Temu Bosuang (Boesenbergia bosuangii), Temu Gana-gana (Boesenbergia ganaensis) and Temu Gokusing (Boesenbergia gokusingii)

NEWS - Researchers from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia in Kepong and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh have identified three new species, Temu Bosuang (Boesenbergia bosuangii), Temu Gana-gana (Boesenbergia ganaensis) and Temu Gokusing (Boesenbergia gokusingii).

B. bosuangii is similar to B. stenophylla R.M.Sm. in its narrow-oval lamina but differs in the shape of its bract and calyx. The species is endemic to Borneo, Sabah. The specific epithet is given by Dr Steven Bosuang, owner of Kipandi Park, an entomologist who works on insect and plant conservation in Sabah.

The new species grows in riverine areas in mixed dipterocarp forests at elevations of 50-300 metres and flowers in August. The researchers have proposed the status Vulnerable VU D1 due to its small population, limited space outside protected areas and potential threats from development, landslides and flooding.

B. ganaensis is closely related to B. burttiana R.M.Sm. but differs in the absence of ligule, longer petiole, blunt leaf base, pointed leaf tip, bilobed calyx and anthers peeled off by pores. This species is endemic to Kalimantan, Sabah.

The specific epithet refers to the location where the species was collected in Kampung Gana-gana, Ranau. This plant grows in granite areas at an elevation of 500-600 meters. The researchers proposed the conservation status Vulnerable (VU D2) because there are only four populations at the type site.

B. gokusingii is similar to B. variegata R.M.Sm., in that it has single-leafed shoots but differs in having unequal oblong laminae, heart-shaped leaf base, pointed leaf tip and anthers peeled off by pores. This species is endemic to Kalimantan, Sabah.

The specific epithet is based on Mr. Linus Gokusing from Kipandi Park who collected this plant in 2011. His passion for plants has provided useful information to the public. This species is in mixed dipterocarp forest at an elevation of 500-600 meters. Vulnerable status (VU D2) because it is only in the type location with 3-6 populations in each location.

Original research

Lam NF, Ibrahim H, Sam YY, Mohammad Zakaria R, Poulsen AD (2024) Three new species of Boesenbergia (Zingiberaceae) from Sabah, Malaysia. PhytoKeys 247: 39-53, DOI:10.3897/phytokeys.247.107961

Dlium theDlium

Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri)

Porang or iles-iles ( Amorphophallus muelleri ) is a plant species in Araceae, the petiole is a pseudo stem with a height of 40-180 cm, 1-5 cm in diameter, round, green or purple with irregular white spots, each branching point grows brown bulbil and yellow bulb. A. muelleri has all leaves or stems or stems that are light green to dark green or gray and has greenish-white patches, smooth or smooth surface. The leaves are elliptical in shape with pointed leaf tips, smooth and wavy surface. When flushing has 3, 4-5, 5-6 and finally 6 minor leaves branching with 3 minor petioles. Young leaves have light purple or green edges and will end in yellow and 0.3-0.5 mm wide. The whole canopy is 50-150 cm wide. The stems grow above the tubers with a diameter of 25-50 mm and a height of 75-175 cm. Tubers have a brownish yellow or gray color on the outer surface and brownish yellow on the inside, are slightly oval in shape, fibrous roots, weigh 450-3350 grams, smooth tissue, 4-5 months of dormanc...

Cempaki (Termitomyces microcarpus)

Cempaki ( Termitomyces microcarpus ) is a species of fungus in the Lyophyllaceae family. It grows wild in tropical Asian forests near termite nests. It is rarely reported in urban areas. It is edible and known for its deliciousness, high nutritional value, and difficulty in cultivating. In Indonesia, it is used as an alternative food ingredient. T. microcarpus is the smallest of the Termitomyces species, umbrella-shaped, plain white, measuring 5 cm tall and 2.5 cm wide. It grows in dense clusters on surfaces and forms a mutualistic relationship, requiring the metabolic activity of termites as a substrate for growth. This species is known for its deliciousness, rich in nutrients, and has potential bioactive properties, such as helping lower cholesterol and acting as a tonic. Currently, it is difficult to cultivate on a large scale, and people rely solely on wild harvests. This mushroom is highly favored for its savory, delicious flavor and soft, chewy texture. It is often stir-fried ...

Screw tree (Helicteres isora)

Screw tree ( Helicteres isora ) is a species of plant in the Malvaceae family. It is a shrub or small tree, up to 8 meters tall. It has gray bark and alternate leaves, up to 22 cm long and 17 cm wide, oval in shape, with serrated edges and hairs. The flowers are red or white and reach a total length of 5.5 cm. The fruit is green when unripe, brown or gray when dry, twisted, spiral-shaped, and pointed at the tip. The seeds are black or brown, shiny, and diagonal, triangular, or rectangular. TAXON Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Subphylum: Angiospermae Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Malvales Family: Malvaceae Subfamily: Helicteroideae Tribe: Helictereae Genus: Helicteres Pluk. ex L. in Sp. Pl.: 963 (1753) Species: Helicteres isora L. in Sp. Pl.: 963 (1753) HETEROTYPIC SYNONYMS Helicteres baruensis var. ovata DC. in Prodr. 1: 476 (1824) Helicteres chrysocalyx Miq. ex Mast. in J.D.Hooker, Fl. Brit. India 1: 365 (1874) Helicteres corylifolia Buch.-Ham. ex Dillwyn in Rev. Hortus Malab....

Dlium