A review of the Araceae of Peninsular Malaysia, including its off-shore islands, is presented as a precursor to revising the family for the Flora of Peninsular Malaysia project. The aroid flora of Peninsular Malaysia comprises 28 genera and ca 140 indigenous (of which17 provisionally accepted) with 25 species (ca 17%) endemic. Peninsular Malaysia has no endemic aroid genera. As compared to Thailand with 29 genera, ca 200 species of which 62 species (ca 30%) are endemic, and Borneo where 38 genera (of which are 10 endemic), and currently 670 indigenous species of which more than 40% are undescribed and about 95% are endemic. An historical review of Araceae research in Peninsular Malaysia, and keys to higher taxa are provided. Most genera are illustrated. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia

This book offers the original and fascinating insights of an eminent Malaysian ecologist. In this profound contribution, the author enthusiastically narrates the many adventures and experiences encountered in teaching, conducting field researches and supervising PhD students. He passionately encourages Malaysian researchers to explore our rich biodiversity and find innovative ways to conserve and appreciate our priceless ecosystem. Students studying ecology will find innovative and exciting ideas regarding the subject of biodiversity in this book while local issues in ecology and biodiversity being discussed in this book will attract readers concerned with the current related issues in Malaysia. The author’s experiences in dealing with intensive researches in the Malaysian jungles, Mekong Delta and Antarctica are accompanied with inspiring stories of scientific discoveries. Being a passionate educator, he also willingly shares the tricks of the trade in conducting successful field research in the hope of encouraging Malaysian researchers to become top rated scientist in the world. Biodiversity: Reflections from a Malaysian Ecologist definitely opens up new perspectives in the field of ecology and biodiversity especially to the university students who may become great ecologists someday. As for the general public, reading this book is an enjoyable journey as the author unveils the secret of the nature and the untold stories behind the life of an ecologist bound to the fate of nature, day and night. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia

Of the vast area of structurally similar vegetation that forms the Far Eastern tropical rain forest block, only the forests of peninsular Malaysia lie on the mainland of Asia. Although showing some influence from this source, the flora and fauna are distinctive and exceedingly rich in species. Among other factors, this richness reflects the complex structure of the vegetation, justly famous for the extensive stands of tall trees that create the conditions to which many smaller plants, fungi and a huge variety of animals are adapted. After a century of scientific investigation, it is now possible to understand peninsular Malaysia's complex ecosystem as an essential prerequisite to the successful management for conservation and long-term productivity in the area. Compiled by authors with personal experience of the region, this book constitutes the most authoritative account of this diverse and fragile region. It is essential reading for all those interested in Malaysia and its conservation.

Tracing the evolution of one of the most ancient major branches of flowering plants, this is a wide-ranging survey of state-of-the-art research on the early clades of the monocot phylogenetic tree. It explores a series of broad but linked themes, providing for the first time a detailed and coherent view of the taxa of the early monocot lineages, how they diversified and their importance in monocots as a whole. Featuring contributions from leaders in the field, the chapters trace the evolution of the monocots from largely aquatic ancestors. Topics covered include the rapidly advancing field of monocot fossils, aquatic adaptations in pollen and anther structure and pollination strategies and floral developmental morphology. The book also presents a new plastid sequence analysis of early monocots and a review of monocot phylogeny as a whole, placing in an evolutionary context a plant group of major ecological, economic and horticultural importance.