Diversity of Zingiber Mill. (Zingiberaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia Including Short Remarks of an Undescribed Taxon

Zingiber , a notable genus within the Zingiberaceae family, is widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia. It encompasses a total of at least 141 species on a global scale, with 25 native species and 30 known taxa identified specifically in Peninsular Malaysia. Of these known taxa, at least 7 are categorised as threatened, 5 are endemic, and the rest remain unassessed regarding their conservation status. This article provides a comprehensive checklist and taxonomic insights for all native Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia. Remarkably, from the current fieldwork, the discovery of a peculiar Zingiber plant from the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia holds the potential to contribute additional records within this genus. Initially, this species resembles Z. belumense and Z. pur-pureum in their inflorescence colouration, displaying shades ranging from brownish maroon to dark purple with green bracts, but this newly proposed taxon stands out due to its combination of distinctive traits. An intriguing observation notes the presence of red sap when the leafy shoots were cut and needs further corroboration. This article establishes a provisional taxonomic designation for the newly discovered species, Zingiber sp. (Bahangense130). A comprehensive description supported by robust molecular phylogenetic evidence is currently underway, while brief notes and illustrative images of the proposed taxon are provided within this paper.

Currently, 25 species with 30 taxa of Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia have been identified and extensively distributed from southern to northern Peninsular Malaysia (POWO 2023;IPNI 2023).They dispersed at different elevations ranging from lowland and mid-mountain forest to upper montane forest (Holttum 1950;Theilade 1996;Lim & Meekiong 2014a;Lim & Meekiong 2014b).Meanwhile, some of the Zingiber species like Z. longibracteatum and Z. chrysostachys flourish well in the limestone hills in Perlis and Perak.Additionally, 11 species of Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia are said to be overlap with those in Thailand (Z.raja, Z. chrysostachys, Z. fraseri var.fraseri, Z. fraseri var.major, Z. longibracteatum, Z. multibracteatum, Z. petiolatum, Z. puberulum var.puberulum, Z. spectabile, Z. wrayi var.wrayi, and Z. wrayi var.halabala) and one species with Myanmar (Z.gracile) (POWO 2023).The distribution patterns of the Zingiber species are influenced by a combination of ecological conditions, including soil nutrition, climate, and elevation since they share a biogeographical region (Ordonez et al. 2009).
This work offers insight into Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia based on various published sources besides field observations and morphological examinations.Also, a potentially new taxon that resembles Z. purpureum Roscoe and Z. belumense C.K.Lim & Meekiong is described.Upon thorough examination, the inflorescence shape and the labellum vary.Furthermore, notable characteristics such as red sap were observed when the leafy shoots were cut, eventually making the species distinct among the Zingiber of Peninsular Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
From September 2022 to September 2023, a series of fieldwork was primarily conducted at type localities of Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia, including Penang, Pahang, Johor, and Perak.Fertile samples, representing plants bearing flowers and/or fruits, were meticulously collected for further analysis and preservation as herbarium specimens.Concurrently, sterile samples were also documented and collected as voucher specimens.Each type locality within forest reserves was constantly revisited following the flowering period of each taxon and precisely marked with Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates.However, for the newly proposed taxon, only the general area was stated in the paper (e.g., the mountain range's name), as we were concerned with its conservation status.Additionally, favourable sites for wild gingers, like humid, shady environments near streambanks and swampy areas in lowland forests and hilly slopes, were also observed.Nine specimens were collected from the wild, namely Z. aurantiacum, Z. flaviflorum,Z. malaysianum,Z. griffithii,Z. gracile,Z. spectabile,Z. multibracteatum,Z. raja,and Zingiber sp. (Bahangense130).The plant parts, including vegetative and floral parts, were examined and measured using a measuring tape.The floral parts, like the stigma and the surface of the ovary, were examined using a USB digital microscope (1000×) to observe the details.All collected specimens were identified and described morphologically.
Furthermore, all Zingiber species in Peninsular Malaysia were compared and identified from resources like the published protologues and studied herbarium specimens at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (KEP).The conservation status of each Zingiber species was based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2023).For herbarium specimens, collected samples were soaked in 70% ethanol, pressed, and dried in the oven at 50-60 °C for a week.They were then deposited in the herbarium of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

Zingiber of Peninsular Malaysia
Zingiber of Peninsular Malaysia prefers humid, shady environments; for instance, near creeks (Z.griffithii), riverbanks (Z.raja), and fresh swampy areas (Z.puberulum).Some of the Zingiber species, like Z. malaysianum, Z. flaviflorum, and Z. multibracteatum prosper in open ground with semishady environments.At the same time, Z. gracile, Z. multibracteatum and Z. aurantiacum are often found on hill slopes to steep hill slopes.Common Zingiber species such as Z. spectabile thrive at the roadsides of Fraser's Hill and along the pavements of the forest reserve in Taka Melor Eco Forest.Based on our observations in the wild, most Zingiber species in Peninsular Malaysia grow well in sandy loam soil, some with thick litter, but Z. puberulum thrives on rocks and peaty soil.

List of Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia
A total of 25 species and 30 taxa of wild Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia were described from 1950 to 2014 (Holttum 1950;Theilade 1996;Lim 2001;Lim 2003;Leong-Škornič ková 2014;Lim & Meekiong 2014a;Lim & Meekiong 2014b).The data on the distribution, elevations, and conservation status of the genus Zingiber are tabulated in Table 1.Informative notes on each taxon are provided.A brief description of the probable new species, Zingiber sp.(Bahangense130) is also included.
Zingiber aurantiacum (Holttum) Theilade, Gard. Bull. Singapore 48: 232 (1996publ. 1998) Lectotype: Burkill & Holttum SFN. 8806. (SING).Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang, Fraser's Hill (Figure 1) Distribution: Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Selangor Description: See Holttum (1950), Theilade (1996), Lim (2003) Notes: The Latin word aurantiacum means orange colour.The colour of the inflorescence bract is a discernible morphological characteristic of Z. aurantiacum species.The large plant, lengthy scape, and elongated ovoid inflorescence in orange with a green tinge at the apex of each bract, which matures to a reddish-pink hue, are distinguishing characteristics of this species.The identification of this species is facilitated by the prominent pulvinus, pale maroon-suffused ligule, and sheath.Initially classified alongside Z. aurantiacum as a variety of Z. gracile, Holttum failed to specify the type locality (Holttum 1950).Theilade subsequently selected the lectotype of Z. aurantiacum from Fraser's Hill (Theilade 1996).Based on observation, Z. aurantiacum is commonly found in Fraser's Hill.Furthermore, the pungent aromatic odour emitted upon crushing the leaves is a notable characteristic that sets it apart from related species such as Z. petiolatum, Z. gracile, and Z. kelantanense.Zingiber aurantiacum is classified as a montane plant due to its exclusive occurrence in higher montane regions.Based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, this species is categorised as Vulnerable (VU) (criterion: B2ab(iii)) and the population trend is decreasing (Table 1).The terminology pertains to the unique, slender, and linear leaflets.The species' characteristic is comparable to that of other Zingiber species, including Z. raja and Z. petiolatum, in terms of their tall size distinguished by their unscented foliage and unicostate leaves.Moreover, the inflorescence resembles that of Z. raja; however, the flower distinguishes itself through its white coloration-in contrast to Z. raja, which possesses purple speckles along the labellum.Thus far, Z. angustifolium has been observed inhabiting verdant forests close to mountain peaks, where it grows sympatrically with wild ginger species such as Alpinia scabra and Meistera ochrea (Lim & Meekiong 2014a).Holttum (1950), Theilade (1996) Notes: Vegetatively, Z. chrysostachys is closely related to Z. curtisii.On the contrary, the inflorescence resembles the cultivated species Z. ottensii and Z. spectabile due to its inflexed bracts and red speckles on its labellum.However, in contrast to closely related species, Z. chrysostachys is a remarkably tiny plant and is the only small species with inflexed bract characteristics.The yellow inflorescence of Z. chrysostachys features in complete contrast to its purple peduncle.In terms of identification, the diagnostic characters are beneficial.This species thrives at midelevations in secondary and dry bamboo forests on limestone slopes in Perak and Kedah.Z. chrysostachys leaves, known as lampoyang or lempui, are historically used by Malay traditional healers to treat fever (Holttum 1950;Theilade 1996).Despite that, this Endangered (EN) species (criterion: B2ab (iii)) population is decreasing.The species is threatened by logging and harvesting as the young inflorescence is consumed as food (Table 1) (Ragsasilp et al. 2022;IUCN 2023).
Zingiber elatius (Ridl.)The International Plant Names Index (IPNI) lists three accepted infraspecific names: Z. fraseri, Z. fraseri var.major, and Z. fraseri var.nervifolium.The bract of the inflorescence is bright red (Theilade 1996), but no flowers were present at the time of collection.Although this species is related to Z. griffithii, its ovoid inflorescence and tapering pointed apex distinguish it.Zingiber fraseri has common characteristics of the genus Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia, which possesses arcuate leafy shoots.
Based on our research findings (the survey was carried out during the same month that Theilade conducted collection activities), the pointed apex inflorescence of Z. aff.fraseri suggests a possible close relationship with Z. flaviflorum.Additionally, the bract pigmentation resembles that of aged Z. flaviflorum.Nonetheless, a comprehensive investigation, including molecular analysis, is required.This species is native to Peninsular Malaysia.Zingiber fraseri has been assessed as an Endangered (EN) species (criteria: B1ab (iii) + 2ab (iii)), and the population trend for this species is decreasing (Table 1).Zingiber gracile Jack, Malayan Misc.1(1): 1 (1820) Holotype: Curtis 075425.(SING).Peninsular Malaysia, Penang (Figure 3) Distribution: Peninsular Malaysia and Myanmar Description: See Holttum (1950) and Theilade (1996) Notes: Based on the expansive investigation, Z. gracile has a distinct thin, scarious ligule, lanceolate leaves, a short spike, and a scape.Known as a small plant, Z. gracile can grow up to 3 m like other taller Zingiber species in Peninsular Malaysia, such as Z. spectabile.There are ambiguous specimens in the herbaria since many samples clustered under Z. gracile do not have those ligule characteristics.Additionally, there is another specimen awaiting examination that we believe is grouped within the Z. gracile complex, as it has a long and thin ligule.However, more specimens need to be collected to refine the classifications.The conservation status of Z. gracile is Data Deficient (DD) and its population trend is unknown (Table 1).
Zingiber griffithii Baker, J.D.Hooker, Fl.Brit.India 6: 246 (1892) Holotype: Griffith 5731.(K) Peninsular Malaysia, Melaka (Figure 3) Distribution: Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo Description: See Holttum (1950) and Theilade (1996) Notes: Zingiber griffithii thrives well in shady environments near small streams in humid conditions.Comparatively, the leaves of this species are broader and feature finely raised veins, in contrast to related species such as Z. gracile and Z. puberulum.Furthermore, compared to Z. puberulum and Z. gracile, the inflorescence bract of Z. griffithii is pink and considerably less robust (not tightly imbricated bract, pulpy).This characteristic distinguishes Z. griffithii among the Zingiber species found in Peninsular Malaysia.As stated in the herbarium specimen, the roots of Z. griffithii are used to quicken delayed childbirth.Zingiber griffithii is Near Threatened (NT) (criterion: B2b (iii)) and the population trend is decreasing (Table 1).Thus, it is crucial to protect and conserve the species.Theilade (1999) and Lim (2001) Notes: Its purple labellum and upright leafy shoots resemble those of the Thai Zingiber species Z. newmanii.However, it is distinguished by its longer bracts and bracteoles, longer crimson ligules, larger leaves ornamented with silky hairs beneath, and shorter inflorescence featuring the same colouration.This species is unique by not having the overlapping inflorescence bract for the genus Zingiber but being stipitate.The conservation status of Z. longibracteatum is Vulnerable (VU) (criterion: B2ab (iii)) while the population trend is decreasing (Table 1).4) Distribution: Peninsular Malaysia (Kelantan, Pahang, Perak) Description: See Holttum (1950) and Theilade (1996) Notes: According to our observations, Z. multibracteatum is frequently observed on steep slopes in open ground.The species' height could be up to 3 m tall, and it is considered a large montane plant for the genus Zingiber.Vegetatively, Z. multibracteatum looks similar to Z. puberulum by its brownish velutinus leaf sheath but differs by its inflorescence besides labellum, which is closely similar to Z. spectabile.Zingiber multibracteatum is differentiated by its broad ovoid and dark maroon inflorescence, distinct velutinus petiole and ligule, and large flowers featuring labella speckled with purple cream.The fruit of Z. multibracteatum is in capsule and ovoid shape with three locules.Interestingly, the seeds are pink and can be seen from the outer part of the fruit.The conservation status of Z. multibracteatum is Near Threatened (NT), but the population trend is unknown (Table 1).However, this particular species is distinguished by its white or creamy flower, unlike Z. spectabile and Z. multibracteatum, which have yellowpurple patches on their labellum.In addition, this diminutive ginger has broad, ovate leaves that are conspicuously veined, and shoots and leaf sheaths that are frequently hairy.Its inflorescence ranges from green to pink, and its cuspidate bracts are convex.This species from Perak thrives in moist environments near small streams and frequently shares its habitat with Globba leucantha and Iguanura wallichiana var.major.Zingiber nazrinii is not classified as a rare species due to its distribution in various regions of Perak, including Sg. Kejar and Royal Belum (Lim & Meekiong 2014a).
Zingiber petiolatum (Holttum) Theilade, Gard. Bull. Singapore, 13:63 (1950) Holotype: Corner.SFN 31570.(SING).Peninsular Malaysia, Kedah Distribution: Peninsular Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia Description: See Holttum (1950) and Theilade (1996) Notes: Certain distinguishing features set Z. petiolatum apart from Z. aurantiacum, including its classification as a higher montane plant for the latter.Our observations indicate that the leaf sheath of Z. aurantiacum is frequently purplish.In contrast, the foliage is glossier but has reduced rigidity compared to Z. petiolatum.In addition, Z. aurantiacum possesses a potent fragrance, whereas Z. petiolatum lacks any discernible aroma (Lim 2003).The name petiolatum may be misconstrued since numerous herbarium specimens are subsessile, even though the epithet refers to the species' longer petioles.Numerous samples with long petioles and ligules are classified under other taxa.Zingiber petiolatum is Vulnerable (VU) (criteria: B1ab(iii) +2ab(iii)), and the population trend is decreasing (Table 1).
Zingiber puberulum var.chryseum (Ridl.)Holttum, Gard.Bull.Singapore, 13:63, (1950) Holotype: Ridley.1330.(SING).Singapore, Stagmount Distribution: Peninsular Malaysia (Pahang) and Singapore Description: See Holttum (1950) and Theilade (1996) Notes: Since its initial assemblage in 1908, Z. puberulum var.chryseum has remained undiscovered.It is said that its type locality in Singapore has been destroyed and burned for development one year after collection.This particular variety can be distinguished by the yellow colouration of the inflorescence bract, as opposed to the pink colour observed in Z. puberulum var.puberulum.The inflorescence, shape, and leaf dimensions are all comparable to those of Z. puberulum, except for the pale yellow inflorescence bract and the glabrous plant.Nevertheless, despite these two characteristics showing assurance, it is worth noting that the genus Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia exhibits a colour variation (from yellow to pink as it ages).Moreover, ambiguity may result from establishing the variety without providing a comprehensive description, which should include essential features such as the labellum, dorsal corolla lobe, lateral corolla lobe, and even the vegetative parts.Consequently, further extensive investigation is required for this particular species.
Zingiber puberulum var.puberulum Holttum, J. Straits Branch Roy.Asiat.Soc.32: 130 (1899) Holotype: Ridley.SN. 1894.(K).Singapore, Bukit Timah Distribution: Peninsular Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia (Penang, Perak, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, Johor) Description: See Holttum (1950) and Theilade (1996) Notes: Ridley recognises Z. puberulum within the Bukit Timah Forest Reserve.Although this species is closely related to Z. griffithii and Z. petiolatum, its larger leaves, smaller inflorescence, velutinus leaf sheath, and ligules distinguish it.In contrast, Z. puberulum var.puberulum has a diverse indumentum, and the ligule and leaf sheath are always hairy.Besides Z. puberulum, Z. multibracteatum also has the velutinus characteristic on the leafy sheath.However, Z. puberulum is often mistakenly identified since it has a prevalent characteristic of Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia: a pink inflorescence.Therefore, all crucial parts need to be considered when examining the specimens.The conservation status of Z. puberulum is Near Threatened (NT) (criterion: B2b (iii)) with decreasing population trend (Table 1).Holttum (1950) and Theilade (1996) Notes: Burkill used the epithet sulphureum to refer to the herbarium specimen, SNF 8016.This small ginger plant has ovate leaves similar to Z. griffithii, a tiny flower with sulphur-yellow bracts and a short calyx.It can be found at elevations between 50 and 1200 m a.s.l. in lowland forests and limestone hills.Zingiber sulphureum has been classified as Endangered (EN) with decreasing population trend (criterion: B1ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)) (Table 1).
Zingiber spectabile Griffith., Not.Pl.Asiat.3: 413 (1851) Holotype: Griffith.5762.(K).Peninsular Malaysia, Melaka (Figure 5) Distribution: Peninsular Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia Description: See Holttum (1950) and Theilade (1996) Notes: The most widespread species of the genus Zingiber is Zingiber spectabile.It can be discovered in disturbed areas along pavements, roadsides, and trails up to 1,000 m a.s.l.Although this species may have a similar appearance to Z. ottensii, its distinctive features include an orange inflorescence with incurved bracts that form open pouches and a dark purple labellum speckled with yellow.At present, this is the largest Malayan Zingiber species.Meistera ochrea is found within the same area as Z. spectabile along the pavements to the Taka Melor waterfall.Based on the observation, the flowers of Z. spectabile open at 11 a.m.Locally known as tepus tanah or bihip in Indonesia, the pounded leaves of this handsome species can be used topically to treat burns.Besides, the water from the inflorescence can be dropped into infected eyes (Sharifi-Rad et al. 2017).Zingiber spectabile is classified as Data Deficient (DD) and the population trend is unknown (Table 1).The species can easily be identified because of the deflexed bracts and large leaves.Compared to Z. kunstleri, Z. wrayi is more petite, and its leaves are broader.This variety is reported to lack an anise aroma.Compared to Z. wrayi var.halabala, which has a sweet taste, and distinctly anise-scented leaves and stems, the rhizome of the species is scentless.In Thailand, the bract is more frequently curled outwards; in Malaysia, the bracts are inflexed with a pointy or sharp tip.The conservation status of Z. wrayi is Endangered (EN) with a decreasing population trend (Table 1).1).

The undescribed taxon from Teluk Bahang, Penang
During the fieldwork at the type locality of Z. gracile, the first author encountered a new taxon blooming well along the trails on the slope in Teluk Bahang.At first glance, this unique taxon looked similar to Z. purpureum and Z. belumense However, a new taxon was proposed after a thorough examination based on the vegetative and reproductive parts of living specimens.Additionally, after consulting the collector (C.K. Lim, pers. comm.), it was clear that the new taxon differs from the related species.The examination was also based on high-quality digital images of herbarium specimens from AAU, K, and RBGE database.Interestingly, many individuals of this taxon were observed in Penang Hill as well.The description and comparison with related species are presented in Table 2.A detailed description and complete information about this species will be accessible in the upcoming publication.
Zingiber sp.(Bahangense130) Aimi Syazana & Salasiah Holotype: Aimi Syazana, AS0130 (UTHM).Peninsular Malaysia, Penang, Teluk Bahang, 2 nd August 2023 (Figure 6) Distribution: Penang Hill Description: Perennial rhizomatous herb, 2.8-3.0 m tall.Leaf sheaths long trailing arching downward, pseudostem green, pubescent; ligule bifid and short, acute apices, sparsely pubescent at the edge of the apices, green; petiole prominent pulvinus, 0.5 cm to short; laminae elliptic, 19.5-43 cm × 3.5-9.5 cm, attenuate at base, aristate to caudate at apex, adaxially shiny green, abaxially shiny pale green, and compactly pubescent at midrib.Inflorescence decumbent, scape subterranean in the ground, creamish white with tinged brownish pink at the edge of the margin, glabrous; spike ovoid with pointed apex, 15.0-16.0cm long, bract, 6.0 cm, ovate, brownish maroon-dark purple with green, apex acute, pink margin with prominent line, densely pubescent; floral tube 6.0 cm long, bracteole 2.9 cm long, oblong, apex obtuse; calyx 2.8 cm long, ovate, bifid, apex acute, translucent white; dorsal corolla lobe 2.5 cm long, oblong to ovate, apex acuminate, yellowish cream semi-translucent; lateral corolla lobe 2.5 cm long, oblong to obovate with deeply bifid, apex acuminate, yellowish cream semi-translucent; labellum yellowish cream semi-translucent, apices bluntly undulate deflexed.Fruit unknown.Notes: This species, found in Penang, bears a strong resemblance to Z. belumense and Z. purpureum in terms of its brownish maroon to dark purple coloration with green bracts.However, it is distinguished through several characteristics (Figure 7).Notably, it can be readily discriminated by the strong aromatic odour, elliptic leaves, subterranean ovoid shaped inflorescence with pointed apex in brownish maroon-dark purple with green that often has pink margin, yellowish cream labellum with lateral staminodes.Moreover, the unique characteristic of red sap observed in the pseudostems of this newly proposed taxon warrants meticulous in-vestigation to determine its consistency across various environmental conditions, despite its uniform occurrence within the plant clump from the same locality.
Additionally, more than 10 individuals of this taxon were observed in Penang Hill, and it thrives particularly well in sandy soil, although its potential uses remain unknown at this time.To reflect its discovery location, we provisionally named this taxon as Zingiber bahangense.Nevertheless, a comprehensive taxonomic description is currently in progress, along with the acquisition of molecular phylogenetic evidence.

Figure 2 .
Figure 2. Zingiber flaviflorum.(a-d) Stages of blooming inflorescence starting at the end of May until the end of July.(e) Procumbent and erect habit of Z. flaviflorum.(f) Close-up of Z. flaviflorum flower.(g) Tall leafy stems of Z. flaviflorum in Fraser's Hill on open ground.

Table 1 .
Information of Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia.
Initially, the species name Z. elatius was published as Z. gracile var.elatior or Z. elatior, both of which contained an erroneous grammatical Latin termination.Following the International Code of Nomenclature for Plants, Fungi, and Algae (ICN), the name was subsequently changed to this species is distinguished by its broader inflorescence, which features a yellow to light yellow flower and glossy green foliage.The inflorescence emerges from the base and the bract changes colour from green to pale pinkish as it ages to vibrant pink.Currently, documentation of Z. flaviflorum is limited to Fraser's Hill, suggesting the potential necessity for comprehensive monitoring and protection.
(Lim & Meekiong 2014a)nič ková 2014).Theilade (1996)stated that the specimen collection was deposited at SING; however, a comprehensive manual search of the Zingiberaceae collection and the Zingiberaceae type collection at SING yielded no trace of this specimen ever being included in the collection.A specimen that matched Ridley's initial description was discovered at the Kew Herbarium; it had been collected in Penang and possessed comparable morphological characteristics.The new lectotype is, therefore, designated by the barcode [K000255246](Lim & Meekiong 2014a).Zingiber elatius is distinguished by its linear leaves and orange to red bracts slender fusiform inflorescence.According to the IUCN, Z. elatius is Data Deficient (DD) and the population trend is unknown (Table1).Zingiber flaviflorum C.K.Lim & Meekiong, Folia Malaysiana 15: 37 (2014) Holotype: C.K. Lim L12539 (UKMB).Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang, Fraser's Hill (Figure 2) Distribution: Common along the trail in Fraser's Hill Description: See Lim and Meekiong (2014a) Notes: Flaviflorum means yellow in Latin.The epithet denotes the flowers' pale yellow to light cream hue.The leaves emit a potent aroma and fragrance upon being crushed.In contrast to Z. gracile, Distribution: Common along the trail in Fraser's Hill Description: See Theilade (1996) Notes: Lim and Meekiong (2014a) subsume Z. fraseri under Z. griffithii var.major and upgraded to a new name as Z. besar C.K. Lim & Meekiong.Following a comprehensive analysis of this species, Lim and Meekiong (2014b) reinstated the nomenclature Z. fraseri to designate a specific vari-ety of Z. besar known as Z. besar var.fraseri.Later, Govaerts (2016) rectified this superfluous designation.The utilised variety name predates Z. besar; therefore, the correct names should be recombined under Z. fraseri.
(Lim & Meekiong 2014b)ajor (Ridl.)Govaerts,Taiwania61:270(2016)Holotype:Ridley.(SING).Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang, River Tahan Distribution: Peninsular Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia Description: SeeHolttum (1950)Notes: This variety has been collected in Pahang with a less hairy character, a short scape, and a short ovoid inflorescence with a rounded apex.The epithet denotes the characteristics of the veined leaves.This species is predominantly observed in open areas and have been spotted in Terengganu, indicating a broader distribution.Furthermore, a distinguishing characteristic of Z. fraseri var.nervifolium over Z. besar is the lack of aroma(Lim & Meekiong 2014b).So far, these species have yet to be collected since the first encounter.
(Lim 2003)003)Notes: In 2003, C.K. Lim published a description of Zingiber kelantanense in which he enumerated all four closely related Zingiber taxa from Malaysia and Thailand.Despite a thorough manual examination of every Zingiber specimen in Peninsular Malaysia, the holotype L6206 for Z. kelantanense in KEP remains unlocated.Fresh living specimens need to be collected and further corroborated.This species resembles Z. aurantiacum and Z. petiolatum; however, in addition to its longer petiole and ligule, it possesses a lamina with conspicuous veins.At present, Z. kelantanense is exclusively observed in its type locality, Kelantan.Additionally, this species lacks a pungent odour(Lim 2003).It has been suggested that Z. kunstleri and Z. wrayi are closely related due to their deflexed inflorescence bracts.On the other hand, Z.
Holttum (1950)tanense C.K.Lim Holotype: C.K. Lim L6206.(KEP).Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan Distribution: Peninsular Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia (Kelantan)Description: kunstleri has lanceolate to linear leaves and a significantly larger inflorescence than Z. wrayi.Slashed rhizomes exhibit a distinctive purplishlilac hue.This attribute could serve as a diagnostic feature for species identification.Holttum (1950)stated that Z. kunstleri labellum is a distinct shade of reddish brown, setting it apart from other Zingiber species found in Peninsular Malaysia.Ridley's description of Z. kunstleri was predicated upon Kunstler's field notes and drawings.The labellum, however, almost certainly requires correction.Most herbarium specimens have identical labellum as Z. wrayi: a yellow patch with a purple spot.Nevertheless, only two specimens exhibited the purple rhizome characteristic of Z. kunstleri; no flower description was provided.Therefore, a substantial amount of fieldwork focusing on its type locality is crucial and currently being conducted with thorough examinations on morphology and phylogenetic analysis to resolve the uncertainties of this species.Zingiber kunstleri is considered Least Concern (LC) and the population trend is stable (Table1).flowersarebrightyellow.Although they are comparable in appearance, Z. limianum and Z. malaysianum are easily differentiated due to their distinct leaf and inflorescence characteristics.Zingiber longibracteatumTheilade, Nordic J. Bot.19: 408 (1999)Holotype: Maxwell 75-878.(AAU).Thailand, Peninsular region, Trang province Distribution: Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia Description: See However, due to its characteristics, it can be easily overlooked in shady forests.The inflorescence resembles that of Z. citrinum Ridl.(aZ.griffithii complex often seen in the Johor region) and is frequently yellow before turning pink.The inflorescence bract varies consistently between yellow, pink, and red.As our observations, a limited population was identified within the restricted region of Labis Forest Reserve.Due to the recent deluge, certain Z. malaysianum plants were rendered nonviable in Bekok, Johor.Additionally, S. klossii var.glomerata and other Zingiber sp. are sympatric with Z. malaysianum; they are found in sandy loam with leaf litter.The IUCN classifies this species as Least Concern (LC) due to its stable population trend (Table1).
malaysianum, which has distinctively pale green rachis and reddish brown or liver-coloured foli-age.multibracteatum var.multibracteatum Holttum, Gard.Bull.Singapore 13: 57 (1950) Holotype: Corner.SFN 33174.(SING).Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang, Fraser's Hill (Figure Z. multibracteatum var.viride shares the majority of morphological attributes with Z. multibracteatum var.multibracteatum, which is found in Fraser's Hill, except for a few features, including broader leaves and cylindrical inflorescence.Concurrently, the inflorescence bract is light green and subtly broad, starkly contrasting with that of Z. multibracteatum var.multibracteatum.Both of these species flourish in the elevated montane forest environment.Zingiber nazrinii's incurved and pouchy bracts are comparable to the more substantial and elongated montane plant Z. multibracteatum.
The epithet raja (king) is derived from the inflorescence, which is conspicuously erect and typically more prominent than the more common Zingiber.It is, therefore, referred to as the King of Zingibers.Furthermore, the designation of Upper Belum as an integral element of Royal Belum by Sultan Perak renders the name doubly appropriate(Lim &The epithet is the Malay word for soap since it emits a distinctive and recognisable scent.Zingiber sabun can be distinguished by the undulated or wrinkled leaves besides the colouration of the labellum, tinged with purple dots.It is further separated from other species by its distinctive property: the soap smell when the leaves are crushed.Additionally, the inflorescence's spike-like fusiform shape differs significantly from the other Zingiber found in Peninsular Malaysia.
The inside of the rhizome is creamy white and tastes sweet.The species' leaves and leafy stems have a strong anise scent.Compared to Z. kunstleri, both types of Z. wrayi exhibit procumbent and diminutive inflorescences.
(Lim 2003)the inflorescence bract's colour varies, frequently being a dark coral red with decurved apices.Some plants also have inflexed bracts, but the ones in Halabala Forest Reserve have deflexed bracts(Lim 2003).
(Sharifi-Rad et al. 2017)ly cultivated in Peninsular Malaysia.It is closely related to Z. ottensii, but the bracts are green and the labellum is lemon yellow without any speckles.Traditionally, ripe noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit and powdered Z. zerumbet rhizomes have been used to treat severe sprains.Water infused with powdered and filtered rhizome material is drunk to treat stomach ache, and the cooked and softened rhizome has been used to treat toothaches or cavities by pushing it into the hollow and leaving it there for however long as necessary(Sharifi-Rad et al. 2017).Zingiber zerumbet is categorised as Data Deficient (DD) and the population is still unknown (Table Theilade (1996)et (L.) Roscoe ex Sm., Exot.Bot.2:105(1806)Holotype:BRI-AQ0118904.(BRI)Distribution:Cultivated in India, China, and throughout Southeast Asia Description: SeeHolttum (1950)andTheilade (1996)Notes: