Iguanura asli C.K.Lim, Gard. Bull. Singapore 48: 28 (1998)

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Distribution

Map uses TDWG level 3 distributions (https://github.com/tdwg/wgsrpd)
Malaya present (World Checklist of Arecaceae)B
Johor, Pahang, Terengganu; not rare, in low hill forests, riverine swamp. (Lim C.K. 1996. Unravelling Iguanura Bl. (Palmae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 48: 2-64)A

Discussion

  • This is indeed a widespread species found from Terengganu to Johor where it might have been taken to be a form of I. wallichiana although it is usually within I. geonomiformis erritory. lndeed the habit and leaf variations are visually more similar to the latter. We later recalled that we had found and photographed examples in other locations, mainly within Johor. which we had assumed to be I. wallichiana. There have indeed been earlier collections, and within the Singapore Herbarium, Holttum's specimen (9476) is an example. Kiew's observations on fruit colour variations in her ssp. malaccensis, (Kiew 1976: 221) is obviously of this new species. In the Rompin area, the brilliant candy pink fruit often rivals adjacent Licuala ferruginea not only in colour. but sometimes in size and robustness of the rachillae and fruit. The inflorescence, although variable. is apparently distinct from the other taxa, usually curled among the leaf petioles, with the peduncles mainly enclosed within the leaf sheath. (Lim C.K. 1996. Unravelling Iguanura Bl. (Palmae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 48: 2-64)A

Diagnosis

  • Fructibus immaturis roseis; a I. wallichiana et geonomiformi inflorescentiae interfoliaceae pedunculo brevi vagina floii occulto, rachillis arcuatis differt. (Lim C.K. 1996. Unravelling Iguanura Bl. (Palmae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 48: 2-64)A

Etymology

  • The inspiration for the name arose out of encountering the aboriginal groups living near to the first fruiting populations that we saw; it was also determined within the Year of the Indigenous (Orang Asli) Peoples. (Lim C.K. 1996. Unravelling Iguanura Bl. (Palmae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 48: 2-64)A

Description

  • Caespitose. with dominant stems from 1.5-2.5m. leaves marcescent, divided. similar to I. geonomiformis, variable in numbers and loaflet widths: inflorescence branching two to nine. rarely sub-branching, often curled interfoliar, with short tomentose peduncle enclosed in the leaf sheath: fruit globose. 4-Xmm. Immature pink ripening brilliant candy pink: flowers and seed not examined. (Lim C.K. 1996. Unravelling Iguanura Bl. (Palmae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 48: 2-64)A

Materials Examined

  • Johor, Kluang, 1922, Holtturn 9476 SING; Kahang, C.K. Lirn H 1523 PSM Collection; Jamari, C.K. Lirn H 1401 PSM Collection; H 1524 SING; Pahang, Kedaik, 1991, C.K. Lirn H 1000 PSM Collection; H 1041 KEP; Lesong FR, Sarnswi 433 SING; Balok 1994, C.K. Lirn H 1599 PSM Collection; Gambang, 1992, C.K. Lirn H 1229 PSM Collection. (Lim C.K. 1996. Unravelling Iguanura Bl. (Palmae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 48: 2-64)A

Bibliography

    A. Lim C.K. 1996. Unravelling Iguanura Bl. (Palmae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 48: 2-64
    B. World Checklist of Arecaceae