Studies on Schismatoglottideae (Araceae) of Borneo L – Schismatoglottis meriraiensis, a new limestone-obligated species with viviparous leaves

Abstract

Schismatoglottis meriraiensis P.C.Boyce & S.Y.Wong, is described from Bukit Merirai, an isolated forested Karst limestone outcrop on the Bintulu/Kapit border of N Central Sarawak. Additional to a suite of defining characteristics, S. meriraiensis is remarkable by possessing natural viviparous capabilities from whole, partial, and fragmentary leaves. This quality is shared with Schismatoglottis puberulipes Alderw. (expanded here to include Schismatoglottis gamoandra M.Hotta), and in a different expression (restricted to the mid-rib and terminal tubule of the blade), with Schismatoglottis hayi S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce, of the Multinervia Complex, to which S. meriraiensis and S. puberulipes are here assigned.