

nally, completely unarmed or sometimes armed with 1-5 short

rigid, reflexed spines arranged in one row below the petiole.

Ocrea coriaceous like the sheath, 2-3-5 cm. long, tubular, un-

armed, almost horizontally truncate, striate, the oblique striae

being large and conspicuous and the vertical ones being minute.

Leaves large, long cirriferous; petiole variable in dimensions, in

leaves produced at the base of the stem and at the base of the

inflorescence 10-15 cm. long, in other leaves much smaller or

obsolete, armed laterally towards the base with one or two pairs

of short rigid spines 5-10 mm. long; rachis unarmed towards the

base, but armed otherwise with 2-3-nate claws on the dorsum,

provided with 5-9 leaflets on each side. Leaflets alternate, lanceo-

late elliptic, narrowed equally on both sides, acute at both ends,

plicate at base, unarmed on both surfaces and on margins, 25-30

em. long 6-5-8-5 em. broad, provided with one primary and with

14-16 sub-primary nerves, the upper surface shining, the lower

paler and dull. Female inflorescence a terminal panicle with pri-

mary branches issuing each from the mouth of the axil of a

336

reduced leaves; the primary spathes glabrous, 2-3-5 cm. long,

closely sheathing, truncate, striate; secondary branches in axils

of the primary spathes, 10-20 cm. long; secondary spathes 7-10

mm. long, closely sheathing, slightly ligulate on one side, fur-

furaceous, puberulous; the tertiary branches (spikelets) 1-2 cm.

long, occasionally longer at the base of the secondary branches,

arising slightly above the apex of secondary spathe, having

flowers arranged in two series; spathels tubular, puberulo-fur-

furaceous; involucrophore invisible, sunk above the mouth of the

spathel; involucre one on each involucrophore, shallow, discoid

with irregular margins, furfuraceous; flowers not seen. Fruiting

perianth sub-pedicelliform; calyx callous at base, 3-lobed; corolla

3-partite, twice as long as the calyx; the tips of the staminodal

lobes visible between the corolla lobes. Fruit broadly fusiform,

almost equally narrowed towards both ends, from the middle, 30

mm. long, 22-25 mm. in diam.; the scales disposed .in 31-35

vertical series, cinnamon brown in colour, with whitish scarious

margins; seed globose-cylindrical, flattened on both sides, 20 mm.

broad, 5-7 mm. thick; embryo seated in the centre at b&se;

albumen homogeneous with no chalazal cavity.

MALAYA: Kemaman, Sungai Nipah (Corner 30,562 sub nom.

vern. Rotan Geylang Telor).

In this specimen there is only one leaf which has an

almost obsolete petiole having two lateral spines at its base;

the other leaves have longer petioles. The very long spike-

let that occurs at the base of the secondary branch bears

occasionally a conspicuous involucrophore at base with two

or three flowers; obviously this is an abbreviated quarte-

nary branch.

Corner records that this species occurs frequently at the

sides of rivers and streams, and notes the following mor-

phological characters for this species;:

‘Leaves (without whip) 1-1-5 m. long, those of old stem

more or less sessile, those of the younger stem with a

petiole up to 15 cm. long; whip (cirrus) 1-15 m. long.

Leaflets 5-9 pairs, alternate. Sheaths and rachis white

powdery. The top of each sheath (above petiole) and the

base of the petiole bright ochre, especially on young stems.

Leaflets sage-green. The spines on rachis and sheath pale

yellow ochre becoming deep brownish ochre; sheaths with

a single row of 1-5 spines extending along it and on the

base of petiole; some sheaths whether on young or old

stem, without any spines. Petiole with 1-2 pairs of lateral

spines, or no spines at all on the upper subsessile leaves.

‘A very fine very easily recognized species from the

smooth, almost spineless, pale green sheaths with abrupt

“circumscissile” bright ochraceous top; stems up to 30 m.

long, several from one rosette.’

WN Nea)

Fugen! De}

Calamus sp.

7,087) =

ig. 14. Plectocomiopsis ferox (Holotypus: Haniff and Nur

338 .

6. Excluded Species

Plectocomiopsis ferox Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925) 66

(Fig. 14). f

This was based by Ridley on a very imperfect specimen

of a Calamus collected by Haniff and Nur 7,087 at Telok

Apan, Langkawi. The portion of the rachis containing leaf-

lets and a detached leaf-sheath are obviously from a

stem at non-scandent stages, (if is a scandent species).

The sheath which is open on ventral side and without any

geniculum, is armed with broad laminar spines as in C.

ornatus, and show in the margins vestiges of a fallen ocrea.

(Open sheaths and similarly deciduous ocrea are not known

to occur in Plectocomiopsis). A primary branch of a male

spadix* has been mistaken for an entire terminal panicle

or for an entire primary branch of a Plectocomiopsis; and

with this false assumption the primary spathe axillant to

the primary branch of the spadix and the secondary branch

bearing the spikelets has been described respectively as a

respect to the stem axis so that the spikelets which are

really quartenary branches in respect to stem axis become

- tertiary in Ridley’s description. Thus because of the im-

perfect description given and because of the erroneous

terminology used by Ridley, it is extremely difficult to state

from the description alone whether or not the specimen has

been wrongly named generically.

However the specimen has still a portion of the spadix

axis to show that the branch mistaken for a spadix is

really primary branch of a spadix, (secondary in relation

to the stem axis). The primary spathe has a long ear-

shaped limb and bears flexible thorns outside, both of

which characters are not known to occur in Plectocomiopsis

species. The portion of the spadix axis to which the branch

is still attached does not show any claws and so the spadix

may not be flagelliferous.

The material is insufficient for its specific determination.

*In Calamus the inflorescence is a lateral spadix formed in the

axil of a leaf, whereas in Plectocomiopsis the inflorescence is a ter-

minal panicle with its primary branches growing each in the axil of

a reduced leaf.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

PALMAE MALESICAE—XxIII

The Genus Myrialepis

By C. X. FURTADO,

Botanic Gardens, Singapore

THE name MYRIALEPIS was coined by Beccari to show that

the fruits of this genus are distinguished in having in-

numerable minute, irregularly set scales, a character suffi-

cient to distinguish this genus at once from all other rattans.

Its affinities are very close to Plectocomiopsis whose fruit

scales are comparatively also very small for rattans, but

are much larger than those in Myrialepis, and are arranged

in regular rows. The Myrialepis plants, like those of

Korthalsia and Plectocomiopsis, are scandent and tufted,

each individual stem terminating its growth with an in-

florescence (monocarpic). The inflorescence is either male

or female, the plants being dioecious. The side branches of

the inflorescence are produced each in the axils of reduced

leaves, and emerge each by the mouth of the axillant leaf-

sheath; these branches are divided again once in female

plants and twice in male, before they produce spikelets.

Leaves are large having no trace of an ocrea at the transi-

tion of the sheath into the petiole; they bear a cirrus at the

end except when they are produced in the early stages of

the stem. Leaflets are linear-lanceolate, provided with a

single midrib and many sub-primary ones on both sides of

the midrib, punctulate with minute scales in the lower

surface. Female flowers are solitary at each spathel, with

no male or neuter flower attending; each flower has a 3-

lobed calyx, a longer 3-parted corolla, a membranous 6-lobed

staminodal cup adnate at base to the corolla, and a 3-locular

globose ovary. The fruit is one-seeded, globose, and covered

with innumerable minute, irregularly set scales. The seed

is slightly broader than long, having a homogeneous albu-

men and a basal embryo; this last is seated exactly opposite

to the chalazal cavity which is punctiform in the cross

section of the fruit, and short linear in length. Male inflores-

cences are more divided than the female, but almost similar ;

_ male flowers not seen.

Vol, XIII. (1951).

340

The genus is monotypic and was based on specimens

collected by Scortechini in Perak. The syntypes which have

been reproduced by Beccari (1918) by photographic plates,

are from Beccari’s herbarium in Florence (Scortechini 513°

and sn.). Hooker f. (FI. Brit. Ind. VI, 1893 p. 480) who

had no access to Beccari’s herbarium, quoted Scortechini

457» in Kew Herbarium and failed to make any mention of

the actual syntypes on which Beccari had based the genus

and the species. A specimen bearing this Scortechini’s

collection number (preserved in Beccari’s herbarium) has

been tentatively identified by Beccari (1918) as being a

sterile stage of Plectocomiopsis Wrayt.

Apparently the genus is widely distributed in Malaya

and was at one time very common in Singapore. Beccari

(1918) referred tentatively to this genus some sterile speci-

mens collected from Sumatra, and stated that Plectocomi-

opsis paradoxus from Burma and P. floribundus from Indo-

China might prove to be the species of Myrialepis; of these

two species, however, female flowers and fruit are not

known.

Myrialepis Scortechinii Becc. in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. Ind. VI

(1893) 480; Ridl. in Journ. Roy. Asiat. Soc. Str. Br. 33

(1900) 176; Bece. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Calc, XI

(1908) 29 et XII, 2 (1918) 64 tt. 40, 41 et IIB fig. 1-7.

(Figs. 15 and 16).

Plectocomiopsis annulatus Ridl., Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. II

(1907) 213 et Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925) 66.

P. Scortechinu (Becc.) Ridl., Mal. cit. II (1907) 213 et

Flora cit. V (1925) 66.

Stem tufted, scandent, about 30 m. long, when in sheath 5-6

em. in diam. Leaf-sheaths non-gibbous above, obliquely truncate

at the apex, gradually passing into petiole without any trace of

an ocrea at the mouth, strongly striate vertically, armed in

young plants with 3-4 cm. long spines confluent at base and

arranged in oblique rings or series; in adult plants the spines

on the sheaths arranged in groups of 4—5 or less in each series.

Leaves large, cirriferous; petiole almost absent in upper leaves,

of varying dimensions in the lower leaves, armed on the dorsum

with solitary or digitate claws; the pinniferous part about 2 m.

or more long; the leaves axillant to the inflorescence branches

reduced, subsessible, 20-40 cm. long, terminating in a cirrus

usually slightly longer than the rachis. Leaflets numerous, in

alternate or opposite groups of 2—4 on each, almost equidistant

in each group, lanceolate, acute at base, acuminate at apex;

unarmed except somewhat ciliate in the margins of the upper

half, minutely lepidote in the lower surface, provided with a mid-

costa and 5-7 fine sub-primary costae; the largest 35-45 cm.

long, 3-5-5 ecm. wide; upper ones gradually smaller; leaflets on

Tukniets DEL.

Fig. 15. Myrialepis Scortechinii 9 (Furtado 33,135).

_ A, Particula frondis mediana. B, Foliolum mesiale. C, Fragmentum caudicis apicale

insertio pistilli staminumque appareat. F. Semen. G, Semen longitudinaliter

discissum. H, Frondis vagina.

Cong

; fj fh

y ‘ - a |

; | '»

f | s

Ro ff |

MQ AR ! | fi

S | , i

AES |

3¢m QQ Cc Jumpin DEL.

Fig. 16. Myrialepis Scortechini 2 (Furtado 37,948). . 4

: - A, Vagina frondis cum petiolo ex caudice juvenili. B, Vagina frondis ex ca

adulto. C, Fragmentum caudicis apicale cum spadice et fronde axillan

Particula spicae ut insertio spathellae et spiculae appareat, floribus om

delapsis. N oe i

/ f Va

343

the reduced leaves borne in flowering portion of the axis 7-10 cm.

long, linear. Female inflorescence a terminal panicle, with 30-40

cm. long branches in the axils of reduced leaves; primary spathes

tubular, unarmed, slightly apiculate on one side; secondary

branches 5-30 cm. long flexuous, bearing distichously short alter-

nate spikelets 4-10 on each side; secondary spathes similar to

the primary, but considerably shorter; spikelets scorpioid, 1-3

em. long, with 3-5 flowers; spathes infundibuliform, striate, tri-

angular-ligulate on one side; involucre concave or shallow cupu-

lar, almost explanate, 3-toothed, 2-keeled; flowers solitary with no

male or neuter attendant, 5-7 mm. long, ovoid; calyx striate

parted into broad acute segments; corolla nearly twice as long as

the calyx; staminodes 6, alternipetalous, united at base into a

membranous cup round the ovary, adnate to the corolla at base;

ovary globose, 3-locular, densely covered with minute scales.

Fruit one-seeded, globular, 24-30 mm. in diam., covered with in-

numberable, minute irregularly imbricate scales, each less than

1 mm. in width; perianth persistent; calyx subcallous at base,

somewhat cupular; corolla almost explanate; seed oblong, some-

what depressed at base, 22 mm. in transverse length, 13 mm. in

transverse breadth, and 12-15 mm. in height; albumen homo-

geneous with brownish tinges arranged radiately to make the

albumen appear like a large light brown centre surrounded by

a darker coloured layer in the periphery; embryo seated at base

opposite the linear, almost occluded chalazal cavity having a

punctiform opening at apex. Male inflorescence larger than the

female, out similarly branched; the secondary branches provided

one each side with 8-12 spikelet bearing branchlets, each 3—7 cm.

long; tertiary spathes broadly funnel-shaped, producing on one

side a long triangular ligule; spikelets up to 10 mm. long, some-

what scorpioid, gradually decreasing in length towards the apex,

carrying flowers in two collateral series, each series with 4-6

flowers; spathels on spikelets short, approximate, concave brac-

teolate; involucre shallow cupular, 3-toothed; flowers not seen.

MaLayA: Kemaman, Bukit Kajang (Corner 30,576 as Rotan

Geylang). Pahang Termeloh (Hamid 10,695 as Rotan Sengka-

lor). Selangor, Sungei Buluh (Ridley 13,449). Singapore, Garden

(Ridley 12,500 syntype of P. annulatus; cult.: Kiah sn;

Furtado 37,948; 36,502; and 33,135); Bukit Mandai (Ridley sn.

on 22—V-1900, syntype of P. annulatus; Ridley 5,860); Chan

Chu Kang (Ridley 3,503 as Rotan Gajah); Kranji (Ridley 5,860

as Rotan Bulan); Bukit Timah (Ridley 11,457, syntype of P.

annulatus).

After studying the syntypes of P. annulatus in the

Singapore herbarium and the available duplicates in the

Berlin and Beccari’s herbaria (my notes about these were

made in 1933 when I had visited these herbaria), I came

to the conclusion that this material was not mixed in any

way and that Beccari was right in reducing P. annulatus

to M. Scortechinii. Ridley has referred the specimens with

small leaflets to M. Scortechinti, separating those with

larger leaflets to P. annulatus; but he has overlooked the

reduced leaves (less than 30 cm. long in the pinniferous

part) which are found in one of the sheaths (Ridley 12,500)

in the Singapore herbarium. This conclusion is further

044

supported by Ridley’s treatment of the two species in the

Materials II (1907), both in the key and in the text.

Further under-P. Scortechinu (M. Scortechinii) Ridley

stated as follows: “In habit, armature and foliage this much

resembles Plectocomiopsis annulatus and the fruit is quite

similar.’

In his Flora V (1925), however, Ridley did not accept

Beccari’s reduction and thought that “owing to an accidental

transference of a label in the Kew Herbarium Beccari

mistook a male specimen for the male inflorescence of his

Myrialepis Scortechinii and reduced my P. annulatus to this

species, describing and figuring the male flowers as those

of Myrialepis.”” Apart from the fact that he uses the term

‘male flowers’ to mean male inflorescence in which not a

single flower was available, Ridley is very misleading in

this his statement. In reducing’ P. annulatus to M. Scorte-

chinui, Beccari did not consider the Kew specimens at all,

but only the specimens from his own personal herbarium

and one from the Calcutta herbarium; and so whatever

mistake that might have been made in mounting the speci-

mens in the Kew herbarium, it was immaterial to the point.

Moreover, Beccari considered not only the male duplicate

of the syntype (Ridley 11,457) of P. annulatus, but also

of the female syntype (Ridley 12,500) which bears fruit.

In his Flora, Ridley has keyed P. annulatus and P. Scorte-

chinuvi to have ‘regular small’ and ‘quite irregular minute’

scales to the fruit respectively, but has overlooked the fact

that in the text the word ‘minute’ is applied to the scales

of the both the species, as it was done also in the Materials.

In view of this therefore it appears that the Kew dupli-

cates of the syntypes of P. annulatus were correctly labelled

until Ridley altered their determinations for his Flora.

In Singapore herbarium there are two of Ridley’s collec-

tions both of which bear the same number 5,860, one from

Bukit Mandai, and the other from Kranji. However from

the duplicates in Florence and Calcutta cited by Beccari, it

appears that the Bukit Mandai collection should have been

numbered 5,680 in the Singapore herbarium.

Ridley gives the vernacular name as Rotan Rajah, but

the name has been entered on the two Singapore sheets as

Rotan Gajah; probably the latter name is the correct one.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

PALMAE MALESICAE—XIV

The Species of Plectocomia in Malaya

By C. X. FURTADO,

Botanic Gardens, Singapore

THE genus PLECTOCOMIA, like Korthalsia, Plectocomiopsis

and Myrialepis, comprises a group of climbing palms which

end their vegetative growth by producing flowers and fruit

borne in a terminal panicle. In the flowering-stages, how-

ever, Plectocomia species are easily separated generically

by their large, non-tubular, cymbiform, spathels which

cover the spikelets; in young stages of the inflorescence,

these spathels are conspicuously imbricate and curl round

the axis so as to make the spikes resemble tail-like struc-

tures. The side branches of the whole panicle are in the

axils of somewhat reduced leaves, and each branch may

bear several secondary branches. The spikelets which are

produced in the axils of the spathels, represent tertiary

branches, and are shorter than the respective spathels. Male

and female flowers are always produced on separate plants;

while the flowers in the female are solitary at each notch

or pedicel on the spikelet, the flowers in the male plant are

always in pairs. The fruit scales are comparatively small

and in some species including the one that occurs in

Malaya, these scales have a free soft end which makes the

fruit squarrose. The seed albumen is homogeneous and the

embryo is basal.

Sterile plants might be easily confused with those of

Plectomiopsis and Myrialepis, since the leaves in all these

genera have a petiole which is neither gibbose, nor flagel-

late, and which do not usually produce a conspicuous ocrea

(ocrea is present in P. Corneri) ; the leaflets too are some-

what similar and have thickened margins. However, the

small scales which are present in the lower surface of the

leaflets in the other two genera, are absent in the leaflets.

of Plectocomia. Further the stems which are apparently

tufted in all the species of Myrialepis and Plectocomiopsis,

appear to be solitary. in Plectocomia; sometimes the stems

in the last mentioned genus produce bulbils or branches

near the base, but these apparently do not grow so as to

Vol. XIII. (1951).

346

make the plant tufted. Further observations are however

necessary to see whether this phenomenon which has been

observed on plants growing in the Botanic Gardens, Singa-

pore, is true also in the wild state.

Herbarium specimens of this genus are not well repre-

sented in many herbaria, and so collectors should be warned

to collect as complete material as possible, together with

the notes about the habit of the plant in the field.

Distribution and Sections

Beccari in his monograph (1918) describes twelve spe-

cies of this genus, and divides them into two groups. An

examination shows that these groups are valid as sections.

Hence I have named these as follows: Campanulatae and

Explanatae, according to whether the fruiting perianth is

companulate or explanate. The following are the diagnostic

characters:

I. CAMPANULATAE Furtado sectio nov.

Calyx masculus campanulatus vel cyathiformis; calyx

femineus in floribus ovoideo campanulatus, coriaceus, basin

versus obconicus, solidus, incrassatus. Perianthium fructi-

ferum obconicum, subpedicellatum vel conspicue pedicella-

tum.

Species of this section are found in the Lower Burma,

Malaya, Sumatra, Java, Borneo and the Philippines. The

only species that occurs in Malaya belongs to this section.

II. EXPLANATAE Furtado sectio nov.

Calyx masculus minimus, trigonus vel 3-dentatus; calyx

femineus gracilis, cartilagineus, cupularis, haud basi in-

crassatus. Perianthium fructiferum explanatum.

Members of this section are found apparently in colder

and less damp regions than those of the Campanulatae: viz,

Sikkim, Khasia, Upper Assam, Siam, and Indo-China,

Species

Plectocomia Griffithii Becc. in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. Ind. VI

(1893) 478; Ridl., Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. II (1907) 220;

Bece. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 2 (1918) 27;

Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1025) 70. (Figs. 17 and 18).

P. elongata Mart. et Bl. sensu Griff. in Cale. Journ. Nat.

Hist. V (1844) 96 et in Palms Brit. Ind. (1850) 104 ft.

217 A, B, and C; Hook. f., Fl. cit. VI (1893) 479; Ridl.,

Mat. cit. (1907) 220 omnino pro parte,

Gardens Bulletin, S. 7 |

O47

Stem solitary, about 30 m. long, with sheaths 5-7 em. in diam.

Leaf-sheaths without any trace of ocrea, obliquely truncate,

covered with white powder when young, armed along the dorsum

with a line of groups of spines laterally confluent at base, with

fine brittle points. Leaves large, and end in a large long clawed

cirrus; claws stout with a swollen base; petiole short stout, nearly

30 cm. long or less (very much longer in juvenile leaves), armed

dorsally with binate claws; pinniferous part 2-3 m. long, armed

with 1-2-nate claws in the lower half, and more digitate

claws disposed in a half-whorl in the upper half. Leaflets

in distant groups of 2-4 on each side of the rachis, all in one

plane, narrow lanceolate, gradually acuminate, subulate at apex,

callused in the axils, green above, paler or whitish beneath, 3-

costate, provided with many slender nerves between the costae,

smooth or spinulose in the margins; the largest leaflets mesial,

50-70 cm. long, 3-6 cm. broad. Inflorescence a terminal panicle

with side branches arising from the axils of reduced leaves;

male and female, though similar, produced on different plants,

but spathels in female spadices slightly longer than in the male;

each primary branch 1-2 m. long, composed of several pendul-

ous secondary branches (spikes), each arising from the axil of

a primary spathe; this last tubular, funnel-shaped, obliquely

truncate at apex, 5-10 cm. long; spikes about 60-90 cm. long

with its axis terete, 3-4 mm. in diam., rusty pubescent, bearing

alternately and distichously numerous spathels (secondary

spathes), about 8-10 mm. apart; when young, spathels are

imbricate and folded round the axis so as to appear tubular,

later spreading or porrect, cymbiform, 3-6 cm. long, 3-4-5 cm.

wide, from the broadest in the middle narrowed on both sides

concavely towards the apex and convexly towards the base where

they are almost amplexicaul, striately veined, glabrous, sprinkled

with minute reddish scales more in the upper half than in the

| lower. Female spikelets 5-9 flowered with rusty scabrid axis,

each flower provided with a short rusty scabrid, 5 mm. pedicel

having a 5-6 mm. triangular subulate bracteole at the base;

2 calyx campanulate, slightly narrowed at base, 8 mm. long, 5—6

mm. wide, shallowly divided into 3 acute teeth; corolla twice as

long as the calyx, lobes 2-3 mm. broad; staminodes shorter than

the corolla. Fruits 3-5 on each spikelet, globular, 15-16 mm. in

diam. (fide Beccari), bearing stigma bases at apex, densely vil-

lous with narrow, upturned or spreading, rufous, membranous

- scale tips; scales small dark chestnut brown in colour, arranged

in numerous vertical series; seed globular-depressed, 11 mm.

long, 9 mm. broad, 7-5 mm. thick (fide Beccari); fruiting peri-

anth subpedicelliform. Male spikelets 2-3 cm. long, with hairy

scabrid axis, bearing alternately 5-6 pairs of flowers on each

side, the lowest pair or two being pedicellate, others sessile;

- flowers both male in each pair, 5-6 mm. long, 4 mm. broad.

i MALAYA: Penang, Government Hill (Curtis 1669 and 2436) ;

Penang Hill (Ridley 7,098). Malacca, loc. incert. (Alvins 656

and 695). Singapore, Selitar (Ridley 1,665; sn.) ; Kranji (Ridley

in 1906); Bukit Mandai (Ridley 3,470, as Rotan Dahan).

I have not seen any fully matured fruit of the species,

so that the size given for fruits and the description of the

seed are quoted from Beccari (1918).

Vol. XIII. (1951).

Fig. 17. Plectocomia Griffithii 4 (Curtis 2,436). ; ae

A, Fragmentum ponds B, Spadicis ramus. C, Spathella. D, Spicula g ex

spathellae. E, Flos %, segmenta perianthii resecta ut staminum

AD DArTCA : ; No

38cm

icm 4 TURP DE!

Fig. 18. Plectocomia Griffithii Q (Alvins 656).

A, Frondis pars. B, Ramus spadicis 9°. C, Spicula 9, spathella axillante abscissa.

D, Juvenilis perianthium fructus. E, Fructus juvenilis,

SA ERS TON 2 RA as ae ae

r . ai et: pe ;

~ » et fs, a SSE Bu a “i tee

SE a ad SA On aie oo

= . ‘ eo Pag oe O " 2 ao réx TRS ow is 4 Hitoe

ty a a Pe is ats

r - A A & ay? ea Ti / He —.¥

"y ex. ‘xt. ;

we ‘ ' ber. . * = = 4 ye “Aas ot ae

~~ ” “4 2 t itn J 4-83 :

~- ' ee er nae

= X pe Ct —

“ “ hee thd tne >

~~ ey Le ™ =

850 7S an

The Singapore specimens cited nbare and ‘Cartes 2346

and 1669 from Penang are all male specimens and have _

male flowers which are much smaller than the flowers Bes

found on plants growing in Gardens Jungle, Singapore, of —

which Beceari (1918) gave a description in the remarka-

under P. Griffithii. The Gardens’ plant may be an escape of —

one of the introduced plants or may be a hybrid. I have

excluded the Gardens’ plants from this species.

The stem in this species is solitary, though one notices

occasionally small bulbils or branches near the base which

grow to a certain extent, but never big enough to make a

stem tufted; apparently these branches die off when the

species flowers and dies.

PALMAE MALESICAE—XV

The Genus Ceratolobus in Malaya

By C. X. FURTADO,

Botanic Gardens, Singapore

CERATOLOBUS is a peculiar genus among the Indo-Malay-

asian palms which have scaly fruits (Lepidocaryeae) and

rotan-like stems. As in Calamus and Daemonorops, the

spikes are not cylindrical, and the stems do not stop their

vegetative growth to produce flowers and fruits and then

die, but continue to produce the reproductive parts without

ceasing their vegetative growth; that is, the stem is always

polycarpic in this genus. But the character that distin-

guishes a Ceratolobus species readily from other rotans

generically is the peculiar structure of the spadices; for

apart from its being very short and porrect, each panicle

of spadix is enclosed in only one external, flattened, lanceo-

late-fusiform, usually unarmed spathe.

Though the external spathe has a small slit along the

margins of the beak, it never fully exposes the panicle, so

that the female flowers get fertilized and the fruits mature

when they are yet enclosed within the spathe, the external

pollinating agents (if any) being allowed access to the

flowers through the slits of the external spathe. All the

other spathes in the spadix are very short, tubular and

closely sheathing.

The male and the female (the latter polygamous?)

spadices are produced on different plants; however, at each

spathel the female flower is always accompanied by a

neuter (or male?) flower, while the flowers on the male

spadix are solitary at each spathel. In all flowers the calyx

is very small, and the corolla very much longer than the

calyx, The fruit is one-seeded, having a ruminate albumen

and basilar embryo. The stems are apparently always

tufted, and the leaves are cirriferous; the leaf-sheaths are

never flagelliferous and the ocrea consists of a thin, mem-

braneous, deciduous rim at the mouth of the leaf-sheath.

The leaflets are either rhomboidal in the section Fu-

Ceratalobus or linear-lanceolate in the section Cryptocladus

Sterile plants of the Eu-Ceratolobus can be easily distin-

guished from Korthalsias having rhomboidal leaflets by the

Vol. XIII. (1951).

352

absence of a prominent ocrea on the leaf-sheath, and the

ansae (little stalks) at the base of the leaflets, and from

Calamus spp., which have rhomboidal leaflets, by the

absence of flagellae (whips) on the leaf-sheaths and the

by the presence of a long cirrus at the end of each leaf.

Ceratolobus appears to represent a transitional stage in

the evolutionary history of Daemonorops and Calamus. The

species of the section Eu-Ceratolobus are distributed as fol-

lows: C. glaucescens in Java, C. concolor in Sumatra, C.

discolor and C. rostratus in Borneo, and C. Kingianus in

Malaya. The section Cryptocladus consists of only one spe-

cies, C. laevigatus, which is very polymorphous and which

occurs in Malaya, Borneo and Sumatra, but not in Java.

A study of the variations in this species has obliged me to

reduce the varieties major and sub-angulatus respectively

to varieties angustifolius and regularis of the same species.

I. Eu-Ceratolobus.

Ceratolobus Kingianus Becc. in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. Ind. VI

(1893) 477; Ridl., Mat. FI. Malayan Pen. II. (1907)

187; Bece. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 2 (1918)

9 et (1921) tt. 5 and 6; Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925)

46. (Fig. 19).

Stem 6-8 m. long, with sheaths 2-3 cm. in diam., Leaf-sheaths

gibbous above; when young covered with deciduous, minute, erect

hairs and mealy furfur, later scabrid with imbricate horizontal

ridges minutely punctate with black vestiges of fallen hairs;

obliquely truncate; ocrea reduced to a brittle membranous rim,

liguiate in the axils and callused at the base on the petiole.

Leaves about 1 m. long including the 40-50 ecm. long cirrus;

petiole 12-20 cm. long, up to 10 mm. broad, slightly flattened

with rounded margins, shortly prickled all round, or scabrid

as in the sheath on the basal part of the dorsum; rachis sub-

terate, armed all round in the lower part with short claws,

but higher up only dorsally with ternate claws. Leaflets about

3-5 on each side of rachis, cuneately rhomboidal, paler or glau-

cescent beneath, with non-ansate bases, upper margins irregu-

larly or sub-duplicately lobulate, and erosely toothed, the largest

at the base of rachis, 20-30 cm. long, 10-13 cm. broad, the

upper one gradually smaller. Inflorescences dioecious, sessile,

male and female externally similar; the enclosing spathe persis-

tent, strongly flattened, two-edged, unarmed, except with a few

teeth along the margins at base, elliptic-fusiform, cinnamon

brown in colour, 20-28 cm. long, 4-7 em. broad. Female panicle

twice branched, enclosed within one external (primary) spathe

even after the anthesis; the lowermost internal (secondary)

spathe the next largest, lanceolate-acuminate; other secondary

and tertiary spathes tubular, closely sheathing, obliquely trun-

cate at the mouth, subulate at apex; the primary branches short,

alternately and fastigiately borne on the main axis, each branch

bearing a few flowering branchlets; spathels (quartenary

x. 19. Ceratolobus Kingianus (Wray 2,869).

A, Caudicis fragmentum, spadice et parte frondis basali instructum. B, Fructus

' maturus. C, Semen verticaliter discissum.

304

spathes) short, funnel-shaped, ligulate on one side; involucro-

phore and involucre shallow cupular, latter 3-toothed; areola of

neuter flower punctiform. Female flowers 2-3 on each branchlet,

all seated more or less on one side; each flower subglobose, 3 mm.

in diam.; calyx membranous, very short, cupular, 3-toothed;

corolla much longer than the calyx, 3-partite; staminodes united

at their bases with the corolla, having triangular filaments and

sagittate sterile anthers; ovary globose. Neuter flowers very

much like the male but slightly larger, 6 mm. long, having

sterile, sagittate anthers (fide Beccari). Fruit globose, 15 mm. in

diam., shortly beaked, having its perianth explanate; scales in

12 longitudinal series, uniform dark brown; seed globular, 1 cm.

in diam.; chalazal cavity deep, lateral; albumen slightly rumi-

nate; embryo basal. Male panicle thrice divided; the tertiary

branches short, bearing alternately 3-6 flowers; spathes and

spathels as in female spadix; involucre shallow, cupular, 3-

toothed. Male flowers oblong, trigonous, 5 mm. long; calyx short,

cupular, 3-toothed; corolla many times as long as the calyx,

coriaceous, deeply 3-partite; stamens with subulate filaments

inserted near the base of petals, inflexed at apex; anthers linear;

ovary rudimentary, small, papilliform.

MALAYA: Perak, Larut Hills (Wray 2,869).

I have not seen the other syntypes of this species except

from their photographic plates given by Beccari.

II. Cryptocladus.

Ceratolobus laevigatus (Mart.) Bece. in Hook. f., Fl. Brit.

Ind. VI (1893) 477; Ridl., Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. II (1907)

187; Bece. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Cale. XII, 2 (1918)

13 tt. 9-11; Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925) 46.

C. subangulatus Bece. in Ann. cit. XI Suppl. (1918) iii.

Calamus laevigatus Mart., Hist. Nat. Palm. III (1850)

339; Miq., Fl. Ind. Bat. III (1855) 129.

C. subangulatus Miq., Prodr. Fl. Sum. (1860) 256.

Stems tufted, 3-4 m. long, slender, with sheaths 8-15 mm. in

diam. Leaf-sheaths strongly gibbous above, obscurely ridged

longitudinally, armed with scattered, flattened, triangular, de-

flexed, 5-10 mm. long spines, at the mouth obliquely truncate and

bordered by a perishable, brittle membranous ligulate ocrea.

Leaves 60-75 em. long including the cirrus, 35-45 cm. long in

the pinniferous part, sometimes much shorter; petiole very small,

almost absent; rachis armed along the dorsum with 1-3-nate

claws. Leaflets 10-12 on each side of the rachis, rarely a few

more, frequently in opposite groups of 2—3 on each side, or equi-

distant or inequidistant; those at apex ascendent, those towards

the base reflexed, and those in groups divergent; all papyraceous,

lanceolate, or oblanceolate, at times tapering below to an acute

base; acuminate, suddenly or gradually narrowed into a long

filiform bristly tip; the midnerve smooth or setulose above, or at

times below also, remotely setulose in the margins, otherwise

smooth, 10-18 cm. long, 15-25 mm. broad, sometimes much longer

and narrower, especially those that are strongly grouped. Spadi-

ces male and female externally alike, each enclosed in a flattened,

edged. external (primary) spathe, shortly pedicelled, 12-15 cm.

surRAm DEL:

Fig. 20. Ceratolobus laevigatus var. laevigatus (A and E-G: Ridley 12,120; B-D:

Ridley sn. ex Tapah). we ; mi

- <A, Caudicis fragmentum cum fronde et spadicibus. B, Flos 9 integer, et ibid, cum

tepalis aperti ut pistillum appareat. D, Fructus juvenilis cum perianthio. F,

Semen integrum. C, Seminis sectio verticalis.

356 | Pips.

long, 12-30 mm. broad, acute in edges, lanceolate-elliptical or

fusiform in outline, at base narrowed, acute, often aculeate along

the margins, at apex prolonged into a long beak, otherwise

glabrous, cinnamon brown-colour, papyraceous. Female panicle

twice branched, covered with tobacco-brown puberulous-scurf;

the branches (secondary) bearing 3-5 female flowers, each ac-

companied by a neuter flower; secondary and tertiary spathes

tubular, obliquely truncate at the mouth with ligulate apex on

one side; spathels funnel-shaped, obliquely truncate, ligulate on

one side; involucrophore cyathiform, often conspicuously pedi-

cellate; involucre slightly exsert, cupular, more or less 3-toothed;

areola punctiform. F'emale flowers ovoid, 6 mm. long, ventricose

at base; calyx membranous, cupular, 3-toothed; corolla coriace-

ous, 3-partite; staminodes adnate to the corolla base, triangular

in filaments and linear-sagittate in sterile anthers; ovary glo-

bular. Neuter flowers similar to male flowers. Fruit elliptic-ovoid,

conically beaked, 16-25 mm. long, 12-18 mm. broad, with a pedi-

celliform perianth; scales in 12 longitudinal series, dark to reddish

brown in colour, concolorous or with dark marginal line; seed

globular-ovoid, with ruminate albumen, basal embryo, and deep

chalazal cavity. Male panicle thrice branched; tertiary branches

short, each carrying 2-3 flowers only; spathes as in the female

panicle; spathels short, funnel-shaped, ligulate on one side;

involucre small, very shallow cupular, 3-toothed. Male flower 4

mm. long; calyx short, membranous, 3-lobed; corolla much longer

than the calyx, deeply 3-partite; anthers linear, fixed in the

middle to the filaments.

A very polymorphic species, found wild in Malaya,

Sumatra and Borneo. The following varieties have been

noticed in Malaya:

(a) C. laevigatus var. laevigatus (cf. Bece. op. cit. tt. 9

and 10). (Fig. 20).

Leaves with short pinniferous parts, and lanceolate leaflets;

the latter relatively broad and short, contracted suddenly at

apex, arranged in more or less distant groups. Fvwit having its

corolla lobes split more or less irregularly even in young stages

of the fruit; fruit scales dark dull claret brown, concolorous

with slightly light coloured erose margins.

MALAYA: Perak, Bujong Malacca (Curtis 3,163; Ridley 9,812) ;

Kamuning (Machado); Tapah (Ridley in XI-1908). Selangor,

Sungai Buluh (Ridley 13,448); Semangkok (Ridley 12,120);

Damansara Hill in Kuala Lumpur (Ridley XII-1920).

(b) C. laevigatus var. angustifolius Becc. in Hook? f., Fl.

Brit. Ind. VI (1893) 477 et in Ann. cit. (1918) 16. (Fig.

21).

C. laevigatus var. major Bece. in Ann. cit. (1918) 16

SYN. NOV.

Leaf-sheaths less armed than in the type. Leaflets very narrow,

acuminate, arranged distinctly in groups, divergent in each

group. Fruit ovoid elliptic, beaked, with corolla lobes hardly split,

usually entire; the scales dull cinnamon brown with darker intra-

marginal line, and light erose margin.

| Fig. 21. Ceratolobus laevigatus var. angustifolius (Ridley 8,488).

A, Fragmentum caudicis cum spadicibus fructigeris et frondibus B, Flos ¢. CG,

Flos 9 apertus ut pistillum appareat. D, Fructus maturus cum perianthio.

E, Semen integrum. F, Semen verticaliter discissum.

——

Fig. 22. Ceratolobus laevigatus var. regularis (Ridley 7,904).

A, Fragmentum caudicis, spadice fructigerenti et fronde instructum. B, Fruct

maturus cum perianthio. C, Semen integrum. D, Semen in longitudinem medlé

discissum. ra

y 309

MALAYA: Perak, Taiping Hills (Ridley 11,468; Henderson

11,597; Haniff and Nur 2,377; Burkill and Haniff 13,128) ;

Maxwell Hill (Ridley in 1892, and 3488; Burkill and Haniff

12,696).

1918) 16. (Fig. 22).

C. laevigatus var. subangulatus Becc. op. cit. (1918) 16

tad SUN. NOV.

Calamus subangulatus Miq. op. cit. p. 256.

Stem less armed than in the type. Leaflets elongate and

narrower, gradually narrowed towards the apex, almost regu-

larly set, sub-opposite or opposite, divaricate, occasionally inter-

rupted and sometimes approximate towards the apex; the

midcosta occasionally bristly in one or both surfaces. Fruit with

corolla lobes entire or slightly split; the scales of cinnamon

brown colour with a dark intra-marginal line.

MALAYA: Dindings, loc. incert. (Curtis in XII-1902, as Rotan

Prot Ayam); Lumut (Ridley 10,340; II-1896; 3489 type of this

variety; 7904; Burkill 491); Perak, Sungai Siput (Haniff and

Nur 6,968); Gunong Keledang (Ridley 9,808).

DISTRIBUTION: Sumatra.

PALMAE MALESICAE—XVI

The Little-known Malayan Genus Calospatha

By C. X. FURTADO,

Botanic Gardens, Singapore

‘CALOSPATHA is a lepidocaryous genus which Beccari had

proposed to include in Hooker’s Flora of British India VI

(1893), but which Hooker omitted apparently because the

type material was very imperfect and could not be matched

with anything in the Kew herbarium. Beccari had named

the type species of the proposed genus as C. Scortechini

and had sent to Kew a drawing with a description of the

type specimen.

Ridley used this Beccari’s drawing and two more speci-

mens to found a new species Daemonorops Calospatha,

where the specific epithet is Beccari’s manuscript generic

name omitted by Hooker. The three syntypes of this species

are as follows: (A) a specimen collected by Ridley on

Gunong Keledang and bearing a portion of a leaf and a

flowering spadix; (B) a specimen brought to Ridley from

Gunong Keledang by a native collector and consisting of a

fruiting spadix only; and (C) the drawing of Scortechini’s

specimen sent by Beccari.

Now the specimens (A) and (C), though true Calospatha,

are specifically different, and both these are generically

different from the specimen (B) which is a true Daemono-

rops. In examining Ridley’s description of the mixtum

compositum, D. Calospatha, one notes that: the description

of the leaves and of the flowers is based on (A); that of

the general spadix, spadix branches and spathes on (A)

and (C); that of the fruit scales on (B); and that of the

seed on (C). The calyx is lobed and cup-shaped in (A)

and (B), but Beccari had stated (in the manuscript

description) that the calyx in the fruit of (C) was entire,

three pointed and explanate; and so the involucre in (B)

which is ‘circular, cupshaped, entire’ (Ridley), has been

evidently mistaken for the calyx of the species by Ridley.

I typify D. Calospatha on Scortechini’s specimen (C)

since this syntype supplied Ridley not only his specific

epithet but also a good deal of his specific description.

Gardens Bulletin, S.

Ll at eS ill le i ei i i i Cet

561

Though D. Calospatha is the earliest priorable binomial for

the species, yet Ridley’s trivial epithet cannot be adopted

for the species under Calospatha, because tautonyms are

proscribed under the Rules.

Despite the incompleteness of the specimens, the estab-

lishment of a separate genus is justified on the characters

of the inflorescence. I give below a generic diagnosis based

on both the specimens:

Stem short, apparently climbing, polycarpic, Leaves large;

leaflets linear, closely and minutely setose along the margins up

to the very base. Inflorescence short, when young fusiform, long

beaked, the floriferous portion almost completely enveloped on

the lower spathe. Spathes persistent, imbricate, open, abruptly

and arcuately long-beaked, more or less armed at least in the

apical portion, the lowermost largest, the others gradually

smaller, each including a small floriferous branchlet. Female

flowers ovate, broad-based, solitary, or each attended by a neuter

flower; calyx 3-pointed or lobed; corolla 2-212 times as long as

the calyx, with triangular, deeply parted lobes. Neuter flowers

much more slender than the female, accompanying only some

female flowers, calyx narrowed to a punctiform base leaving

very obscure areola on the involucre. Fruit scaly, 2-3 seeded,

with a homogeneuous albumen, marked with indistinct chalazal

fovea; embryo basal.

Both the specimens on which the genus is based are from

the state of Perak, Malaya. In one specimen a portion of

leaf and flowering spadix are represented; in the other

there is only a fruiting spadix. But from the general

arrangement and the shape of the spathes and floriferous

branches, there is no doubt that they are both congeneric.

These specimens are separated specifically on the characters

of the calyx as follows:

(a) Female calyx undivided, 3-pointed, shallow (ex-

planate in fruit) C. Scortechinu Becc.

(b) Female calyx conspicuously lobed, deeply cup-shaped

(apparently not explanate in the fruit)

| C. confusa Furtado.

Calospatha confusa Furtado sp. nov. (Fig. 23).

C. Scortechinii Becc. sensu Ridl., Fl. Mal. Pen. V (1925)

AT p.p.

Daemonorops Calospatha Ridl., Mat. F. Mal. Pen. II

(1907) 179 quoad specimen apud montem a Keledang a

Ridleyo collectum (ex altera parte = C. Scortechini et

Daemonorops sp.).

Vol. XIII. (1951).

Particula folioli ut pagt

Particula rhacheos frondis. C,

Fig. 23. Calospatha confusa (Holotypus; Ridley sn. in September 1898).

A, Pars frondis media. B,

, Spadix cum pedu

a spathae basalis. G, Flos 9 cum flo

Ibid. ut pagina inferior appareat. E

gerus ex axill

superior appareat. D,

culo. F, Ramulus flori

neutro. H, Flos 9. I, Flos neuter. J,

appareat.

Flos neuter apertus ut staminum ins

363

A. C. Scortechinu differt femineis calycibus alte cupulari-

bus, conspicue 3-partitis, basi latis.

Frondes magnae ut videtur; rachis 32 cm. longa tantum visa,

bifacialis, ventre inermis, canaliculata, dorso unguibus solitariis,

in 3-series verticales dispositis, reflexis, in seriebus marginalibus

inaequalibus praedita. Foliola alternantia, equidistantia, 2-5-3

cm. inter se dissita, 33-87 cm. long, 2-2-3 em. lata, tricostata,

lineario-ensiformia, basin versus paulo attenuata, plicatula, api-

cem versus sensim angustata, in apicem longe acuminatum ter-

minata; in pagina superiore costae supra media setosae; in

pagina inferiore costa mediana tantum per duas tertias partes

superiores minute vel obsolete spinulosa; margines setis minu-

tis approximatis per totam longitudinem praeditae. Spadix

femineus tantum visus, juventute plus minusve fusiformis, in

parte spathifera circa 20 cm. longus, pedunculo 20-25 em. longo,

tabaccino-furfuraceo, aculeis elasticis porrectis, saepe basi late-

raliter unitis, 10-25 cm. longis armato suffultus. Spathae

primariae subalternantes imbricatae, inaequales, persistentes,

deciduo furfuraceae, basi brevissime tubulares, superne loriformes

ligulares, apice abrupte longe rostratae, in axillis ramulos

solitarios gerentes; basalis maxima, 19 cm. longa (5 cm. longo

rostro incluso), 3 cm. lata, juventute sequentias spathes fere

includens, secus margines bicarinata, secus carinas et mediam

spinis 5-10 mm. longis vel minoribus, porrectis vel refiexis, Basi

superne intumescentibus armata; spathae sequentiae sensim

minores, apicales minima, spatha secunda aculeis ad basin fere

praedita, alterae apicem versus tantum armatae. Ramuli pvi-

maru spathis primariis multo breviores, 2—7 cm. longi, axi

flexuosi, basales ramulos secundarios brevissimos 1-2 gerentes;

spathae secundariae tertiariaeque breves, tubulares, infundibu-

liformes, apice ligulares, inermes, striatae; spathellae breves,

annulares apice oblique truncatae, ligulatae, inermes, striatae;

involucrophorum leviter cupulare, ligulatum; involucrum involu-

crophoro paullo majus, subdisciforme, integrum vel non, haud

profundum. Flores feminei ovati, 7-9 mm. longi; calyx cupu-

laris, basi latissimus, immo paullo depressus, conspicue trifidus;

corolla calyce 2—244-plo longior, in 3 lobos altos, triangulares,

divisa; ovarium globosum vel ovatum, apice stigmatibus 3,

longis praeditum. Flores neutvi pergraciles; calyx infundibuli-

formis, basin versus cuneatus, immo fere punctiformis, ad

medium fere lobatus; corolla calyce 2-3-plo longior; staminodia

6 ut videtur. Fructus ignotus.

Stem apparently climbing. Leaves (known only from a frag-

ment 32 cm. long) apparently long and cirriferous; rachis in

the specimen bifacial, slightly channelled, on the dorsal side

convex, and armed with large solitary, reflexed, stout distant

hooks arranged in three longitudinal series (one median and two

marginal), 2-3 very small solitary, sometimes obsolete hooks

being seated between two large marginal hooks in the same

vertical line. Leaflets alternate, equidistant, 2-5-3 cm. apart, 33-

37 em. long 2-2-3 cm. wide, tricostate, linear-ensiform, slightly

narrowed towards the base, gradually tapered into long acumi-

nate apex; the costae setose in the upper surface from the

middle upwards, in the lower surface glabrous excepting

the upper half of the midrib which is armed in the upper two-

thirds with minute or sometimes. obsolete’ prickles; the

margins very closely and minutely setulose up to the very

base. Female inflorescence short, more or less fusiform when

young, about 20 cm. long, excluding the 20-25 cm. long peduncle,

364

the latter covered with tobacco-brown scurf and armed with

flat, elastic, straight 10-28 mm. long spines, often united

laterally at base. Primary spathes subalternately imbricate (9

in all), covered with deciduous brown scurf, oblong, slightly

tubular at base, soon strap-shaped, abruptly arched into a long

subulate beak, each spathe bearing a branch in its axil; the

basal spathe the largest, 19 cm. long (including 5 cm, beak), 3

cm. wide, in young stages almost completely enclosing the others,

carinate along each of the two margins, armed along the median

longitudinal line and marginal carinae with 5-10 mm. or

smaller, straight or reflexed spines, having a bulbous base on

the upper side; subsequent spathes gradually smaller, all more

or less armed along the dorsal median line towards the apex.

Primary branches much smaller than the primary spathes, 2-7

em. long, flexuous in the axis; the basal branches often produce

1-2 secondary branchlets; the secondary and tertiary spathes

short, tubular, funnel-shaped, obliquely truncate, unarmed, stri-

ate; spathels short, annular, ligulate on one side, striate;

involucrophore shallow cupular, slightly produced on one side;

involucre slightly exceeding the involucrophore, shallow disci-

form, entire or not. Female flowers ovate, 7-9 mm. long; calyx

cup-shaped, conspicuously trifid, broad based, somewhat

depressed at the very centre of the base; corolla 2—2% times as

long as the calyx, deeply 3-parted into triangular lobes; ovary

globose or ovate, crowned with 3 deeply divided stigma. Neuter

flowers present in some, much more slender than the female;

calyx funnel-shaped, conspicuously 3-lobed, narrowed to an

almost punctiform, callused base; staminodes nearly decomposed,

but appears to be six; ovary decomposed. Fruit not known.

MALAYA: Perak, Gunong Keledang (Ridley in September 1898

—syntype of D. Calospatha).

The female calyx in this species is cup-shaped and conspi-

cuously lobed, whereas in C. Scortechini the type is depicted

and described as entire, explanate and 3-angled. In the

latter species the lowermost spathe-is described as empty,

whereas in C. confusa the lowermost spathe, like others,

subtends a floriferous branchlet; but the presence or the

absence of floriferous branchlet in the axil of the lowermost

spathe appears to be not a specific character, but a result

of environmental conditions.

Calospatha Scortechinii Becc. in Ann. Roy, Bot. Gard. Cale.

XIT;'1 €1911) 2382 et XT, 2 41998) 17 40°23 ee

Mal. Pen. V (1925) 47 pro parte.

Daemonorops Calospatha Ridl., Mat. Fl. Mal. Pen. II ‘

(1907) 179 quoad specimen Scortechinianum tantum; Becc. :

supra cit. in obs. a

Stem and leaves unknown. Female spadix short, 35 em. long,

furnished with subdistichous imbricate spathes; pedicellar part ‘

short convered with 10-25 em. long flattened spines. Spathes: :

lowermost spathe 21 em. long (including 5 em. long beak), 3 cm.

wide, covered all over outside with unequal, scattered spines,

Gardens Bulletin, S.

065

sheathing a short peduncular part without any axillary branch;

subsequent spathes gradually shorter, protecting each a flori-

ferous branch in its axil, deep cinnamon-brown in colour, rusty

furfuraceous outside, explanate except at the very base, sud-

denly narrowed into a long, broad beak; the lower spathes 10-

12 cm. long (not including 7-8 cm. long beak) more or less

spinous towards the apex, the latter itself armed with conspicu-

ous, spreading, straight flattened, 10-15 mm. long spines. Flovi-

ferous branches shorter than their respective axillant spathes,

2-5 cm. long, the lower ones usually bearing a smaller, secondary

branchlet at base; axial part sinuous, few flowered, speedily

narrow above. Secondary and tertiary spathes not visible in the

drawing of the type, nor described. Spathels annular-cyathiform,.

slightly produced on one side; involucrophorum shallow cupular;

involucre slightly exceeding involucrophore, entire. Female

flowers solitary or not (areola and neuter flowers not seen), 7

mm. long; calyx with 3 acute points; corolla longer than the

calyx, very deeply parted; sterile stamens 6; ovary globular.

Fruiting perianth explanate; the calyx entire with the base

slightly thickened; corolla lobes twice as long as the calyx, elon-

gate and triangular. Fruit 2-3 seeded, globular, 2 cm. in diam..,.

shortly beaked, crowned by the permanent recurved stigmas;

scales arranged in 24 vertical series, uniformly shining black in

the exposed part, with a V-shaped depression along the centre,

acute at apex, obsoletely erose-toothed in the margins. Seeds 12

mm. long, 6 mm. thick, enveloped with scanty integument, with

indistinct chalazal fovea, homogeneous albumen and _ basal

embryo.

Mauaya: Perak, probably on Gunong Bubu_ (Scortechini,

type).

It appears probable that here as in C. confusa the neuter

flowers are present, but since the base of the calyx of the

neuter flowers is very pointed, the areola is very minute

and so not visible in old spikelets.

The description given here has been adapted from the one

given by Beccari, but a few supplementary data are added

after the study of the drawing given of the type by Beccari.

Though D. Calospatha is the oldest priorable name to this

species, the specific epithet cannot be instated under the

genus Calospatha because tautonyms are proscribed under

the Rules. |

Vol. XIII. (1951).

THE GARDENS’

BULLETIN

SINGAPORE

INDEX TO VOLUME XIII

Note:

Holttum’s paper on “The Zingiberaceae of the Malaya

Peninsula” (pp. 1-250) is accompanied with a detailed index on pp.

246-249; here only generic page reference to this index is made.

Names printed in bold-face type refer to new species or new combi-

nations. Names printed in italics are synonyms.

Achasma, Index, 246.

Actoplanes.

canniformis K. Sch., 267.

Ridleyi K. Sch., 268.

Alpinia, Index, 246.

' Amomum, Index, 246.

Banksia speciosa Koen., 242.

Boesenbergia, Index, 246.

Calamus

geminiflorus Griff., 328.

laevigatus Mart., 354.

subangulatus Miq., 354; 359.

turbinatus Ridl., 328.

Calamosagus

harinaefolius Griff., 315.

ochriger Griff., 315.

scaphiger Griff., 319.

Wallichiaefolius Griff., 315.

CALOSPATHA

confusa Furtado, 361.

Scortechinii Becc., 364.

Scortechinii, 361.

Camptandra, Index, 247.

Carenophila, Index, 247.

Catimbium, Index, 247.

Cenolophon, Index, 247.

CERATOLOBUS

Kingianus Becc., 352.

laevigatus (Mart.) Becc., 354.

var. angustifolius Becc., 357.

var. laevigatus, 356.

var. major Becc., 356.

var. regularis Becc., 359.

var. subangulatus Becc., 359.

Clinogyne dichotoma Salisb., 272.

Cinamomum, Index, 247.

Costus, Index, 247.

Curcuma, Index, 247.

Cyphostigma, Index, 247.

Daemonorops

361, 364,

DONAX

arundastrum 267, 272.

grandis (Miq.) Ridl., 268.

parviflora Ridl., 270.

Elettaria, Index, 247.

Elettariopsis, Index, 247.

FURTADO, C. X., PALMAE MALESI-

CAE:

XI. The Malayan Species of

Korthalsia, 300.

XII. The Malayan Species of

Plectocomiopsis, 325.

XIII. ane Genus Mpyrialepis,

XIV. The Species of Plectocomia

in Malaya, 345.

XV. The Genus Ceratolobus in

Malaya, 351.

XVI. The Little-known Malayan

Genus Calospatha, 360.

Galanga, Index, 247.

Gastrochilus, Index, 247.

Geocharis, Index, 247.

Geostachys, Index, 247.

Globba, Index, 247.

Calospatha Ridl.,

Haniffia, Index, 248.

Hedychium, Index, 248.

Hellenia, Index, 248.

Hitchenia musacea Bak., 276.

568

Hitcheniopsis, Index, 248.

Ho.LtTTuM, R. E.:

A New Malayan Vanilla, 251.

The Marantaceae of Malaya,

254.

The Zingiberaceae of the Malay

Peninsula, 1.

Hornstedtia, Index, 248.

Kaempferia, Index, 248.

Knema meridionalis Sinclair, 297.

KORTHALSIA

echinometra Becc., 306.

echinometra, 321.

ferox var. malayana Becc., 315.

flagellaris, 328.

grandis Ridl., 311.

grandis 328.

horrida Bece., 306.

Lobbiana H. Wendl., 319.

paludosa Furtado, 313.

polystachya Mart., 315.

rigida Bl., 315.

rubiginosa Becc., 309.

seaphigera Griff. and Mart., 319.

Scortechinii Becc., 321.

tenuissima Becc., 324.

Teysmannii, 311.

Wallichiaefolia H. Wendl., 315.

Languas, Index, 248.

MARANTACEAE of Malaya, 254.

Key to the Genera, 264.

Maranta

galanga L., 157.

grandis Miq., 268.

malaccensis Burm., 155.

Monolophon, Index, 248.

MYRIALEPIS, The Genus, 3389.

Scortechinii Becc., 340.

Scortechinii, 329.

Nicolaia, Index, 248.

Odontychium, Index, 248.

PALMAE MALESICAE: XI (Korthal-

sia), 300; XII (Plectocomiop-

sis), 325; XIII (Myrialepis),

339; XIV (Plectocomia), 345;

XV _ (Ceratolobus), 351; XVI

(Calospatha), 360.

PHACELOPHRYNIUM

maximum (Bl.) K. Sch., 295.

tapirorum K. Sch., 295.

Phaeomeria, Index, 248,

Plagiostachys, Index, 249.

PLECTOCOMIA

elongata, 346.

Griffithii Becc., 346.

Berry Campanulatae Furtado,

Sectio Explanatae Furtado, 346.

PLECTOCOMIOPSIS

annulatus Ridl., 340.

Corneri Furtado, 333.

dubius Becce., 331.

geminiflorus (Griff.) Becc., 326.

geminiflorus, 329, 331.

Scortechiniit Ridl., 340.

Wrayi Becc., 329

Wrayi, 328.

PHRYNIUM

basiflorum Ridl., 292.

basiflorum var. nobile Ridl., 292.

capitatum Willd.,

cylindricum Ridl., a8.

dichotomum Roxb., 272.

gracile Holt., 282.

Griffithi Bak., 276.

hirtum Ridl., 290.

inflatum Merr., 290.

Jagorianum K. Koch., 274.

maximum Bil., 295.

parvum (Ridl.) Holtt., 283.

spicatum Griff., 276.

tapirorum, Ridl., 295.

terminale Ridl., 2938.

tristachyum Ridl., 286.

Renealmia, Index, 249.

Riedelia, Index, 249.

Scaphochlamys, Index, 249.

SINCLAIR, JAMES: A New Species

of Knema, 296.

Schumannianthus dichotomus

(Roxb.) Gagnep., 272.

STACHYPHRYNIUM

cylindricum (Ridl.) K. Sch., 278.

Griffithii (Bak.) K. Sch., 276.

abe ta cx (K. Koch) K. Sch.,

minus Ridl., 283.

parvum Ridl., 283.

Sp., » ot;

Vanilla pilifera Holtt., 253.

Zerumbat, Index, 249,

ZINGIBERACEAE, - of the

Peninsula, 1.

Zingiber, Index, 249,

Malaya

Seiad a ee

EWS! wt lt Pe or, ly

“'s

dg aa 4"*

aa OV Ste we elit.

Je ig ha bt be

beet 3c ald

‘aude = 1S id

bet Pn ad

Ww ¢ Ace ae

ings

Se Ses See ee

RS ET Eg

r jie

; atte We betorke

i <3 wy A Pert ltete. P {

ad oy bien i744 sind “arte: ot gy : a - ¢ é

D A tha Aaieee le < - - “ wai .

me tocar et of corey 4 , : ste ela! eiaeet tere ow :

Llabe

Ab ai os en

Firs! Srnt wena se cit boat od

ier

irae” helm + He

A seg boi vat nix : % 3 ttem pier .

. : Lin Ae: Ot ee

‘ Bast ashy melt.

psi stags tat ee :

ty 8 ‘hte? oy 9 . vie :

Lop pes ot ap plane Ste: , i son elitists ei? .

whe ere

kh TF Mee pe Pet 9 od Pee hb yee ree poe

feat tak LRM Eee PRD IR eTEe REM OLE FEI VE

dhe eed page RE od OS OLN!

ate ae Oae ae eb aedelnd abet

irs tre Lee lstaletetecat ted Oe:

py eer

ip ay 4

een e4, iu 4

fed OTe Petit

rp apene ey

Arty

Ha rahe

ded ped hetied D4 bb Led Pees +

prubetebs ler stig dyer

peveene at) bal oo

; press Sie

peewee Terr Tee!

jepaherey see aceet r

id APs Lp yee ch

ete nat der ply std ptt pe ae saree ed .

SERGE ey Ne eed pr ee sae? Ft Ot 4 ehaltt shies = r ap BE

Tete cats hdlahadeiet-tel- I Pe. peat ie 4 fee » chy tes » ve no ted a pee een eee et HF

; , f vee 2 Ped i, - * in bo eee een) + eet

Nar Roa ay rene s +5 paket HPN

1ST er dee ts PP

bh ppese peed 4 pttry SO adarel sy

vind pA boy try hm pe aay :

wana ree aged aol s The ee wh eee ere

phen tit ea 2pm amet > 1 nd ti hieae b ett hh ri

pr eae TOE pe earl ad whit ar

ie ar ‘fe Oorees Var

sisitares eens

ep ee pr eet Le be

wh ep at Lt

aes De hd FO Meare pee

Per Aar re AS ed AR ES teen oll

ire ey bart } a ad heball r putea} ‘

jai epee 4 Shad deaPedodelw i Jat Saal cong wnheer oh eet ht Tilo salejarceyednene

é ‘ + 7 . r-® iw « ot qr area 4

( aetheie le) Set «+

toh et aeeohne-e> we

ete a heen ~

ee oa)

WEE I sk RE

prea 4th Pe et et ’

Mobs Th Maat ek err ee eet Tee ort ae Pye

wh rere eh 4 7

4 rerwrrt el ee odds Fer vteds Sacheean obs ee MES Fear Te hy HOF

Nr ET At CR ALT ATT NL OR ww

awe or

hhh bl ee Lr Len he pee &

Ww re et LSE oh eg PSE TSP

Ee ee art eee A eae el oti rer er rer

wre egret ee re te TY a dk aa ” r peqer Lortab op Cpa Mone EP 207 sne rd pe P-

- macs £40 - py yard bee Fie ORONO hi tad Hee EfO i) Pegged epee"

+ jot . 4 ured sated gs eer enn Pl Oe PRED Perper sh ereaertes th ee wr

7 : wee +it pee] Te ard te ree ww eet SNe a oteal

a ol

opty ewe eebe eee > ar

perv

PAPE ed nel red he

Sa he ee A oe hdl

El ee A Fy ee OY

Ve ART Pl of POM 24 1 yer er hehe

£ ADP, VANE TAT pred PLP eet Paresh? 4 be

pha abe re

Pets tenants

deo! arr val tet ee"

Pree Pepa rp nee |

—Mohabatelattbctent tbe del

Maer yp hee tty tet ea ae ee

hey abd take meyer et EW Wah or tok Wye

Ce eee ee eee eer ung deh hahaa eer Gane

pl od MAF Pek nt eer FUMES GI Vw

eer

Sed eenbetadeaehahntinnssabetel singed ws ret.

bl PEL Se Bae he EES rh rete nee ca ru Whey ’ > ra

Pt Pharr ROPER ee rs PE MS Lae Aas . . ao 4 ut PY n med » Seanad ee Morena ef et OF OT f

‘ acter eiaed : ee ae

pre eas

Wi Ali 2 2 hs od ahatatebaeted apereg , head nt - 1

eh EE REET TEER Ee er pit he ~ r4 ‘ 44 : yuri ) parhew

OE ELD wl Gare? 0% 3 ss recta rer : ) , ar r : rer erat s br ebiier ed :

rug thee WW ear er ers te tS sar : : : , : : f : rh et pale rr : i : nm > -

“ Ate | \. ¢ ‘ ‘ 7 usd Y oad wiese 4 ’

) rt Fal ob i oer ates . eget eee ne 3 ae

ee m pon. wwe

pt eT ARATE tt PEL DPPT

ern ta habe waliat pee errr

Wereyeret? wera

ean a ft

Bene y, 4 atharpa pata Pt tom

of ee

pert rey >

ose eT a a Aakell ee

pehepegeterer FF ev. ite od