Contains taxonomic revisions of two families for Malesia, i.e., the area covering the countries Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, The Philippines, Timor Este (East Timor), and Papua New Guinea.
Lecythidaceae (GT Prance & EK Kartawinata): The family Lecythidaceae is pantropical with 24 genera subdivided into five subfamilies, confirmed by molecular work. Only subfamily Barringtonioideae occurs in the Malesian region represented by five genera, Barringtonia (61 species), Planchonia (7 species), Careya, Chydenanthus and Petersianthus with one species each of which wood, chemistry and pollen are discussed in a general way. The family, genera and species are described and the species treatments contain descriptions, drawings, keys, distribution maps, local names and notes on habitat ecology and uses.
Peraceae (PC van Welzen & H-J Esser): The most recent phylogenetic analyses of the Malphigiales place the family Rafflesiaceae in the Euphorbiaceae, near the base of the clade. Combining both families is not an attractive option, because the Rafflesiaceae are very recognisable, while the Euphorbiaceae is one of the most polymorphic families around. The solution is to recognise the basal part of the Euphorbiaceae as Peraceae, which will leave the Rafflesiaceae and rest of the Euphorbiaceae untouched. The typical characters of the Peraceae are discussed. Within Malesia the family contains two genera, Chaetocarpus (1 species) and Trigonopleura (3 species). All species are mainly west Malesian taxa. They have as shared typical characters obovate stipules, united stamens and densely hairy fruits. The treament contains nomenclature, identification keys, descriptions, drawings, photos and notes on distribution, ecology, uses, etc.