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| Homalomena bungamerah Mustaqim, A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, in Mustaqim, Irsyam, Pratama, Surbakti et Hariri. 2026. |
Abstract
A new litophytic species of Homalomena from Sumatra, Homalomena bungamerah, is described. The new species is unique in having a plicate verrucose upper leaf surface combined with the absence of interpistillar staminodes. Owing to the ongoing threats and small population, H. bungamerah is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B2 ab(iii,v)). Morphological descriptions, photographs, and notes are given.
Keyword: aroids, Homalomena asperifolia, Homalomena mobula, Homalomena scutata, herbs, litophyte, west Malesia
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| Morphology of Homalomena bungamerah Mustaqim, A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov. A. Living plant. B. Leaf, adaxial. C. Leaf, abaxial. D. Leaf, adaxial texture. E. Leaf, close up of abaxial. F. Close-up of petiole ribs. G. Synflorescence showing spathe which is nodding at anthesis. H. Synflorescence. I. Inflorescence, front view. J. Inflorescence, lateral view. K. Spadix with spathe removed. L. Female spadix zone. M. Male spadix zone. Photographs by Wendy A. Mustaqim. |
Homalomena bungamerah Mustaqim, A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: This species is unique in having large and plicate leaves, a spathe that nodding at anthesis, and pistillate flowers without an interpistillar staminode. The most morphologically similar species is H. mobula P.C.Boyce 1/2), the larger leaf lamina (16.5–25.8 × 7.7–14.6 cm vs. 7.5–12 × 2.5–6 cm), and the absence of interpistillar staminodes.
Etymology: The specific epithet “bunga merah” is derived from the Malay language, reflecting the inflorescence (“bunga”) with red (“merah”) peduncle and spathe. Malay is the indigenous language in Langkat Regency, where the type material was collected.
Wendy A. Mustaqim, Arifin S.D. Irsyam, Muhammad A. Pratama, Irwansyah Surbakti and Muhammad R. Hariri. 2026. Homalomena bungamerah (Araceae), A New Species from Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Taiwania. 71(2); 209-212 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.209 [16 March 2026]
