Neckia serrata

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Neckia serrata

Description

Shrublet up to 1 m, often much smaller, often unbranched. Leaves obovate to long obovate-lanceo-late, 3-15(-25) by ¾-2½(-7½) cm, mostly acute to acuminate, sometimes obtuse, tapering at base, biserrulate, membranous to chartaceous, nerves 1½-3 mm apart. Stipules compound, 1-3 mm wide, the segments unequal, acicular, ½-1 cm long, lacerate. Inflorescences with filiform rachis, 1-5 cm; Flowers pendulous. Sepals lanceolate, 4-7½ by 1-3 mm, acute, margins dentate. Petals elliptic, 2½-5 by 1¼-2 mm. Stamens with terete filaments, the free part up to 1 mm; Ovary ovoid, 1-1.2 by 0.5-0.6 mm, style c. 1 mm long; Fruit subtrigonous in cross-section, c. 5 by 2½ mm. Seeds ellipsoid, c. 0.5 by 0.3 mm, areolate.

Distribution

Asia-Tropical: Borneo present; Philippines (Philippines present); Sumatera (Sumatera present), Johore present, Lingga Is present, Mentawei Is present, Pahang present, Riouw present, S. Trengganu present, SE. Malay Peninsula present, Samar present
Malesia: Sumatra, Mentawei Is., Riouw&Lingga Is., SE. Malay Peninsula (S. Trengganu, Pahang, Johore), Borneo, and Philippines (Samar). Monotypic.

Notes

The variability in shape and size of this species must primarily be due to variation in ecological conditions. The plants need moist, shady places and will be capable to germinate and to produce a few flowers even while growing in a moss carpet over boulders. The smaller specimens are dwarfed by lack of nutrition. Shade, water-supply, occasional inundation, or other ecological circumstances may also exert influence upon the habit of the plants.
There will probably be genetic differences between local populations, but it seems impracticable to distinguish infra-specific taxa, since no useful differences are found in the geographical distribution of morphological characters. The greatest variability is found among Bornean specimens, whereas the plants with the largest leaves are found in Sumatra.

Citation

AIRY SHAW 1940: Kew Bull.: 252
Ridl. 1922: p. 134. – In: Fl. Mal. Pen.: f. 13
Miq. 1859 – In: Fl. Ind. Bat.: 118
Ridl. 1908 – In: J. Str. Br. R. As. Soc.: 13, 14
Merr. 1921 – In: J. Str. Br. R. As. Soc.: 388
BOERL. & KOORD. 1901: p. 1. – In: Ic. Bog.: t. 76
KORTH. 1869 – In: Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugd.-Bat.: 218
AIRY SHAW 1940: Kew Bull.: 250
Merr. 1921 – In: J. Str. Br. R. As. Soc.: 388
AIRY SHAW 1940: Kew Bull.: 252
Ridl. 1908 – In: J. Str. Br. R. As. Soc.: 13
Merr. 1921 – In: J. Str. Br. R. As. Soc.: 388
KANIS 1968 – In: Blumea: 69
AIRY SHAW 1940: Kew Bull.: 251
Merr. 1921 – In: J. Str. Br. R. As. Soc.: 388
Ridl. 1908 – In: J. Str. Br. R. As. Soc.: 14
Merr. 1921 – In: J. Str. Br. R. As. Soc.: 388