Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia
May 10, 2008 20:42:41 GMT -10
Post by unclemasa on May 10, 2008 20:42:41 GMT -10
Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia
The great island of Sumatra has 29 species of carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes). They are found throughout the island, from humid peat swamps which lie below sea level, to chilly alpine meadows three kilometers higher. Some species are semi-aquatic while others live a precarious existence on volcanic ash and lava flows. Still others are epiphytes, growing in the forest canopy and remaining out of sight to all but the keenest observers.
It therefore comes as a surprise to find that many of the Sumatran Nepenthes species are known only from a small number of herbarium collections and taxonomic accounts. This book is the first detailed account of this remarkable group of plants in Sumatra. The Nepenthes species from the Malay Peninsula, separated from Sumatra by just 75 km, are either found in Sumatra or are closely related, and so therefore appropriate to include. In all, 34 species are illustrated and discussed in detail, including one new species which is described for the first time.
Author(s): Charles Clarke
Dr Charles Clarke has studied these plants for over ten years and has also described new species besides being an expert on pitcher-plant biology. He is author of several books on these bizarre plants.
Publisher: Natural History Publications (Borneo)
First Published: 2001
No. of Pages: xvi + 243 pp.
Size: 18.5 x 25.5 cm (Hardcover)
ISBN: 983-812-050-2
Book Review:
A Literature Review of 'Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia'
For those enthusiasts who treasure their copy of 'Nepenthes of Borneo' a treat awaits you with Charles Clarke's next book, 'Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia'. The latest publication continues in the same excellent style and delves into many other fascinating aspects of 34 species and 18 natural hybrids of tropical pitcher plants in this centre of diversity.
Some mechanics about the book for starters: This publication has 326 pages that are divided into six chapters, a preface, a reference list, glossaries of botanical and Indonesian and Malay terms, three appendices, acknowledgements, a general index and an index to Scientific names. In physical dimensions the book is 262 x 191 x 27 mm and has a hard cover. The book is lavishly illustrated with over 150 photos, 13 maps and a line drawing. The text is supplemented by 12 tables, which commonly summarise differences between taxa.
The first and second chapters set the geographic, political and climatic scope of the region and go though the basic habit and habitat of Nepenthes. I particularly like the strong ecological focus, supplemented by superb shots of the plants in their natural habitat. Many aspects of these plants are covered, drawing on a diverse range of recent research, and the different pollination syndromes, prey partitioning between species and diverse range of plant-animal interactions makes for fascinating reading.
The third chapter, the largest in the book, covers 34 species, including the formal description of the outstanding N. jacquelineae . Each species is accompanied by a description, notes on its distribution, ecology, known natural hybrids and some general comments. The chapter begins with a concise summary of the taxonomic history of Nepenthes in the region, includes a cladistic analysis of the species in the region, plus some thoughtful discussions where taxonomic differences of opinion occur. It ends with some tantalising notes and photos of four poorly known taxa and the enigmatic N. alata - does it occur in the region or not? The fifth chapter covers 18 of the 47 known natural hybrids in the region. Again, there are stunning photos of the hybrids and some thought provoking discussions on their ecology, fitness and the way in which the expression of characters from either parent.
The final chapters deal with conservation and cultivation issues for Nepenthes in the region with a focus on reproductive ecology and the typically fragmented nature of Nepenthes populations. The role of in vitro propagation as a way of conserving species in the wild, along with figures of Nepenthes trade, the status of four threatened species and four "data deficit species" makes for interesting reading. Comments on the cultivation of lowland and montane tropical pitcher plants are presented, drawing on the wealth of field observations that the author has made. There is a useful section on recommended species for cultivation and managing a Nepenthes collection.
The book ends with a bibliography, glossary of Indonesian and Malay terms, and three appendices, the latter covering the locations where various taxa have been observed, the range of characters used for cladistic analysis, a full list of all 47 known natural hybrids from the region and distribution maps for 34 species. Due credit is given to those who have helped with the tome and a summary of each contributor is provided on the final page.
Glitches in the book are few and far between and in general this is an easy to read and interesting book. It is clear that the author is writing from experience and also a respect for these plants.
In conclusion, this book blends ecology and taxonomy together with abundant eye catching photos and thoughtful text. It therefore has appeal to natural history scientists as well as carnivorous plant enthusiasts. It sets a higher standard for carnivorous plant publications and fills a significant gap in published information on a centre of diversity for a large (both in stature and number of taxa) carnivorous plant. For those with even a passing interest in tropical pitcher plants this book is a must have and well worth investing in.
Book Reiew by Robert Gibson
Australian Carnivorous Plant Society Bulletin, Vol 20(4), p. 10-12,
The great island of Sumatra has 29 species of carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes). They are found throughout the island, from humid peat swamps which lie below sea level, to chilly alpine meadows three kilometers higher. Some species are semi-aquatic while others live a precarious existence on volcanic ash and lava flows. Still others are epiphytes, growing in the forest canopy and remaining out of sight to all but the keenest observers.
It therefore comes as a surprise to find that many of the Sumatran Nepenthes species are known only from a small number of herbarium collections and taxonomic accounts. This book is the first detailed account of this remarkable group of plants in Sumatra. The Nepenthes species from the Malay Peninsula, separated from Sumatra by just 75 km, are either found in Sumatra or are closely related, and so therefore appropriate to include. In all, 34 species are illustrated and discussed in detail, including one new species which is described for the first time.
Author(s): Charles Clarke
Dr Charles Clarke has studied these plants for over ten years and has also described new species besides being an expert on pitcher-plant biology. He is author of several books on these bizarre plants.
Publisher: Natural History Publications (Borneo)
First Published: 2001
No. of Pages: xvi + 243 pp.
Size: 18.5 x 25.5 cm (Hardcover)
ISBN: 983-812-050-2
Book Review:
A Literature Review of 'Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia'
For those enthusiasts who treasure their copy of 'Nepenthes of Borneo' a treat awaits you with Charles Clarke's next book, 'Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia'. The latest publication continues in the same excellent style and delves into many other fascinating aspects of 34 species and 18 natural hybrids of tropical pitcher plants in this centre of diversity.
Some mechanics about the book for starters: This publication has 326 pages that are divided into six chapters, a preface, a reference list, glossaries of botanical and Indonesian and Malay terms, three appendices, acknowledgements, a general index and an index to Scientific names. In physical dimensions the book is 262 x 191 x 27 mm and has a hard cover. The book is lavishly illustrated with over 150 photos, 13 maps and a line drawing. The text is supplemented by 12 tables, which commonly summarise differences between taxa.
The first and second chapters set the geographic, political and climatic scope of the region and go though the basic habit and habitat of Nepenthes. I particularly like the strong ecological focus, supplemented by superb shots of the plants in their natural habitat. Many aspects of these plants are covered, drawing on a diverse range of recent research, and the different pollination syndromes, prey partitioning between species and diverse range of plant-animal interactions makes for fascinating reading.
The third chapter, the largest in the book, covers 34 species, including the formal description of the outstanding N. jacquelineae . Each species is accompanied by a description, notes on its distribution, ecology, known natural hybrids and some general comments. The chapter begins with a concise summary of the taxonomic history of Nepenthes in the region, includes a cladistic analysis of the species in the region, plus some thoughtful discussions where taxonomic differences of opinion occur. It ends with some tantalising notes and photos of four poorly known taxa and the enigmatic N. alata - does it occur in the region or not? The fifth chapter covers 18 of the 47 known natural hybrids in the region. Again, there are stunning photos of the hybrids and some thought provoking discussions on their ecology, fitness and the way in which the expression of characters from either parent.
The final chapters deal with conservation and cultivation issues for Nepenthes in the region with a focus on reproductive ecology and the typically fragmented nature of Nepenthes populations. The role of in vitro propagation as a way of conserving species in the wild, along with figures of Nepenthes trade, the status of four threatened species and four "data deficit species" makes for interesting reading. Comments on the cultivation of lowland and montane tropical pitcher plants are presented, drawing on the wealth of field observations that the author has made. There is a useful section on recommended species for cultivation and managing a Nepenthes collection.
The book ends with a bibliography, glossary of Indonesian and Malay terms, and three appendices, the latter covering the locations where various taxa have been observed, the range of characters used for cladistic analysis, a full list of all 47 known natural hybrids from the region and distribution maps for 34 species. Due credit is given to those who have helped with the tome and a summary of each contributor is provided on the final page.
Glitches in the book are few and far between and in general this is an easy to read and interesting book. It is clear that the author is writing from experience and also a respect for these plants.
In conclusion, this book blends ecology and taxonomy together with abundant eye catching photos and thoughtful text. It therefore has appeal to natural history scientists as well as carnivorous plant enthusiasts. It sets a higher standard for carnivorous plant publications and fills a significant gap in published information on a centre of diversity for a large (both in stature and number of taxa) carnivorous plant. For those with even a passing interest in tropical pitcher plants this book is a must have and well worth investing in.
Book Reiew by Robert Gibson
Australian Carnivorous Plant Society Bulletin, Vol 20(4), p. 10-12,
