R E I N W A R D T I A
Published by Herbarium Bogoriense — LBN, Bogor
Vol. 10, Part 1, pp. 35 — 61 {1982)
REVISION OF THE GENUS CATANTHERA F.v. MUELL.
(MELASTOMATACEAE)
M. P. NAYAR
Central National Herbarium, Botanic Garden, Howrah S, India
ABSTRACT
A historical sketch of the genus Catantlicra is presented and its
relationship with the two allied genera Dissockaeta Bl. and Mediniltu
Gaud, is discussed. The 16 species recognised in the genus Cntantkcra
are described and a key to the species so far known is presented. The
genus Cata-nthera is entirely restricted to Malesia, occuring in New
Guinea, Borneo and Sumatra. They are ivy-like climbers which form
a canopy in the tropical rain forests. Five new species, Catanthera
royenii Nayar, C. pifosa Nayar, C. novoguinevnsis Nayar, C. Hleuineri
Nayar and C. peltata Nayar are described and illustrated.
ABSTRAK
Scjarah singkat Catanthera disttjikan dan kekerabatannya dengan
marga-marga Dissochuesta Bl. dan Medinilla Gaud, dibahas. Ke-I6 jenis
yang diakui dipertelakan dan kunci determinasinya diberikan pula. Marga
ini terbatas penyebarannya di Irian, Kalimantan dan Sumatra, liana yang
menghuni tajuk pohon di hutan basah tropik. Lima jenis baru, C. royenii
Nayar, C. pilosa Nayar, C. vnovguineensis Nayar, C. slewmeri Nayar dan
C. peltata Nayar diusulkan.
INTRODUCTION
The genus Catanthera was founded by F.v. Mueller (in Journ. Bot.
24: 289, 1886) on the basis of specimens Forbes 419 and Forbes 451
from New Guinea which have the remarkable ivy-like habit, the extra-
ovarial chambers descending to the base of the ovary and the stamens
with distinct dorsal and ventral appendages. Mueller's description of
the genus was quite good, but he erroneously assigned the genus Catan-
thera to the Family Vacciniaceae (Nayar in Gard, Bull, Singap. 24: 851,
1969).
— 35 —
3 6 R E I N W A R D T I A [VOL. 1 0
The genus was described again as Hederella by Stapf in 1895
(Hook f. Ic. PI. 25: t. 2415 & 2416) on the basis of Hederella multiflora
Stapf, H. tetrandra Stapf, H. quintuplinervis (Cogn.) Stapf and H. forbesii
Stapf. And Stapf appropriately assigned the genus Hederella to the
family Mekistomataceae and placed it in the tribe Dissochaetea, While
establishing the genus Hederella, Stapf observed that Cogniaux's
Dissochaeta quintuplinervis differs from other Dissochaetas in its trailing
habit with its long, slender and wavy branchlets and the flexuose stem.
Stapf (1895) correctly commented that "this species would represent
a very peculiar type of Dissochaeta, if left in that genus, so peculiar
indeed, that its deviation from the remainder of the genus would be
quite equivalent to the differentiation on which the genera of Dissochaetcae
altogether rest. This alone would suffice to raise Dissochaeta quintupli
nervis to the type of a new genus .... As to the affinity of the genus
Malantos, I believe it lies more with Medinilla than with Dissochaeta."
Apparently Stapf changed his mind regarding the name of the new
genus and he gave a new name 'Hederella' later on. This is evident
from Stapf s annotations in the type specimens Beecari ISO2, Beecari
3274. at Kew.
Gilg (in Engl. & Prantl. Pflanzenfam. Ill 7: Nachtr, 266, 1897)
referred Stapf's genus Hederella to Dissochaeta as he considered the
connective similar to that of Dissochaeta. Mansfekl {in Engl. Bot.
Jahrb. 60: 113, 1926) combined Hederella, with Medinilla. Bakh. f. (I.e.
26, 1943) with hesitation referred Hederella to a section of Medinilla
since in his opinion it is more allied to Medinilla than to Dissochaeta-.
However he could not consider its character in his diagnoses on account
of insufficient material.
In 1925 Mansfeld (I.e.) established the genus Phyllapophysis on
the basis of Schlechter 20117 from New Guinea. In the key to the
Papuan Dissochaeteae (in l.c.p. 113) Mansfeld grouped the new genus
with Omphalopus Naud, on the basis of phylloid dorsal appendage and
reticulate anthers. The shape and orientation of the phylloid appendage
in Omphalopus is quite characteristic and it is in no way related to this
taxon. The anther in Omphalopus is reticulate with bullate thecae,
whereas in this species the anthers are not reticulate. It is presumed
that Mansfeld might have been misled by the shrunken anthgrs in the
herbarium material. The nature of the staminal appendages, the extra-
ovarial chambers descending to the base of the ovary and the ivy-like
habit clearly indicate that the taxon Phyllapophysis scklechteri should
be assigned to the genus Catanthera and hence the genus Phyllapophysis
1882] NAYAR: The genus Catanthera
is reduced to a synonym of Catantkera. (Nayar I.e.) Since a validly
published generic name Catanthera F.v. Mueller (1886) is available for
this homogeneous group of species Nayar (I.e.) reduced Hederella to the
synonymy of the genus Catanthera.
The genus Catanthera is closely allied to both Medinilla and Disso-
ckaeta. The diagnostic characters of Dissockaeta, Medinilla and Catan-
thera are given in Tabel I.
Table L Diagnostic characters of Dissockaeta, Medinilln. and Catanthera.
Dissocliaeta Medimlla Catanthera
Stamens 4 or 8;
equal or unequal; Isomor-
phcrus (same shape for
both large and small sta-
mens).
Anther ends dorsally in a,
triangular appendage and
venlrally in two or more
setose appendages.
Stamens 8;
equal or subequal or un-
equal; Isomorphous.
Anther ends dorsally in a
spur and ventrally in
two lobes, or i nap pen-
diculate.
Stamens 4 or 8;
equal if 4; unequal
if 8; Dimorphous.
Anther (large) ends
dorsally in a tria-
ngular or rounded
appendage and ven-
trally in two sub-
ulate appendages or
lobes.
Connective shortly produced. Connective not produced. Connective usually pro-
duced; rarely not
produced.
Extra-ovarial chambers 8, all
descending to the hasp nf
the ovary.
Extra-ovarial chambers 8,
not descending beyond
the middle of the ovary.
Extra-ovavial cham-
bers 4 or B, all
descending to the
base of the ovary.
Climbers or lianas. Epiphytic or terrestrial Epiphytic with ivy-
shrubs or climbers. like habit.
The genus Catanthera is entirely restricted to Malesia with nine
species in New Guinea, seven species in Borneo and one species in Sumatra.
C A T A N T H E R A F.V. Muell,
Catanthera, F.v. Muell. in. Journ. Hot. 24: 289, 188(5; Nayar in Gard. Bull, Singap,
21: 351. 1969.
Hederella Stapf in Hook. f. lc. PI. 25: t. 2415. 1895; Nayar in Kew Bull. 20:
m. 1966.
Phyllapophysis Mansf. in Enfrl. Bot. Jahrb. 60: 113. 19213.
3ft REINWARDTIA [VOL. 10
Epiphytic climbers with ivy-like habit, Branches striate, angular,
fiexuose, glabrous, furfuraceous or pilose. Leaves opposite or alternate,
ovate or ovate-oblong or elliptic, base subcordate or rotund or acute, apex
shortly acuminate or obtuse or rotund, margin entire, glabrous or densely
furfuraceouK or pilose, 3 - 7 nerved. Inflorescence axillary, usually um-
bellate or paniculate or solitary. Calyx tube ovoid or obeonic, glabrous
or densely pilose, limb truncate or dentate. Petal oblong or ovate-
laneeolate. Stamens 4 or 8; if 4 the stamens are equal and isomorphous;
if eight the stamens are unequal and dimorphous; large stamen;
anther lanceolate or oblong, connective usually produced, rarely not pro-
duced, ending dor sally in a triangular spur or appendage and ventrally
in two subulate appendages; small stamen: anther oblong or lanceolate
or linear, connective hardly produced, dorsally calcarate and ventrally
in two linear or subulate appendages. Ovary concrescent with the calyx
tube by 4 or 8 seDta, extra-ovarlal chambers 4 or 8, all descending to
the base of the ovary. Style filiform, stigma punctiform or inconspicuous.
Fruit baccate.
TYPE SPECIES: Catanthera lysipetala F.v. Muell.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CATANTHERA
1. Calyx tube truncate
2. Leaf not peltate
0. Stamens 8.
4. Large anthers ovate or lanceolate
5. Large anthers ovate; Inflorescence paniculate I. C. paniatiata
~>. Large anthers lanceolate; Inflorescence not paniculate, usually umbelliform,
rarely solitary or in threes
fi. Under surface of leaf stellate-furfuraceous,
T. Connective of large stamens prominently produced 0.8—2.8 mm lone.
8. Leaves 3-veined; petiole 4—5 mm long; leaves 2—2.7 em X 1.6—2.2 cm;
petiole 4—n mm long, peduncle I).8—1 cm long; pedicel 0.8—1 cm lon£
2. C, nvttht
8. Leaves 5-veined; petiole more than 10 mm long.
9, Small nnthers lanceolate-
10. Calyx tube ohconic, 7—8 mm king; limb dilated; calyx wall O.ii nun
wide: peduncle 0.5—0.7 cm long; pedicel 4—-5 mm long connective
of large anthers 2 mm long; dorsal nppeiuiatre of large anther short
0..1 mm long 3 C. quintuplinervis
10. Calyx tuhe cylindrical, S—9 mm long; limb not dilated; calyx wall
1 mm wide; peduncle 4.5—5.5 em long; connective of large anthers
0.8 mm long; dorsal appendage of large anther triangular 1—1.3 mm
long 4. C. pilota
!). Small anthers oblong
11. Leaves ovate, 3—7 cm X 2.3—6 em; large anther G mm long 2.5 mm
wide; connective of large anther produced 2.8 mm long, dorsally ending
in an appendage 0.5—0.8 mm long and ventrally ending in two
subulate appendages 0.8—1 mm long o. C. wavoguiwee-mk
1S82] NAYAH: The gems Catimthera 39
11. Leaves elliptic, H.5—5.5 em x 2—3 cm; largo anther 6—7 rum lonft,
1.2 mm wide; connective ol1 largo anther produced 1 mm long, dorsally
(.'tiding in a triangular append ape 1 mm long and ventrally ending in
two subulate appendages 1 mm long C. C. brasxit
7. Connective of large stamens hardly produced <0.2 tarn long). 7. C, royenii
G. Undersurface of leaf ghtbrous 8. C. lovgixtylix
•1. Large anthers oblong
12. Connective of large stamens produced 2.5 mm long; leaf 7-nc-rved
9. C lyftipetala
12. Connective of large stamens produced 0.5 mm \a\\%\ leaf u- or 5- veined.
13. Leaves 5-veined, under surface glabrous?; calyx tubu 5 mm long, ovoid,
srlabrous; petals lanceolate S mm X £.5 mm; pedicel 15—25 mm long, . .
10. C. multiflitni
13. Leaves ^-veined, undersurface of leaf stellate-furfuraceous, calyx tube 1—.*i
mm long, obconie, stellate-furfuraccous; petals i> mm x 2,5 mm; pedicel
5—7 mm long. 11. C, kindbaluentis
3. Stamens 4 12. C. tetrandni
2. Leaf peltate; leaf ovate, 17 em X 8 cm, base rounded apex acuminate ]3. C. peltafa
1. Calyx tube lobed or dentate
14. Calyx tube 4 dentate, teeth 1.5 mm long:, ealyx tube 5—7 mm ]ong: inflorescence
umbuliform 14. C. endertii
14. Calyx tube 4 lobed, lobes 4—6 mm long, calyx tube 12—15 nan long; flowers
solitary
15, Leaf ovate, base rounded, apex caudate-acuminate, 7-veined; calyx tube with
lanceolate lobes; stem, leaves and inflorescence covered with 5—6 min long
fulvous pubescence; pubescence persistent; hairs sparsely branched
15 C alemricri
Table II. Distribution pattern of species of Catcmthera, — Fig. 1.
Species Sumatra Borneo New Guinea
1. paniculate + +
2. endertii +
3. lysipetala +
4. tetrandra +
5. multiflora +
6. longistyMs +
7. royenii +
8. hinabahtenxi^ +
0. pUoaa +
10. ovata +
11. vovoyHincensis +
12. brassii +
13. qtihditplinervis + +
14. sleiuneri +
15. sehteoKieri +
16. peltatu +
40 R E I N W A R D T I A [VOL. 10
FIG, 1. Distribution of genus Cat-anthera F.V. Muell,
15. Leaf elliptic, base obtuse, apex acuminate, 5-veined; calyx tube with linear
lobes; stem, leaves and inflorescence covered with 2—3 mm long ferrugineous
pubescence; glabrescent in patches; hairs densely branched . 16. C. sckleckteri
The species of Catanthera show considerable morphological variations
in numerous characters. Apart from one pair C. sleumeri and C.
schlechteri, the remaining species can be easily and satisfactorily differen-
tiated on the characters of the androecium, in addition to other features
like the shape of the calyx tube, the shape of petals and the nature of
inflorescence.
The genus Catanthera is entirely restricted to Malesia occuring in
Sumatra, Borneo and New Guinea. The main centre of distribution is
New Guinea with 9 species, all endemic to the region. Borneo has 7
species and of which 6 are endemic. The common species occurring in
Borneo find Sumatra is C. quintuplinervis. It is interesting to note that
so far no species of Catanthera has been recorded from Java and Celebes.
The species of Catanthera are ivy-like climbers which form a canopy in
tropical rain forests.
1982] NAYAR: The genus Catanthera 41
1. CATANTHEKA PANICULATA (Nayar) Nayar. — Fig. 2.
Catanthera paniculata (Nayar) Nayar in Gard. Bull. Singap. 24: 358. IP69. —
Hederetta paniculata Nayar in Kew Bull. 20: 239. 1966. — Typus: New Guinea,
Carr 14189 (holotype BM, isotype K).
Epiphytic climber. Branches annulate, stellate-plumose furfuraceous.
Leaves ovate, 4—5 cm x 2.5—3 cm, base subrotundate or obtuse, apex
acuminate, upper surface glaucous, under surface along the nerves densely
stellate-furfuraceous, in between the nerves sparsely furfuraceous.
5-nerved, cross-venules on the upper surface sub-distinct and distinct
Pic. 2. Catanthera paniculata, (Nayar) Nayar (Based on Carr 14189). A. Plant
- actual size; B. Large stamen, Ventral view x 4; C. Large stamen, dorsal -view
x 4; D. Small stamen x 4.
4 2 R EI N W A R D T I A [VOL. 1 0
on the lower surface, coriaceous; petiole 1.2-—2.5 cm long, stellate-plumose
furfuraceous. Inflorescence axillary, paniculate, 9—12 cm long. Flowers
tetramerons, pedicel 6—8 mm long, stellate plumose furfuraceous. Calyx
tube obconic, 7 mm x 4 mm, stellate plumose furfuraceous, limb trun-
cate. Petals oblong-ovate, 7—8 mm long. Stamens 8, 4 fertile and 4
sterile, fertile stamens: filament 4 mm long, anther ovate, S mm long,
connective 2 mm long dorsally ends in a spur 1—1.5 mm long and ventrally
ends in two subulate appendages 0.8 mm long. Sterile stamens: filament
1.5 - 2 mm long, anther 2.5 mm long, connective hardly produced, dorsally
ends in a spur 0.5 mm long and ventrally ends in two subulate appendages
0,5 mm long. Ovary adnate to the calyx tube by 8 septa, extra-ovarial
chambers 8, all descending to the base of the ovary; style 6—8 mm long,
glabrous, stigma punctiform.
. DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to New Guinea.
NEW GUINEA: Alola, alt. 2000 m., 5 Jan. 1936, Carr14189 (BM, K).
According to Carr's field notes the flowers are bright pink and the
leaf petioles and neî ves are brownish. Catanthera paniculata has fully
developed paniculate inflorescence, characteristic ovate anthers for large
stamens and lanceolate anthers for small stamens. C.paniculata differs
from C. ovata in having ovate anthers for large stamens, many flowered
paniculate inflorescence, larger (4—5 cm x 2.5—3 cm) 5-nerved leaves
and longer petiole (12—25 mm long) ; whereas in C. ovata anthers of
larger stamens are lanceolate, inflorescence is 3 flowered and leaves are
smaller and 3-nerved (2—2.7 cm x 1.5-—2,2 cm) and petiole is .shorter
(4—5 mm long),
2. CATANTHERA OVATA (Nayar) Nayar. — Fig. 3.
Catanthera ovata (Nayar) Nayar in Gard. Bull. Stngap. 24: 253. 1969. —
Hede7-ella ovata Nayar HI Kew Bull. 20: 238. 1966. — Typus: New Guinea, Brans
12726 (Violotype K).
Epiphytic climber. Branches angulate, stellate-furfuraceous. Leaves
ovate, 2—2.7 cm X 1.5—2.2 cm, base rotundate, apex acute, upper surface
glaucous, under surface stellate furfuraceous, 3-nerved, cross-venules
absent or indistinct, coriaceous; petiole 4—5 mm long, stellate-furfura-
ceous. Inflorescence, axillary 2.5—3.5 cm long, stellate-fuvfuraceous,
3-flowered, peduncle 0.8—1 cm long. Flowers tetramerous; pedieel
08—1 cm long, stellate-furfuraceous. Calyx tube obconic, 7 mm long,
apex dilate, stellate-furfuraceous, limb truncate. Petals oblong-ovate,
8—9 mm long, deep rose. Stamens 8, unequal, 4 fertile and 4 sterile.
Fertile stamen: filament 3—3.5 mm long, anther lanceolate, 4—5 mm
Jong, connective produced at the base 1.5—2 mm long, dorsally ends in
1982] NAYAR: The genus Catanthera 43
D
FIG. 3, Catanthera ovata (Nayar) Nayar (Based on Brass; 12726). A. Plant - actual
size; B. Large stamen, ventral view x 5; C. Large stamen, dorsal view x 5; D. Small
stamen x 5; E. L.S. of calyx tube x 3.
a spur 1.5 mm long and ventrally ends in two subulate appendages 1.2 mm
long. Sterile stamen: filament 2 mm long, anther 3 mm long, connective
not produced, dorsally ends in a spur 0.5 mm long and ventrally ends
in two subulate appendages 0.7 mm long. Ovary adnate to the calyx
tube by 8 septa, extra-ovarial chambers 8 descending beyond the middle
of the ovary.
DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to New Guinea.
NEW GUINEA: West New Guinea: Idenburg river, Eernhard Camp, alt.
1600 M, Feb. 1939, .Brass 12736 (K).
4 4 R E I N W A R D T I A [VOL, 1 0
Catanthera ovata is immediately recognisable by 3-veined leaves
with rounded base and obtuse apex and very short petiole (4—-5 mm
long) and by the characteristic stamens. This species closely resembles
C. brasii but differs in having characteristic ovate leaves with obtuse
apex, a shorter peduncle to the inflorescence (8—10 mm long); whereas
in C. brassii the leaves are elliptic-ovate with acuminate apex and the
peduncle is longer (2.5—2.3 cm long).
3. CATANTHERA QUINTUPLINERVIS (Cogn.) Nayar.
Catanthera quintuplinervis (Cogn.) Nayar in Gard. Bull. Singap. 24: 353.
1969. — Dissockaeta quintiiplinervis Cogn. in DC, Monogr. Phan. 7: 556. 1891. —
HedereUa qmntuplinervis (Cogn.) Stapf. in Hook. f. Ic. PL 25: t. 2416. 1895; Merrill in
Journ. Str. Br. Roy. As. Soc. 1921. Spec. No.: 446. 1921; Nayar in Kew Bull. 20:
236, 1966. — Typus: Borneo, Beccari 1802 & S37i (isosyntypc K).
Epiphytic climber. Branches densely ferrugineo-plumoso-setose.
Leaves elliptic-ovate or ovate, 5—7.5 cm X 3—5 cm, base rounded, apex
briefly acuminate, upper surface glabrous between the nerves and pubes-
cent along the nerves, lower surface plumose setose, pubescence deciduous,
5-nerved, transverse nerves not conspicuous, coriaceous; petiole 2.5—3
cm long, densely plumose-setose. Inflorescence: flowers solitary, axillary,
densely plumose setose; bracteole subulate 1.5 mm long; pedicel 4—5 mm
long. Calyx tube obconic, 7—8 mm long, densely plumose setose, ferrugi-
lieous, limb truncate or sinuate. Petals 4, ovate 9—10.5 mm long, fleshy.
Stamens 8, unequal; larger stamen with filament 4—5 mm long, anther
lanceolate 5,5—6 mm long, connective long produced 2 mm long, anther
dorsaJly minutely calcarate, ventrally ending in two subulate appendages;
smaller stamen with filament 4—4.5 mm long, anther linear-lanceolate,
3.5 mm long, connective briefly produced or not (0.2 mm long), dorsally
ending in a minute tubercle and ventrally ending in two tubercles. Ovary
concrescent with the calyx tube by 8 septa, extra-ovarial chambers 8 all
descending to the base of the ovary; apex of the ovary furfuraceous.
Style 13—14 mm long, glabrous, stigma inconspicuous.
DISTRIBUTION: Liana in primary forests. Sumatra and Borneo.
SUMATRA: Central Sumatra: Indragiri uplands: Muara Padjanki, 9 Apr. 1939,
Buwalda 6451 (K); Ibid., alt. few m,, 6 Apr. 1930, Buwalda 638$ (K).
BORNEO. Sarawak: Matang, Haviland 153 (K, BM); sine loc. Beccari 1803
& SS7i (K); sine loc. Native collector BSN 2468 (K),
C. quintuplinervis is closely allied to C. schleckteri, a species endemic
to New Guinea, in the nature of leaves and in the presence of solitary
flowers. However in C. sckleekteri the calyx limb is distinctly lobed
1982] NAYAR: The genus Catanthera 45
and the large stamens are widely lanceolate; whereas in C. quintuplinervis
the calyx limb is truncate or sinuate and the large stamens narrowly
lanceolate.
Hitherto C. quintuplinervis has been recorded from Borneo and
Buwalda 6451 and Buwalda 6383 from Central Sumatra represent an
extension of its range and new record for Sumatra.
4. Catanthera pilosa Nayar, spec. nov. — Fig. 4.
Frutex epiphyticus. Eami angulati, penduli, juniores dense pinnato-
pilosi. Folia ovata, 3 - 4,5 cm X 2 - 3.5 cm, basi subcorclata vel rotundata,
Eipice aeuta, supra glauca vel statu juniore decidue stellulata, Bubtus
dense stellulata et pinnato-pilosa, 5-nervia, supra venulis transversis haud
conspieuis, .subtus venulis transversis distinctis, coriacea; petiolns 10—15
mm longus, dense stellatus et pinnato-pilosus. Inflovcscentia axillaris.
5—7 cm longa, 3—5 flora; pedunculus dense stellatus et pinnato-pilosus.
Flores tetrameri; pedicellus 4-—5 mm longus, dense stellulatus et pinnato-
pilosus, Calycis tabus campanulatus, 8—-9 mm longus, stellato-pinnato-
pilosus, limbo truncate Petala 4, ovato-oblonga, 7—7.5 mm x i—4.5 mm
longis. Stamina 8, subequalia, maionim filamentis 3.5—4 mm longis,
basi pilosis, antheris nblongis 7 mm longis, 1-poris, connectivo basi pro-
duneto 0.5—0.8 mm longo dorso in calcar 1—1.3 mm loiigum exeunte, in
parte ventrali in appendices duas lineares 2.5 mm longas exeunte; minorum
filamentis 3—3.5 m mlongis, basi pilosis, antheris 6.5 mm longi.s, connec-
tivo basi haud produeto, dorso in calcar 0.4—0.6 mm longum exeunte, in
parte ventrali in appendices duas lineares 1.5 mm longas exeunte.
Ovarium ealycis tubo septis 8 adnatum, loculi 8 ultra dimidium ovarii
descendentes, apice pilosum. Stylus 8—10 mm longus, basi furfuraceus,
apice incrassatus, glabsr, stigmate haud conspicuo.
TYPUS: Borneo, G. Mikil 38601 (holotype K).
DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to Borneo.
BORNEO. Sabah: Kinabalu, sosopodon near KundasanR, alt. c. 1333 m. 17
Aug. 1963, G. Mikil S8G01 (K).
C. pilosa is allied to C. endertii in the shape and pubescence of leaves.
However this species differs from C. endertii in having larger calyx
tube (8-9 mm long) with truncate limb and larger inflorescence ( 5 - 7
cm) long and 5-nerved leaves; whereas C. endertii has 4 dentate smaller
calyx t u b e ( 5 - 7 mm long) and smaller inflorescence (3-3.5 cm long)
and 7-nerved leaves.
R E I N W A R D T I A [VOL. 10
PIG. 4. Catanthera pilosa Nayar (Based on Mikil 38601), A. Plant . actual size
B. Large stamen x 5; C, Small stamen x 5.
19821 NAYAR: The gemte Catavthera •17
5. Catanthera novoguineensis Nayar, spec. nov. — Fig. 5.
Frutex epiphyticus. Kami angulati, juniorea ferrugineo-stellato-
furfuracei. Folia ovata, 2.5—7 cm X 2.3—6 cm, basi subeortlata ov
rotundata, apice acuta, supra glabra, subtus sparse stellato-i'urfuraeea,
5-nervia, ventilis hand conspicuis, coriacea; petiolus 1 5 - 2 5 mm longus,
dense ferrngijieo-stellato-furfui-acews. Inflorescentia axillaris, 5 - 7.5 cm
longa, umbelliformis, 5—8 flora; pedunculus 3—3.5 cm longus, dense
ferrugineo-stellato-furfuraceus; pedicellus 1—2 em longus, ferrugmeo-
stellato-furfuraceus. Calycis tubus obconicus, 6—6.5 mm longus, apicc
diktatus, dense stelhilato-furfuraceus, limbo truncate. Petala 4, ovata,
9.6—10.5 mm x 6.5—7 mm. Stamina 8, inalqualia, 4 fertilia ei 4 sterilia,
FlG. 5. Catanthera novoguineensis Nayar (Based on Womersley & Millar NGF
8340). A. Plant- actual size; B. Petal x 3; C. Large stamen, ventral view x 5; D), Large
stamen, dorsal view x 5; E. Small stamen x 5.
48 REINWARDT1A [VOL. 10
maiorum filamentis 7 mm longis, antheris late lanceolatis 5.5 mm longis
2—2.5 mm latis, 1-poris, connectivo basi producto 2.8 mm longo dorso in
ealcar 0.5—0.8 mm longum exeunte; minorum filamentis 4 mm longis,
antheris oblongo-lanceolatis 3—3.5 mm longis, connect!vo haud producto,
dorso in ealcar 0.6—0.8 mm longum exeunte, in parte ventrali in appen-
dices duas snbulatas 0.6—0.8 mm longas exeunte. Ovarium calycis tubo
septis 8 adnatum, loculi 8, ultra dimidium ovarii descendentes, apice
glabrum. Stylus 20—22 mm longus, glaber, stigmate punctiformi.
TYPUS: New Guinea, Womersley & Millar NGF 8340 (holotype K,
isotype BM).
DISTRIBUTION; Endemic to New Guinea; a climber on trees of ever-
green forests.
NEW GUINEA. Territory of New Guinea: Mo robs District, Wau-Salamaua road,
near Skindewai, alt. 1800 m,5 Jan. 1956, Womsrsley & Millar NGF 8340 (K. BM).
In the nature of stamens and the shape of leaves C. novoffuineenste
is closely allied to C. ovata. But in C. novoguineensw the inflorescence
is 5—8 flowered, longer pedunculate (3—3.5 mm long) and the leaves are
larger (2.5—7 cm X 2.3—6 cm) and longer petiolate (15—25 mm long);
whereas in C. ovata the inflorescence is about 3 flowered, shorter pedun-
culate 0.8—1 cm long) and the leaves are smaller (2—2.7 cm X 1.5—2.2
cm) and shorter petiolate (4—5 mm long).
6. CATANTHERA BRASSII (Nayar) Nayar. — Fig. 6.
Catanthera. brassii (Nayar) Nayar in Gard. Bull. Singap. 24: 353. I960. —
HedereRa brassii Nayar in Kew Bull. 20: 238. 1966. — Typus: New Guinea, Brass
7044 (holotype K, isotype BM).
Epiphytic climber. Branches angular ferrugineous, stellate-furfura-
ceous. Leaves opposite, elliptic-ovate, 3.5—5.5 cm x 2—3 cm, base obtuse
or sub-cuneate, apex acuminate, upper surface when young stellate-furfu-
raceous, and later on glaucous, under surface densely ferrugineous,
stellate-furfuraceous, 5-nerved, cross-venules indistinct, coriaceous; petiole
1—1.5 cm long, densely stellate-plumose furfuraceous. Inflorescence
axillary, 3.5—4.5 cm long, umbelliform, densely stelate plumose furfura-
ceous; peduncle 2.5 cm long. Flowers 4-merous; pedicel 9—12 mm long,
densely stellate plumose furfuraceous. Calyx tube obconic, 6 mm long,
apex dilate, ferruerineous, stellate furfuraceous, limb truncate. Stamens
8, unequal, 4 fertile and 4 sterile. Fertile stamen: filament 2—2.5 mm
long, anther lanceolate 6—7 mm long, connective produced at the base
1 mm long, dorsaly ends in a spur 1 mm long, ventrally ends in two subu-
late appendages 1 mm long. Sterile stamen: filament 2 mm long, anther
3 mm long, connective dorsally ends in a spur 0.7 mm long and ventrally
NAYAH: The genus Catanthera 49
FIG. 6. Catanthera brasii (Kayar) Nayar. {Based on Brass 7044). A Plant - actual
size; B, Large stamen, ventral view x 5; C. Large stamen, dorsal view x 5; D. Small
stamen, ventral view x 5; E.L.S. of calyx tube x 3.
5 0 R E I N W A R D T I A [VOL. 1 0
ends in two subulate appendages 0.8 mm long. Ovary adnate to the calyx
tube by 8 septa, extraovarial chambers 8, descending beyond the middle
of the ovary; style 7-8 mm long, glabrous, stigma punctiform.
DISTRIBUTION: An epiphytic climber with pink flowers in low land
rain forests of New Guinea. The species forms a canopy in the crown of
very tall trees with many pendant slender branches.
NEW GUINEA. Territory of New Guinea: Palmer river, alt, 100 m., June 1936.
Brass 7O44(K, BM).
Catanthera brassii is allied to C. kinabaluensis but differs in the
shape of the anthers, petals, calyx tube and in the venation of leaves. In
C. brassii the larger anthers are lanceolate, the petals are ovate-oblong
(7—8 mm X 5 mm), the calyx tube is dilated (6—7 mm long) and the
leaf 5-veined; whereas in C. kinabaluensis the larger anthers are oblong,
the petals are lanceolate (9 mm x 2.5 mm) the calyx tube is not dilated
(4.5 mm long) and the leaf 3-veined.
7. Catanthera royenii Nayar, spec. nov. — Fig. 7.
Frutex epiphytieus. Rami angulati, juniores dense ferrug-ineo-pinnato-
pilosi. Folia ovata 5—9 cm x 3.5—6 cm basi rotundata vel subcordata,
apice breviter acuminata, supra glauca, subtus iimiores stellato furfuracea
et sparse, pinnato-puberula, 5-nervia, venulis transversis haud conspicuis,
supra siccitate viridia, subtus siccitate pallida, coriacea; petiolus 1—2.5
cm longus, dense ferrugineo-stellato-furfuraceus et pinnato-pilosus. Inflo-
rescentia axillaris, umbelliformis, 7—10 cm longa, 5—12 flora; pedunculus
dense ferrugineo-stellato-furfuraceus et pinnato-pilosus, 4.5—6 cm longus;
bracteae lineares 5—6 mm x 0.8 mm, furfuraceae; pedicellus 20—30 mm
longus, dense stellato-furfuraceus et pinnato-pilosus. Calycis tubus ob-
conicus 6—7 mm x 4.5—5.5 mm, ferrugineus, furfuraeeus, limbo trun-
cato. Petala 4, ovata, 6—7 x 4.5-—5.5 mm. Stamina 8, inaequalia,
maiorum f ilamentis 3 mm longis, antheris oblongo-lanceolatis 6 - 6.5 mm
longis, connectivo basi haud producto, dorso in calcar 1.5 mm longum
exeunte, in parte ventrali in appendices duas subulatas 0.5 mm longas
exeunte, minorum filamentis 2.5 mm longis, antheris 4 mm longis, con-
nectivo non produeto, dorso in calcar 1 mm longum exeunte, in parte
ventrali inappendiculato. Ovarium calycis tubo septis 8 adnatum, loculi
8, ultra dimidium ovarii descendantes, apice glabrum. Stylus filiformis,
7—8.5 mm longus, stigmate punctiformi.
TYPUS: New Guinea, van Royen & Sleumer 7405 (holotype K, iso-
type L).
DISTRIBUTION: A climber of Nothofagus forests of New Guinea with
flowers having orange brown calyx tube and yellowish petals. Endemic.
1U82] NAYAR: The genus Catantkera 51
FIG. 7. Catantkera royenii Nayar (Based on van Royen & Sleumer 74051). A. Plant
actual size; G. Large stamen x 5; C. Small stamen x 5.
NEW GUINEA. West New Guinea: Vogelkon, Nettoti Range, southern slope,
silt, 1780 in, 28 Nov. 1961, van Royev, & Sleumer 7405 (K, L).
Catanthera royenii is allied to C. multiflora in the shape and in the
venation of leaves and in the long-pedunculate many flowered umbellate
inflorescence. However C. royenii is easily distinguishable by its ferrugi-
neous stellate-furfuraeeous and pinnate pubescence; whereas in C. multi-
flora, branches, leaves and inflorescence are glabrate. C. multiflora is
endemic to Borneo and C. royenii is endemic to New Guinea.
52 R E I N W A R D T I A [VOL. 10
8. CATANTHERA LONGISTYLIS (Mansf.) Nayar.
Catanthera longistylis (Mansf.) Nayar in Gards. Bull. Singap. 24: 353. 1969. —
Medinilla longistylis Mansf. in Engl. Bot. Jahrb. 60: 113. 192a. — Hederella longistylis
(Mansf.) Nayar in Kew Bull. 20:238. 1966. — Typus: New Guinea, Schlechter 192SS
(isotype K).
Scandent. Branches angulate, young branches sparsely furfuraceous,
verrucose. Leaves elliptic 3.4—6 cm x 1.5—3.5 cm, base subrotund or
acute, apex .subrotund, lower surface glabrous, under surface minutely
verrucose, 3—5 nerved, cross-venules absent; petiole 1—2 cm long. Inflo-
rescence subpanieulated and umbslliform, 6—8 cm long, glabrate, pedicel
2—3 cm long. Calyx tube obconic, 4.5 mm long, glabrous, limb dilated and
truncate. Petals 4, 11—12 mm long. Stamens 8, prominently unequal,
anther long 10 mm long, dorsally calcarate and ventvally ends in two
subulate appendages, small stamens; 5 mm long. Style 15—20 mm long,
stigma inconspicuous. Ovary concrescent with the calyx tube by 8 septa,
extra-ovarial chambers 8, all descending to the base of the ovary.
DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to New Guinea.
NEW GUINEA. P a p u a : alt. 300 m, 16 Apr. 1909, Schlechter 19258 (isotype K ) :
New Guinea: Morobe Dist., 26 Dec. 1935, Clemens 1379 (L.)
Catantkera longistylis is immediately recognised by its elliptic leaves
with glabrous upper surface and verrucose under surface, compound
umbelliform inflorescence and prominent long style (2 cm long).
9. CATANTHERA LYSIPETALA F.V. Muell.
Catanthera lysipetala F.v. Muell. in Journ. Bot. 24: 289. 1886; Nayar in Gards.
BiriL Singap.24:852.1969 — Hederella lysipetala (P.v. Muell.) N a y a r in New Bull. 20:
237. 1066. — Typus: New Guinea, Forbes 419 (lectotype BM, isolectotype CAL).
Medinilla anomula Cogn. in DC. Monogr. Phan. 7: 1185. 1891. — T y p u s : New
Guinea, Forbes 451 (holotype BM, isotypes K, CAL),
Hederella forbessii Stapf in Hook, f., Ie. PI. 25: t. 2415. 1895. — Typus: New
Guinea, Forbes 451 (holotype K ) .
Epiphytic climber. Branches angulate, young branches densely ferru-
gineo-plumoso-pilose, older branch&s verrucose and grooved. Leaves
rotundate-elliptic or elliptic-ovate, 5—7.5 cm x 3.5—5.5 cm, base rounded,
apex obtuse, upper surface glabrous, under surf ace ferrugineo-plumose
pilo.se when young, pubescence deciduous and undersurface of leaf glabrous
when old, 7-nerved, cross venules absent, coriaceous; petiole 1.5—2 cm
long, ferrugineo-plumose pilose. Inflorescence axillary, umbellate, puber-
ulous; peduncle short 0.5—1.5 cm long; pedicel 2—2,8 long. Calyx tube
carapanulate, 5.5—6 mm long, minutely puberulous, limb dilated. Petals
NAYAR: The genus Catantkera S3
4, oblong 10—11 mm long. Stamens 8, prominently unequal; large
stamens: filament 5—5.5 mm long, anther oblong 8—8.5 mm long, connec-
tive long produced 2.5 mm long, dorsally ending- in a triangular appendage
1 mm long, ventrally ending in two oblong lobes 1—1.2 mm long; small
stamens: filament 2.5—3 mm long1, anther broadly oblong, 4.5 mm long,
connective not produced, dorsally ending in a short spur, 0.5 mm long,
ventrally ending in two subulate appendages 0.8 mm long. Ovary
concrescent with the calyx tube by eight septa, extra-ovarial chambers 8,
all descending to the base of the ovary. Style filiform, 15—17 mm long,
glabrous, stigma inconspicuous.
DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to New Guinea.
NEW G U I N E A . P a p u a : S o g e n r e g i o n , F o r b e s 473 ( B M , C A D ; Ibid.,
Forbes 451 (K, BM, C A L ) .
F.v. Mueller (1889) erected the type species Catantkera lysipelala
o:i the basis of syntypes Forbes 419 and Forbes 151 from New Guinea.
Cogniaux (1891) independently described MediniUa anomala on the basis of
specimen Forbes 451. In 1895 Stapf described the genus Hederella for
the homogenous group of species i.e. Hederella multiflora Stapf. H. tetran-
dm Stapf. H. quintuplinervies (Cogn.) Stapf and H. forbesii Stapf.
Stapf s H. forbesii is based on the same type specimen Forbes on the basis
of which Mueller (1889) erected a new genus Catantkera and Cogniaux
(1891) proposed a new species of Medinilla. Mansfeld (1925) appropria-
tely reduced Cogniaux's MediniUa- anomala and Stapf'.s Hederella forbesii
to synonyms of Catantkera lysipetala F.v. MuelL and effected the new
combination MediniUa lysipetala, (F.v. Muell.) Mansf.
10. CATANTHEKA MULIIFLORA (Stapf) Nayar.
Catanthera- multiflora (Stapf) Nayar in Cards. Bull. Singap. 21: 352. 1069. —
Hederlla multiflora Stapf in Hock. f. Ic. PI. 25: t. 2415. 1895; Merrill in Jourti. St.
Br, Roy. As. Soc. 1021, Spec. No.: 446. 1921; N a y a r in Kew Bull. 20: 233. 1966. —
Typus: Borneo, Ilaviland 154 (holutype K, isotype BM).
Medinilin multiflora {Stapf.) Mansf. in EngI. Bot. Jahrb. GO: 124. 1926.
Epiphytic climber. "Branches glabrous, angular, Leaves opposite,
equal, ovate 7—9 cm x 4—4.5 cm, base rotundate or subcordate, apex
acuminate, upper and lower surface glabrous, 3—5-nerved, two, side
nerves near the margin not conspicuous, cross-venules indistinct, coria-
ceous; petiole 2.5—4 cm long. Inflorescence axillary, urn belli form glab-
rous; peduncle 4—5.5 cm long with 8 to 12 flowers; podicel 1.5—2.5 mm
long. Calyx tube ovoid, 4—5 mm long, glabrous, limb truncate. Petals
contorted in bud, lanceolate, 8 mm long, rose (ex Collector). Stamens 8,
5 4 R E I N W A R D T 1 A [VOL [
unequal; large stamen: filament 2.5 mm long, anther oblong, b mm long
obtuse connective shortly produced 0.5 mm long, dorsally ending i
triangular appendage 1.5 mm long, ventrally ending in two subulats
appendages 1 mm long, small stamens: filament 2 mm long, anther
oblorig.or clubshaped, 3 mm long, dorsally ending in a spur 1.5 mm Ion?.
ventrally ending in two subulate appendages 0.8 mm long. Ovary ton
crescent with the calyx tube by 8 septa, extra-ova rial chambers 8, ai
descending to the base of the ovary, apex of the ovary glabrous. Styl
filiform, 9—11 mm long, glabrous, stigma inconspicuous.
DISTRIBUTION: A climber with sucker roots in lowland evergreei
forests of Borneo; endemic to Borneo.
B O R N E O : S a r a w a k : M a t a n g , a l t . 533 m , Haviland 151 ( K , B M ) ; I "do
i i e s i a n B o r n e o : P e a k o f E a l i k p a p a n , S e m b u n i , a l t . 650 m , Oct. 1953, Kotttl
mans 7653 ( K ) .
This is a glabrous epiphytic climber with pale purplish flowers.
11. CATANTHERA KINABALUENSIS (Nayar) Nayar.
Catanthera kinabahieitsis Nayar in Gard. Bull. Singap. 24: 353. 1369, -
HcdcrrUa kinabaluimsis N a y a r in Kew Bull. 20: 237 1966. — Typus: Borneo, R.S.N.B
No. 70 <HoIotype K ) .
Epiphytic climber. Branches angular, ferrugineous, stellate-furfur-
aceous. Leaves opposite, elliptic ovata, 3.5—4.5 cm x 1.5—2.5, base
obtuse, apex acuminate, upper surface densely stellate-furfuraeeous
S-nerved, eross-venulea hardly conspicuous, coriaceous; petiole 7—10 mm
long, densely stellate-plumose-furfuraceous. Inflorescence axillary, 2.5—4
cm long, densely stellate-plnmose-furfuraceous, umbelliform, 3—12 flowers;
pedicel 0.5—0.7 cm long. Calyx tube widely campanulate 4—5 mm long,
limb truncate. Petals ovate-oblong or ovate, 8—9 mm long. Stamens 8,
unequal; large stamen : filament 4.5 mm long, anther oblong 4.5 mm
long, connective produced at trie base 0.5 mm long, dorsally ends in a
spur 1—1.5 mm long, ventrally ends in two subulate appendages 1.5 mm
long; small stamen: filament 4 mm long, anther 2.5-—3 mm long, connec-
tive ends in an appendage 2 mm long, ventrally ends in two linear appen-
dages 2—2.5 mm long. Ovary adnate to the calyx tube by 8 septa, the
extra-ovarial chambers 8 descending beyond the middle of the ovary:
style filiform 10—11 mm long, glabrous, stigma punctiform.
DISTRIBUTION : A liana of 25 m in height, growing in tropical rain
forests of Borneo. This forms a canopy in the forests and the branches
hang down in bunches from trunks of host. Endemic.
BORNEO. Sabah : Mt. Kinabalu, eastern shoulder, alt. llGfi m, IS Jim. 1961,
R.S.N.B. No. 76 ( K ) ; Penibukan, W. ridge, alt. 1666 m, 4 Oct. 19;W, J. & MS
Clemens 40562 (K, BM, I,); Ibid., alt. 1833 m, 13 NOV. I933, J. & M.S. Clemous 50343
1982] NAYAR: The genus Catanthera 66
(K, BM, L); ibid., alt, 1333 m, 15 Feb. 1933, J. & M.S. Clemens S159S (K, BM),
Indonesian Borneo: W. kutai, near Mt. Kemoel, alt. 1100 m, 10 Oct. 1925,
Endert 38(17 ( K ) ; Ibid., alt. c. 12€0 m, 27 Sept. 1925, Endert 3G08 ( K ) .
C. kinabaluensis is related to C. brassii Nayar and from which it
differs in the shape of the anthers and in the venation of leaves. In
C. kinabaluensis the anther of large stamens is oblong and the leaf is
3-nerved, whereas in C. brassii the anther of large stamens is lanceolate
and the leaf is 5-nerved. Heine (in Inaug. Dissert, Doktor Lud.-Maxi-
milliaiis Univer. 78 (1953)) referred the specimen /. & M.S. Clemens
31598 & 40562 erroneously to C. tetrandra (Stapf) Nayar (= Hederella
tetrandra Stapf). According to J. & M.S. Clemens field notes (specimens
J. & M.S. Clemens 50343) this is a most spectacular climber, drooping
in long garlands from trees,
12. CATANTHERA TETRANDRA (Stapf) Nayar
Catanthera tetrandra, (Stapf) Nayar in Gard. Bull. Singap. 24: 353. 1969 —
Hvderella tetrandra Stapf in Hook. f. Ic. PI. 25: t. 2415, 1895; Merrill ire Journ. Str.
Ik. A?. Soc. Spec. No.: 446. 1921; Nayar in Kew Bull. 20: 237. 19G6. — Typus: Borneo.
P.eccar! 30% (isotype K).
Epiphytic climber. Branches young branches f errugineo-f urf uraceous,
glabrous when old, striate or corticated. Leaves rotundate-ovate or
elliptic-ovate, 4.5—8 cm X 3 — 4 c m , base rounded or subcordate, apex
briefly acuminate, glabrous, 5-nerved, cross-venules distinct, coriaceous;
petiole 2—4 mm long. Inflorescence axillary, umbellate, 3—8 flowers,
minutely furfuraceous; peduncle 1—5.5 cm long; bracteole linear 3—4.5
mm long; pedicel 1.5—1.9 cm long, furfuraceous. Calyx tube obconic 7—8
mm long, minutely furfuraceous, limb truncate. Petals 4, oblong, 10—11
mm X 4—4.5 mm, distinctly veined, apex acuminate. Stamens 4, equal
filament 6 mm long, anther lanceolate 10—11 mm long, connective hardly
produced, dorsally ending in a triangular appendage 1.5—l.S mm long,
ventrally ending in two subulate appendages 2—2.5 mm long. Ovary
concrescent with the calyx tube by 4 septa, extra-ovarial chambers 4,
all descending to the base of the ovary, apex of the ovary minutely
furfuraceous or glabrate. Style 11—12 mm long, minutely puberulous,
stigma not conspicuous.
DISTRIBUTION: A climber with leathery leaves in evergreen rain
forests of Borneo. Endemic.
BORNEO. Sarawak; Near Kuching, 29 Nov. 1894, Havilaiid & Wose ,3389
(K,BM, L ) ; Baram Dist., Nov. 1891, Hose 51 (K, B M ) ; Niah, May 1892, Haviland &
Hose 3223 (K) sine loc. Deccari 304 ( K ) ; Sabah: Mt. Kinabalu, Pinososuk Plateau,
alt. 1833 m, 20 Aug. 1961, R.S.N.B. No. 1326 ( K ) .
56 REINWARDTIA I VOL. 10
C. tetrandra (Stapf) Nayar is easily distinguishable by the presence
of four equal fertile stamens, whereas all other species of Catanthera
have eight stamens.
13. Catanthera peltata Nayar spec. nov.
Frutex ejDiphyticus. Rami dense plumoso-pilosi. Folia peltata,
ovata, 17 cm longa, 9 cm lata, basi rotundata, apice aeuminata margine
integra, supra glabra, subtus ad nerves dense plumoso-pilosa, inter nerves
sparse plumoso-piloso, 7—9 nervis supra et .subtus venulis transversis
distinctis; petiolus 3.5 cm longus, dense plumoso-pilosus. Inflorescentia
axillaris, c, 7 cm longa, pseudoumbellata, dense plumoso-pilosa; pedun-
culus 4—5 cm longus; bracteolae lineares 3 mm longae, dense plumoso-
pilosae; pedicellus 5—7 mm longus. Calyeis tubus campanulatus, 6—6.5
mm long-us, dense plumoso-setosus, limbo truncate Petala late ovata,
3.5—4 mm x 3.5—3.8 mm. Stamina 8, subequalia, filamentis 3—3.5 mm
longis, antheris oblongis 4,5—6 mm longis, connectivo basi 0.4 mm
producto, dorso in calcar 0.3 mm longum exeunte, in parte ventrali in
appendices duas subulatas 1 mm longas exeunte, Ovarium calycis tubo
aeptis 8 adnatum, loculi 8, ultra dimidium ovarii descendentes, apite
plumoso-pilosum. Bacca subglobosa 7-—9 mm X 6—8 mm, dense plumoso-
pilosa. Ssmina cuneata, numerosa, 0.6—0.8 mm longa.
TYPUS: Sarawak, Haviland b.g.v.a. 182 (K.)
DISTKIBUTION : Endemic to Borneo.
BORNEO. Sarawak: Sarawak river, Trusan, Haviland b.g.v.a. 182 (K).
As the specific epithet indicates this species is readily distinguishable
from other known species of Catanthera by its peltate leaves.
14. CATANTHERA ENDEETII (Nayar) Nayar.
Catanthera enderMi (Nayar) Nayar in Gards, Bull. Singap. 24: 353. 1969. —
Hederella enderfii Nayar in) Kew Bull. 20: 240. 1966. — Typus: Borneo, Evdert 439:/
(holotype K).
Epiphytic climber, densely ferrugineous and stellate furfuraceous.
Leaves ovate, 4.5—5.5 cm x 3—4 cm, base cordate, apex acute, upper-
surface glaucous, when young stellate furfuraceous, under surface densely
stellate plumose furfuraceous, 7-nerved, cross-venules distinct, coriaceous;
petiole 1.7—2.7 cm long, stellate plumose furfuraceous. Inflorescence
axillary, 3—3.5 cm long, umbellate, densely stellate plumose furfuraceous.
Flowers not seen. Calyx tube ovoid, 5—7 mm long, stellate plumose
furfuraceous, 4-dentate, lobes 1—1.5 mm long. Ovary adnate to the calyx
tube by 8 septa, extra-ovarial chambers descend to the base of the ovary.
DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to Borneo.
1982] NAYAR:- The:-genits C&tanthera 57
BORNEO. Indonesian Borneo: Mt. Kemoel, W. Kutai, alt. 1850 m., 20 Oct. 1925,
Erulert 4390 ( K ) .
Catanthera endertii is immediately recognised by its 4 dentate calyx
tube (5—7 mm long-) and by its 7-nerved stellate-ferrugineous ovate-
cordate leaves (4.5—5.4 cm x 3—4 cm), C. endertii is allied to C. pilosa
but differs in the presence of 4-dentate calyx tube and 7-nerved leaves.
15. Catanthera sleumeri Nayar, spec. nov. — Fig. 8.
Frutex epiphyticus. Kami angulati, juniores dense pinnato-pilosi.
Folia ovata, 5—10.5 cm X 3.5—6.8 cm, basi subcordata vel rotundata,
apice acummata, supra of subtus dense pilosa, 7-nervis, supra venulis
transversis haud conspicuis, subtus nervis urominentibus, chartacea;
petiolus 1.5—4 cm longus, dense pilosus. Flores axillares, solitari; pedun-
culus 4.5—5 cm longus, dense pilosus; bracteolae lineares 8—9 mm longae,
dense pilosae; pedicellus 1.7—2 cm longu.s, dense pilosus. Calycis tubus
obronicus 12—13 mm X 8—10 mm, dense pilosus; limbus 4-dentatus,
dentibus anguste triangularibus, 7—7.5 mm longug, pilosus. Petals 4,
ovata, 7.5—8.5 mm X 7 mm. Stamina 8, inaequalia, 4 fertilia et 4
sterilia; maorum filamantis 3—3.5 mm longis, antheris 7—8 mm longis
2-2.5 mm Iatis, late lanceolatis, connectivo basi producto 1 mm longo,
dorso in calcarem triangularem 2.5 mm longum exeunte, in parte ventrali
minute bituberculato; minorurn filamentis 3 mm longis, antheris lanceo-
latis 5.5 mm longis, connectivo basi hand producto, dorso in calcar 2 mm
longum exennte, in parte ventrali bituberculato. Ovarium calycis tubo
stptis 8 adnatum, loculi 8, ultra dimidium ovarii descendentes, apice
pilosum. Stylus 9—10 mm longus, basi pilosus, stigmate punctiformi.
TYPUS: New Guinea, Van Royen & Sleumer 7653 (K).
DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to New Guinea.
NEW GUINEA. West New Guinea.: Vogelkup, ije river valley, near Benfot
(Bamfot) village, alt. 900 m, 2 Nov. 1961, van Royen & Sleumer 7653 (K).
In the case of C. sleumeri and C. schlechten the differential characters
of androecium are rather less well marked; but a reliable specific dis-
tinction is readily obtained by the utilisation of other characters and
they are presented in a tabular form. The presence of long sparsely
branched multicelluar hairs (5—6 mm long) and the densely pubescent
7 veined ovate leaves with rounded base and apiculate apex is charac-
teristic for this species.
R E I N W A R D T I A [VOL, 1U
FIG. 8. Catanthera sleumerl Nayar {Based on van Royen & Steamer 7653) • A.
Plant - actual size; B. Large stamen; ventral view x 5; C. Large stamen, dorsal view
x 5; D. Small stamen x 5.
C. slcumeri
Leaf ovate, 5—10.5 cm X 3.5—6.8 cm.
Leaf 7-veined.
Leaf base rounded, apex caudate-
acuminate.
Stem leaves and inflorescence covered
with 5—6 mm long fulvous pubes-
cence; pubescence persistent.
Hairs sparsely branched.
Calyx tube with lanceolate lobes.
C. sekleehteri
Leaf elliptic 4—8 cm X 2.5—4 cm.
Leaf 5-veined.
Leaf base obtuse, apex acuminate.
Stem, leaves and inflorescence covered
with 2—3 mm long ferrugineous
pubescence; glabrescent in patches.
Hairs densely branched.
Calyx tube with linear lobes.
1982] NAYAR: The genus Catantkera 59
16. CATANTHERA SCHLECHTBRI (Mansf.) Nayar. — Fig. 9.
Catantkera sehlechteri (Mansf.) Nayar in Gards. Bull. Singap. 24: 353. 1969. —
Phyllapophysis scklechteri Mansf. m Engl. Bot. Jahrb. 60; 114, 192S; Ohwi in Jap.
Bot. Mag. 57: 5. 1943. — Typus: New Guinea, Scklcckter 20117 (isotype K).
Climber. Branches young densely pinnato-pllose, angular. Leaves
elliptic or ovate elliptic, 4—8 cm X 2.5—-4 cm, base cuneate cr rounded,
apex acuminate, upper surface sparsely pinnato-pilose, pubescence deci-
duous and glabrous when old, lower surface densely pinnato-pilose, 5-
nerved, cross venules on the upper surface inconspicuous, cross venules
on the lower surface distinct and prominent; petiole 1.5—3 cm long,
densely pinnate-pilose. Flowers axillary, solitary; peduncle 4—7 cm long,
densely pinnate-pilose; bracteole linear 5 - 6 mm long, pilose; pedicel
1.8—2.2 cm long, densely pinnate-pilose. Calyx tube obconic, 1.2—1.5 cm
long, densely pinnate-pilose, limb 4-lobed, lobes linear G mm long. Petals
4. ovate, 8—-10 mm long. Stamens 8, unequal; larger stamens; filament
4—5 mm long, anther widely lanceolate, 8—9 cm long, 2.5—3 mm broad,
connective shortly produced 0.8—1 mm long-, dorsally ending in widely
triangular .spur 3—4 X 2 mm, ventrally ending in two tubercles; smaller
stamens; filament 3—4 mm long, anther lanceolate 4—5 long, connective
not produced, dorsally ending in a spur 2.5—3 mm long, ventrally ending
in two tubercles. Ovary concrescent with the calyx tube by 8 septa,
extra-ovarial chambers 8, all descending to the base of the ovary, apex
of the ovary furfuraceous. Style 10—12 mm long, base of style furfura-
ceous, stigma punctiform.
DISTRIBUTION: A tall climber which forms a canopy in evergreen
forests; endemic to New Guinea.
NEW GUINEA. Papua: Torieelli-Gebir^es, alt. 700 m, !) Sept. ISJO9, Sehleekter
20117 (K); West New Guinea: Jappen-Biak, Wamiami near seroei, 1 Aug. 193S, Aet
& Idjan 300 (K); Hollandia Dist, Cycloop mountains, path Ifar-Ormce, alt. 1220
m, 24 Jun. 1961, van Royen & Sleumer 5996 (K, L).
In 1825 Mansfeld (in EngL Bot. Jahrb. 60: 114. 1925) proposed the
new genus Phyllapophysis on the basis of Scklechter 2Q117 from New
Guinea. In the key to the Papuan Dissochaeteae (in I.e. p. 113) Mansfeld
placed the genus near Omphalopus Naud. on the basis of the phylloid
dorsal appendage and reticulate anthers. The shape and orientation
of the phylloid appendage in Omphalopus is quite characteristic and it
is in no way related to this taxon. The anthers in Omphalopus are reticulate
with bullate thecae, whereas in this species the anthers are not reticulate.
It is presumed that Mansfeld might have been misled by the shrunken
anthers in the herbarium material. This species is closely allied to
C. slevmcri Nayar but for the nature of pubescence and the shape of
leaves.
60 R E I N W A R D T I A [VOL. 10
FIG. 9. Catanthera scklechteri (Mansf.) Nayar (Based on van Royen & Sleumer
5S96). A. Plant - actual size; B. Large stamen, ventral view x 4; C. Large stamen.
dorsal view x 4; D. Small stamen x 4; E. Petal x 3.
NAYAR: The genus Catanthera 61
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to extend my thanks to the Directors and Staff of the Herba-
rium Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, The British Museum (Nat. Hist.),
London, and the Rijksherbarium, Leiden, Netherlands, for their hospi-
tality and help during my visits there. My thanks are also due to the
Director, Botanical Survey of India for his encouragement.
10(1)
253
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