Memecylon

Abstract: A new species, Memecylon pseudomegacarpum (Melastomataceae), is described from southern Peninsular Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. This taxon was previously known under the misapplied name M. megacarpum, which is now considered endemic to Borneo. Memecylon pseudomegacarpum sp. nov. differs from M. megacarpum in having smaller leaves (8–)10.5–17(–22.5) cm rather than (10–)17–28(–35) cm long, with an elliptic lamina (not lanceolate) with a raised mid-rib (not sunken) and a marginal vein which is 2–4 mm from the margin (not 5–12 mm). Both species have similar flowers and share large (c. 15 mm diameter) globose fruits.

Abstract: Croton bentzog L., Mant. Pi.: 297 (I77I). C. benzoi L., Syst. Veg. ed. 13: 721 (i774)Terminalia angustifolia Jacq., Hort. Vindob. 3: 51, t. 1oo (1776), nomen illegit., non T. angustifolia Roxb. (1814), nec Blanco (1837), nec Sauv. (1873). (Based on Croton bentzoi L.). T. mauritiana Lam., Encycl. M6th., Bot. 1: 349 (1785). Types: Mauritius, Commerson s.n. (P, syntype), & R6union, Commerson s.n. (P, syntype).

Abstract: The Seychelles are the only high oceanic islands of granitic origin and their native vegetation is thus of considerable botanical interest. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries widespread clearance for coconut and cinnamon plantations resulted in native forest being confined mainly to montane areas. Cinnamon has proved to be very invasive in natural forest and a number of other introduced plant species have also been recognized as problematic for some time. Recent studies have revealed that two more introduced plant species - Memecylon floribunda and Clidemia hirta - are significant new threats to native vegetation on Mahe and Silhouette, respectively.