Date of Award

1-1-2001

Thesis Type

Masters

Document Type

Thesis

Divisions

Faculty of Science

Department

Institute of Biological Sciences

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

Among the objectives of the study are to survey and document the diversity and richness of the Zingiber species for the purpose of conservation. A total of 144 accessions from 32 Zingiber species including 8 varieties have been recorded throughout Peninsular Malaysia. These represent 20% out of the 150 species in the Zingibcraceae family, known to exist in Malaysia. Nine new species and two new varieties have been described. An anatomical study was conducted on 15 Zingiber species based on observation of anatomical structures of the leaves and petioles. The anatomy of the leaves and petioles shows some variation of characters which can be used for the identification and classification of species. Results showed that there are slight variations in the shape of midribs. petioles and lamina, the subsidiary vascular bundles, presence of hypodermis and the shape of the leaf margin. Characters that are common in all species are the presence of lacuna in the petioles and midribs, simple and unicellular trichomes and straight epidermal anticlinal cell walls. Distribution study shows that the diversity and density of Zingiber species are relatively high in Peninsular Malaysia. They are found mostly in the hill-forest and lowlands. Few arc found on high mountain ridges. The predominant species is Zingiber puberulum var. puberulum (25%) and six species are endemic. Ethnobotanical research was carried out on seven Orang Asli villages. Results show that many Zingiber species are of potential economic value as condiments, spices, ornamentals and most important as medicine among village folks.

Initial

snms

Additional Information

Dissertation (M.A) -- Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 2001.

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