THE ANISOPHYLLEACEAE AND RHIZOPHORACEAE S.S. OF SINGAPORE

Abstract

In Singapore, the family Rhizophoraceae sensu lato consists of the families, Anisophylleaceae with one genus and two species, and the Rliizophoraceae sensu stricto with seven genera and 13 species. The focus of this work includes the identification, inventory, updating of nomenclature, description, and illustration of all the species, and the architectural analysis of selected species to assess its value for the classification of the family. Morphological observations were based on fresh and preserved specimens, while architectural analysis was conducted in the field. Most of the morphological characters observed are similar to those reported by previous workers, except for a few differences in the floral characteristics. Leaf scars were proven useful for differentiation between several of the genera. Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora stylosa were found to be very similar, and their relationship should be further investigated. Architecturally, Attim's Model appears to be prevalent in the mangrove species of the Rhizophoraceae sensu stricto. Interestingly in a few of the mangrove species, the lower lateral branches are plagiotropic (as in Aubreville's Model); unlike in their initial stages of growth and the upper branches, which are orthotropic. Further studies should be conducted to investigate the cause of this change in the architecture model.