A. Latiff

Distribution and Rarity of Rhizophoraceae in Peninsular Malaysia

This paper attempts to review the distributions and rarity of Rhizophoraceae in Peninsular Malaysia. Results presented were from plot studies (11 sites), random field surveys (3 sites) and previously published reports. The primary data were from four sites in Johor (Belungkor Forest Reserve, Pulai Forest Reserve, Santi Forest Reserve and Tanjung Piai), four in Langkawi (Ayer Hangat, Sungai Kilim, Kisap Forest Reserve and Selat Tuba), two in Matang Forest Reserve (Compartment 49 and VJR), one in Selangor (West Port, Klang), one in Terengganu (Kuala Kemaman Forest Reserve), and one each in Melaka (Tanjung Tuan) and Negeri Sembilan (Port Dickson), respectively. Secondary data were obtained from reports of studies at Sungai Merbok Forest Reserve in Kedah, Matang mangrove forest in Perak, Sementa mangrove forest in Selangor, Kuala Sedili Forest Reserve, Johor, Terengganu mangrove forest, Terengganu and also a general survey throughout Peninsular Malaysia. All trees at 5 cm and above diameter were recorded in plot studies. A total of seven species from the family Rhizophoraceae were sampled at the study plots, the number of which ranged from two to six. The most common and highly abundant species in the study sites was Rhizophora apiculata with an estimated total of 1,184 trees (51.2 % of the total). Other abundant species were R. mucronata (25.5 %) and Ceriops tagal (12.2 %). The less abundant and restricted species in the study sites were Bruguiera cylindrica (3.80 %), B. gymnorrhiza (2.94 %), B. parviflora (4.06 %) and B. sexangula (0.30 %). Rhizophora stylosa, Ceriops decandra, Kandelia kandel and Bruguiera hainesii were only found from random surveys and not in plot studies and are considered rare species. The Rhizophora x lamarckii and R. x annamalayana are considered very rare and endangered and were only found in Selat Kuah, Langkawi and Pulai Forest Reserve and Merbok Forest Reserve, respectively.

Characterization of midrib vascular bundles of selected medicinal species in Rubiaceae

An anatomical study was carried out on mature leaves of five selected medicinal species of Rubiaceae from Peninsular Malaysia. The chosen medicinal species were Aidia densiflora, Aidia racemosa, Chasallia chartacea, Hedyotis auricularia and Ixora grandifolia. The objective of this study is to determine the taxonomic value of midrib anatomical characteristics. Leaves samples were collected from Taman Paku Pakis, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor and Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve, Perak, Malaysia. Leaves samples then were fixed in spirit and acetic acid (3:1), the midrib parts then were sectioned using sliding microtome, cleared using Clorox, stained in Safranin and Alcian blue, mounted in Euparal and were observed under light microscope. Findings in this study have shown all species have collateral bundles. The midrib vascular bundles characteristics that can be used as tool to differentiate between species or genus are vascular bundles system (opened or closed), shape and arrangement of main...

Tree species composition, diversity and biomass of Bukit Panchor State Park, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

A study on species composition, diversity and biomass of tree communities at Bukit Panchor State Park, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia was conducted. A total of 20 ecological plots of 25 m × 20 m that covered a total area of 1.0 ha were established. All trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) of 5.0 cm and above were tagged, measured and collected for voucher specimens. The floristic composition of Bukit Panchor State Park consists of 1,039 individuals represented by 46 families, 124 genera and 224 species. The most abundant family recorded was Euphorbiaceae with 144 individuals belonging to 26 species. Shorea leprosula (Dipterocarpaceae) was the most important species according to IVi calculated at IVi = 8.7%. Dipterocarpaceae (IVi = 15.5%) was also the most important family at family level. The Bukit Panchor State Park demonstrated high species diversity at H’=4.69 (H’max=5.41) and Evenness of E=0.87. Total tree biomass estimated was at 686.9 t/ha.

Community structure at two compartments of a disturbed mangrove forests at Pulau Langkawi

A study on floristic composition and estimation of above ground biomass of trees was carried out in two areas of disturbed mangroves at Kisap Forest Reserve, Pulau Langkawi. Two compartments that were selected was based on the different types of disturbances, i.e. compartment 5 (C5) was disrupted by human harvesting activities of mangrove trees for charcoal production, while compartment 7 (C7) was naturally disturbed from lightning strikes. In C5, a total of 1,217 trees measuring 1 cm DBH and above were enumerated in the plots of 0.25 ha which included 7 species and 5 genera in 3 families, i.e. Rhizophoraceae, Meliaceae and Avicenniaceae. In C7, a total of 390 individual trees of 8 species, 5 genera and 3 families were recorded. The three families recorded in C7 were also common in C5. Rhizophoraceae was recorded as the family with highest density in both compartments. Ceriops tagal had the highest density in C5, while Rhizophora apiculata was the most prominent species in the C7. Total basal area that represents tree coverage showed C5 had a value of 7.767 m2/ha with C. tagal as the major contributor at 5.022m2/ha. Total coverage in C7 was 18.184 m2/ha that was mostly contributed by R. apiculata at 11.135 m2/ha. Ceriops tagal (22.41 t/ha) and R. apiculata (111.75 t/ha), were the main contributors to the total biomass in C5 (37.34 t/ha) and C7 (162.29 t/ha), respectively. The distribution of individuals of six tree size classes in C7 was homogenous compared to that of C5, which had more saplings. In this study, the total biomass indicated that anthropogenic activities resulted in lower productivity of forest compared to natural disturbance. Therefore, conservation efforts of mangrove forest should be enhance in the management of mangrove forest in Pulau Langkawi.A study on floristic composition and estimation of above ground biomass of trees was carried out in two areas of disturbed mangroves at Kisap Forest Reserve, Pulau Langkawi. Two compartments that were selected was based on the different types of disturbances, i.e. compartment 5 (C5) was disrupted by human harvesting activities of mangrove trees for charcoal production, while compartment 7 (C7) was naturally disturbed from lightning strikes. In C5, a total of 1,217 trees measuring 1 cm DBH and above were enumerated in the plots of 0.25 ha which included 7 species and 5 genera in 3 families, i.e. Rhizophoraceae, Meliaceae and Avicenniaceae. In C7, a total of 390 individual trees of 8 species, 5 genera and 3 families were recorded. The three families recorded in C7 were also common in C5. Rhizophoraceae was recorded as the family with highest density in both compartments. Ceriops tagal had the highest density in C5, while Rhizophora apiculata was the most prominent species in the C7. Total basal area that re...