The Endemic Plant Genera in Borneo

This book documents the 62 vascular plant genera (comprising 162 species) found exclusively in Borneo, examining their distribution patterns and conservation status in the context of the island’s rich but threatened biodiversity.

• 62 vascular plant genera are currently recognized as endemic to Borneo
• These genera:
  • Represent 25 plant families
  • Comprise 162 known species
  • Include 40 monotypic genera (known from a single species only)
• Molecular evidence:
  • 47 genera (three-quarters) have had at least one species sampled in molecular studies
  • 28 monotypic and 10 polytypic genera have been sufficiently sampled to confirm they are monophyletic

• Critical examination of morphological and molecular evidence from literature
• Close studies of herbarium material
• Collection of occurrence records from:
  • Taxonomic specialist-determined collections
  • Herbarium specimens
• Mapping and modeling of species distributions
• Analysis of variables related to:
  • Climatic conditions
  • Habitat characteristics
• Provisional IUCN Red List conservation assessments
• Prioritization analyses to identify crucial forest areas

• Centres of endemism identified, especially in northwest Borneo’s lowland forests
• Species distributions compared against:
  • Current land cover
  • Existing protected areas
• Key findings:
  • Centres of endemism occur mostly outside existing protected areas
  • Many endemic species occur in forests that have been logged
  • Lowland forest habitats require urgent conservation action

• Approximately one-third of Borneo’s plant species are endemic to the island
• Endemic genera represent a small but distinctive part of Borneo’s flora
• Recent advancements have led to taxonomic changes:
  • Some previously endemic genera subsumed within more widespread genera
  • New endemic genera being described
• Northwest Borneo reaffirmed as a significant phytogeographical province
• Book contributes to understanding of Borneo’s incompletely-known flora

• Updated from the author’s doctoral research
• Research awarded the International Society for Plant Molecular Biology 2021–2022 Gold Medal
• Recognized as the most outstanding doctoral thesis in plant science research at the National University of Singapore