A Systematic Study of Selected Genus Monophyllaea (Family Gesneriaceae) from Western Sarawak

Nur Athirah Nabihah, Mohamad Mahmud (2024) A Systematic Study of Selected Genus Monophyllaea (Family Gesneriaceae) from Western Sarawak. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

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Abstract

Genus Monophyllaea is commonly known as the one-leaf plant that thrives in damp and shaded areas in limestone forest. Monophyllaea is one of the genus in the family Gesneriaceae that comprises 150–160 genera and about 3,200 species. Monophyllaea species are listed as a totally protected species under the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. Monophyllaea is sensitive towards disturbance of their surroundings and this genus can be used as a keystone species for disturbance indicators. In Sarawak, there are currently a total of 17 species of Monophyllaea species. There is a potential of more discovery of this species, especially in Sarawak. This study was conducted to produce a more detailed botanical descriptions based on the morphology of each species. The study also involved the analysis of occurrence, micromorphology, anatomical and palynology of Monophyllaea in western Sarawak. The locality and distribution of each taxon in western Sarawak including Bau, Padawan, Siburan and Serian limestone areas were recorded and mapped. A comprehensive study including the stem, leaf, and inflorescence (corolla, calyx, androecium, gynaecium and seeds) was done to produce more understandable characteristics that aid in species identification between each species and the varieties. Based on the micromorphology study, the result benefits in supporting the evidence in giving useful data to distinguish the differences between the taxa. The result of the epidermal surface and trichomes on the surface of the leaf gives essential information in comparison to the taxa level. Stomata in all Monophyllaea taxa are anisocytic and all taxa showed the presence of crystal epicuticular wax on both leaf surfaces. Pollen study in Monophyllaea also contributes important characteristics and distinct morphology between the taxa of Monophyllaea and the family Gesneriaceae. However, the result of the anatomy of stem cross-section revealed similar among the taxa and was not useful in determining the species. The midrib cross-section showed little difference between the open and closed system of vascular bundles. The field key was constructed and introduced based on the founding species in western Sarawak. A new species, Monophyllaea kazuea was discovered and described during the study.

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