A revision of Beilschmiedia (Lauraceae) of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

A revision of the Peninsular Malaysian species of Beilschmiedia (Lauraceae) is presented with a summary of the taxonomic history of the group, key, full descriptions, distribution maps, conservation assessments, ecological information, ethno-botanical notes and a discussion of morphology. In this treatment, 18 species are recognised; six names are lectotypified (B. insignis, B. kunstleri, B. maingayi, B. membranacea, B. roxburghiana and B. scortechinii) and five are placed into synonymy for the first time; one name is validly published for the first time (B. atra) and one species is recognised and described here as new to science (B. kochummenii). Most species are considered to be common (Least Concern), but B. atra must be considered to be extinct, two species are Critically Endangered (B. kochummenii and B. membranacea), four are Endangered (B. lumutensis, B. penangiana, B. scortechinii, B. wallichiana) and one is listed as Vulnerable (B. insignis).