A revision of erycibe (convolvulaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia / Syahida Emiza binti Suhaimi

• Main Author: Suhaimi, Syahida Emiza
• Format: Thesis
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QH Natural history
• Online Access: http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/4158/1/Front_cover.pdf; http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/4158/4/Title_page.pdf; http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/4158/2/Table_of_Contents.pdf; http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/4158/3/Text_(Chapter_1_to_6).pdf; http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/4158/

Erycibe is a big taxon consisting about 75 taxa distributed from western India and Sri Lanka across tropical and subtropical Asia to the northern tip of Queensland, Australia. The present study is focusing on the morphology and taxonomy of Erycibe in Peninsular Malaysia. The results show that Peninsular Malaysia consists of nineteen taxa. At present, seventeen taxa have scientific names with an additional two new taxa known as Erycibe. sp. A and E. sp. B. Four taxa are endemic to Peninsular Malaysia. In the taxonomic revision, a key to aid taxa identification was developed based on a combination of morphological characters. The vegetative characters especially leaf characters are extensively used in the key. In addition, the reproductive characters such as inflorescence types are also utilized in distinguishing Erycibe taxa. Characters such as twig surface, inner bark texture and colour are not considered good taxonomic characters in distinguishing taxa level, however, can be applied for the field recognition for the genus. Trichome characters from the calyx and midpetaline bands are dependent characters and need supporting characters, thus this character was not preferably used in the key unless no other character could be used. Taxa descriptions with full synonymy, geographic distribution with distribution maps, habitat and ecology information are given. Identification lists for herbarium specimens are provided. Conservation status assessment on Erycibe taxa was also carried out. Nine taxa are categorized as Least Concern, one as Near Threatened, two as Vulnerable, two as Endangered, one as Critically Endangered, two as Data Deficient and none is Extinct.