Monoon xanthopetalum (Merr.) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders

Turner, Ian M. & Utteridge, Timothy M. A., 2016, Whither Polyalthia (Annonaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia? Synopses of Huberantha, Maasia, Monoon and Polyalthia s. s., European Journal of Taxonomy 183, pp. 1-26 : 11

Monoon xanthopetalum (Merr.) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders

Taxon 61: 1034 ( Xue et al. 2012). – Polyalthia xanthopetala Merr. , Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 85: 185 ( Merrill 1922). – Lectotype (designated by Turner 2011: 80): Borneo, Sabah, Batu Lima near Sandakan, Sep.–Dec. 1920, M. Ramos 1705 (hololecto-: K (K0006916180); isolecto-: A (A00242651), BM (BM000754105), BO, L (L0189515), US ( US 00098685)).

Remarks

In studying material of Monoon from Peninsular Malaysia a group of specimens was found that did not match any of the species recorded from this area. The specimens were notable for the persistent goldenbrown tomentum on the twigs, the often dark brown shade of the dry leaves, petals linear-lanceolate c. 4 cm long and c. 5 mm wide, monocarps ellipsoidal, covered with a short dense pale brown tomentum with the stipe attached slightly eccentrically giving a similar appearance to those of some Uvaria species previously included in the genus Ellipeia . One of us (IMT) having worked on the Borneo species ( Turner 2014), the specimens were reminiscent of Monoon xanthopetalum Merr. Comparison of the specimens from Peninsular Malaysia with collections from Borneo (cf. Turner 2014: Fig. 26) produced a close match. We have no doubt that Monoon xanthopetalum does occur in Peninsular Malaysia, representing a major range extension for the species. It is interesting to note that the Peninsular Malaysia collections of M. xanthopetalum are all from the East Coast which fits with the presence of the species in Borneo.

Specimens examined

PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: JOHORE, Mersing, Hutan Simpan Lenggor, 2 Nov. 2010, L.E. Teo & Din KL 5758, (KEP). PAHANG, Rompin, Gunong Lesong Forest Rerve, 2 May 1956, Forester Lindong KEP 83466 (K); Lesong Forest Reserve, 27 Jun. 1972, Y.C. Chan FRI 19827 (K, KEP). TRENGGANU, 26 Oct. 1994, C. Wiart & L.E. Teo KL 4434 (KEP); Kemaman, Kajang, Ulu Bendong, 6 Nov. 1935, E.J.H. Corner SFN 30291 (K).