Michele Rodda, Waiwai Hove, Carrie-Ann Lee, Timothy M. A. Utteridge
{"title":"A Renaissance in the Tropics: The Rise of Botanical Art in Singapore","authors":"Michele Rodda, Waiwai Hove, Carrie-Ann Lee, Timothy M. A. Utteridge","doi":"10.1111/curt.70018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/curt.70018","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This article traces over two centuries of botanical illustration in Singapore, from early colonial documentation to institutional commissions by the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and a contemporary revival driven by local artists. It highlights the evolving role of botanical art in science and cultural heritage, culminating in its renewed recognition through the establishment of the Botanical Art Gallery and the Botanical Art Society (Singapore).</p>","PeriodicalId":100348,"journal":{"name":"Curtis's Botanical Magazine","volume":"42 2","pages":"321-336"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/curt.70018","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144935175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"1153. Anisoptera megistocarpa Slooten","authors":"Elango Velautham, Hui Tong Chia, Masumi Yamanaka, Evonne Tay-Koh","doi":"10.1111/curt.70010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/curt.70010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Anisoptera megistocarpa</i> Slooten, a large tree of the lowland undulating forests, and low hills of northern Sumatra, southeastern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, is described and illustrated. This species has a massive, buttressed trunk reaching a height of 50 m, 4 m girth and an emergent crown. The reddish-brown undersurface of the leaves forms the diagnostic dark crown, distinguishing it from surrounding canopies. As with many species of trees of the aseasonal Southeast Asian rain forests, <i>Anisoptera megistocarpa</i> flowers and fruits synchronously, during a remarkable event known as mast fruiting. Its large, spectacular 2-winged fruits are unmistakable. Rampant deforestation has led to the decline of this species while lack of horticultural know-how hampers ex situ conservation efforts. The challenges faced in its conservation (both in and ex situ) are discussed and a possible solution to produce sustainable supply of seedlings for planting is proposed.</p>","PeriodicalId":100348,"journal":{"name":"Curtis's Botanical Magazine","volume":"42 2","pages":"303-320"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/curt.70010","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144935437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A brief history of Singapore Botanic Gardens","authors":"Timothy M. A. Utteridge, Thereis Choo","doi":"10.1111/curt.70016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/curt.70016","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The history of Singapore Botanic Gardens, founded in 1859, and its role in research into the flora of Southeast Asia is recounted.</p>","PeriodicalId":100348,"journal":{"name":"Curtis's Botanical Magazine","volume":"42 2","pages":"163-175"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/curt.70016","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144934809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Celebrating Singapore Botanic Gardens","authors":"Thereis Choo","doi":"10.1111/curt.70015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/curt.70015","url":null,"abstract":"<p>It is a privilege to present this special issue of <i>Curtis's Botanical Magazine</i>, the world's longest running botanical periodical. Within these pages we share a carefully curated selection of tropical plants that hold particular significance to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, including several plants from important tropical families – such as the Dipterocarpaceae – that have not been featured in the Magazine's distinguished history.</p><p>The articles in this issue represent a collaboration that brings together different aspects of our Gardens' expertise. In a departure from their usual work, our research and living collections staff have co-authored detailed accounts of both notable species and specific historic specimens within our grounds, while members of the Botanical Art Society Singapore have created exquisite botanical illustrations to accompany these articles. Together, they have produced a collection that weaves together scientific knowledge, artistic precision, and the living heritage of the Gardens itself.</p><p>The timing of this special issue coincides with a momentous year for the Singapore Botanic Gardens. In 2025, we celebrate several significant anniversaries: a decade since our inscription as Singapore's first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site—notably, still the only tropical botanic garden to appear on the World Heritage List; the 150th anniversaries of both the Singapore Herbarium and the Singapore Botanic Gardens Library of Botany and Horticulture; and 30 years of the National Orchid Garden, arguably our best-known attraction.</p><p>Since its foundation in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has evolved while maintaining its core mission of connecting plants with people. Today, our 82-hectare Gardens stands as a sanctuary for heritage trees and primary rainforest, and as the region's most significant living collection of palms, orchids, cycads, and gingers. I hope this Singapore Botanic Gardens special part of <i>Curtis's Botanical Magazine</i> will inspire a deeper appreciation for the power of plants and the enduring value of botanical heritage.</p>","PeriodicalId":100348,"journal":{"name":"Curtis's Botanical Magazine","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/curt.70015","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144935313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ashley Tan, Wee Foong Ang, Zong Yu Ooi, Zaki Jamil, Kelly Bassett, Evonne Tay-Koh, Timothy M. A. Utteridge
{"title":"1140. Cyrtostachys renda Blume","authors":"Ashley Tan, Wee Foong Ang, Zong Yu Ooi, Zaki Jamil, Kelly Bassett, Evonne Tay-Koh, Timothy M. A. Utteridge","doi":"10.1111/curt.70000","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/curt.70000","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Cyrtostachys renda</i> Blume is described and illustrated. Occurring in lowland peat and freshwater swamp habitats throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo and southern Thailand, this species is the only member of the genus <i>Cyrtostachys</i> found west of the Wallace Line. This monoecious palm is easily distinguished by its striking bright red crownshaft and leaf sheath, making it a highly desirable and widely cultivated ornamental plant in tropical landscapes. While its natural populations in Singapore have declined due to the loss of its freshwater swamp forest habitat, this species remains a distinctive feature of the Singapore Botanic Gardens' historic landscape.</p>","PeriodicalId":100348,"journal":{"name":"Curtis's Botanical Magazine","volume":"42 2","pages":"177-186"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/curt.70000","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144934768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michele Rodda, Timothy M. A. Utteridge, David H. H. Toh, Violette Chye, Rebecca Tan, Sarah Othman
{"title":"1149. Hoya mitrata Kerr","authors":"Michele Rodda, Timothy M. A. Utteridge, David H. H. Toh, Violette Chye, Rebecca Tan, Sarah Othman","doi":"10.1111/curt.70001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/curt.70001","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We describe and illustrate <i>Hoya mitrata</i>, a species widespread in Southeast Asia and a new record for Singapore based on one of the earliest illustrations of a Singaporean plant, painted in 1822 and now in the collections at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.</p>","PeriodicalId":100348,"journal":{"name":"Curtis's Botanical Magazine","volume":"42 2","pages":"261-269"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/curt.70001","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144934995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matti A. Niissalo, Angelina Cheong, Evonne Tay-Koh, Sin Yeou Bai, Mark Choo, Sarah Q. Lim, Li Li Chin, Teng Seah Koh, Felicia E. L. Tay, Gillian S. Khew, Timothy M. A. Utteridge
{"title":"1145. Nervilia singaporensis Niissalo","authors":"Matti A. Niissalo, Angelina Cheong, Evonne Tay-Koh, Sin Yeou Bai, Mark Choo, Sarah Q. Lim, Li Li Chin, Teng Seah Koh, Felicia E. L. Tay, Gillian S. Khew, Timothy M. A. Utteridge","doi":"10.1111/curt.70006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/curt.70006","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We describe and illustrate <i>Nervilia singaporensis</i> Niissalo, a small Southeast Asian terrestrial orchid which has only been collected in Singapore. This is a mostly cleistogamous species, superficially similar to other cleistogamous species in the <i>Nervilia adolphi</i>/<i>punctata</i> species alliance. Most flowers never open but develop immediately to seed capsules. Unlike many species in the genus, <i>N. singaporensis</i> lacks strict vegetative, dormant and flowering seasons and flowering and fruiting plants can be found year-round, sometimes simultaneously with the leaves. This genus is poorly understood in Malesia, which could explain why this species has not been recorded in other countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":100348,"journal":{"name":"Curtis's Botanical Magazine","volume":"42 2","pages":"223-231"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/curt.70006","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144935001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charles Cannon, Chong Kwek Yan, Kelly Bassett, Wee Foong Ang, Xin Yi Ng, Evonne Tay-Koh
{"title":"1152. Kopsia singapurensis Ridl.","authors":"Charles Cannon, Chong Kwek Yan, Kelly Bassett, Wee Foong Ang, Xin Yi Ng, Evonne Tay-Koh","doi":"10.1111/curt.70005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/curt.70005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Kopsia singapurensis</i> Ridl. forms large shrubs to small trees most commonly found in lowland swampy forests or riverbanks. In cultivation, the plants freely flower throughout the year but records indicate a twice annual flowering previously occurred in the wild. The leaves have stout, short petioles and are arranged in pairs along the stem (opposite). The plant produces a thin white latex when the tissue is broken, like all members of the Apocynaceae. The flowers are arranged in a lax inflorescence and characterized by an elongate tubular white corolla bearing anthers near the throat which is marked by a red “eye”. The paired ovaries (again characteristic of the family) form ellipsoid follicles with a small spur on one side. Due to its ability to survive in poor and acidic soils and its attractive constantly present flowers has become popular for ornamental planting to mark entrances and gates.</p>","PeriodicalId":100348,"journal":{"name":"Curtis's Botanical Magazine","volume":"42 2","pages":"291-301"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/curt.70005","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144934997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Timothy M. A. Utteridge, Nam Siang Teo, Evonne Tay-Koh, Xin Yi Ng, Rebecca Tan
{"title":"1150. Phytocrene bracteata Wall.","authors":"Timothy M. A. Utteridge, Nam Siang Teo, Evonne Tay-Koh, Xin Yi Ng, Rebecca Tan","doi":"10.1111/curt.70004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/curt.70004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Phytocrene bracteata</i> Wall., a woody liana from the lowland forests of mainland South-East Asia from Thailand to Borneo and the Philippines, is described and illustrated. The species is remarkable for the heteromorphic leaves, the bracteate ‘foxtail’ staminate inflorescences, and the small, spherical pistillate inflorescences which enlarge considerably during fruiting, forming dense heads of bristly hairy compound fruits the size of a small football.</p>","PeriodicalId":100348,"journal":{"name":"Curtis's Botanical Magazine","volume":"42 2","pages":"271-280"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/curt.70004","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144934992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}