Matthaea

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Matthaea

Description

Monoecious, with lateral (rarely also terminal) cymose inflorescences, much shorter than the leaves. Shrubs or small trees. Leaves pubescent or glabrous at maturity, entire or dentate. Stamens 4, free;

Distribution

Anambas Is present, Asia-Tropical: Borneo present; Malaya (Peninsular Malaysia present); Philippines (Philippines present); Sulawesi (Sulawesi present); Sumatera (Sumatera present), N. Moluccas present, Talaud Is present
Malesia: Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Anambas Is., Borneo, Celebes, Philippines, N. Moluccas (Talaud Is.).

Notes

The distinction between Matthaea and Steganthera is very slight. The two genera are so alike vegetatively that sterile specimens cannot be allocated to a genus with confidence, and their flowers and fruits are also very similar except for their anthers. In both genera there are four stamens; in Matthaea these bear anthers opening by two more or less vertical slits, whereas in Steganthera the anthers open by a single horizontal slit. It is useful to maintain the two genera because they are geographically separated (though both may occur in Celebes). Matthaea is restricted to western Malesia while Steganthera, a considerably larger genus, is centered on New Guinea with outliers in the Moluccas, Celebes and Queensland. Some uncertainties of range remain as male flowers and fruits are not available from several areas.

Citation

PERKINS 1898 – In: Bot. Jahrb.: 562
Blume 1925: Übersicht Gattungen Monim.: 62
Blume 1911 – In: Pfl. R.: 15
Blume 1901: p. 51. – In: Pfl. R.: f. 10
PHILIPSON 1982: p. 77. – In: Blumea: f. 1-3