Nepenthes

The genus Nepenthes (Nepenthes, English: Tropical pitcher plant), which is included in the familia monotipik, consisting of 130 species and hybrids do not include natural and artificial. This genus is a carnivorous plant in the Old World tropics, now includes the state of Indonesia, the People's Republic of southern China, Indochina, Malaysia, the Philippines, Madagascar west, Seychelles, New Caledonia, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Habitat with the largest species is on the island of Borneo and Sumatra.

This plant can reach a height of 15-20 m by climbing other plants, although there are some species that are not climbing. At the ends of leaf tendrils are modified to form a pocket, which is a tool trap used to eat the prey (eg insects, leeches, frogs child) which entered into.

In general, Nepenthes has three kinds of bags, the bag top, bottom bags, and bags rosette. Pockets above are pockets of mature plants, usually funnel-shaped or cylindrical, do not have wings, does not have an attractive color, part tendrils rear-facing and can be wrapped around the branches of other plants, pockets on more often to catch animals that fly like mosquitoes or flies, bags this type rarely even found in some species, such as N. ampullaria. Bag bottom is a bag that is generated on the part of young plants usually tergelatak on the ground, has two wings that serve as a tool for soil insects like ants to climb up the mouth of the bag and finally plunged into liquid berenzim inside, while pouch rosette, have a shape the same as under the bag, but the bag rosette grows on the leaf rosette, examples of species that have this type of bag is ampullaria N. and N. gracilis. Some plants are sometimes issued a middle bag shaped like a mix bag bottom and top bag.

This plant has a very broad dissemination of the coast to the highlands, for this Nepenthes are divided into two types, namely the type of highland and lowland types, although most species grow in the highlands. Species recorded grows at highest altitudes is N. lamii that is at an altitude of 3,520 m.

Most species grow in places with high humidity and light with a medium to high level. Some species such as N. ampullaria grow in the shade with not too much light, while N. mirabilis grows place open with abundant light. Soil place to grow Nepenthes are usually poor in nutrients and acid. Some species grow in places that are highly toxic to other plants such as N. rajah growing on soils with heavy metals and N. albomarginata that grow on the sandy beach in the zones affected by the spray of the sea, some species grow as epiphytes growing N. inermis without contact with the ground.

Sandalwood Tree

Sandalwood (Santalum album) or often called sandalwood fragrance is producing trees sandalwood oil and sandalwood.

In the archipelago, the type is also known by various names, among others: Candana (Minangkabau) Tindana, Sindana (Dayak), Candana (Sunda), Candana, Candani (Java), Candhana, Candhana lakek (Madura), Candana (BeIitung), Ai nitu, Dana (Sumbawa), Wood ata (FIores), Sundana (Sangir), Sondana (North Sulawesi), Ayu luhi (Gorontalo), Candana (Makassar), Ai nituk (Bread), Hau meni, Ai kamelin (East), Kamenir (Wetar) and Maoni (Blend).

Parasite

At the beginning of life, this plant is a parasite. For Cendana pengecambahannya process requires the host tree to support growth.

This is because the root system is not able to support Cendana own life. This makes this type is difficult to be cultivated.

Plants that are usually used as host by sandalwood include Acacia, Albasia, Dalbergia, Inga, Pongamia and Reed.

Spreading Sandalwood Tree

Sandalwood is found growing in Indonesia, especially on the island of Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. If the terms of the Dutch language (sandelhout) and English (sandalwood), this tree is believed to have descended from the region there.

It can be known from the nickname of Sumba Island, the Sandalwood Island. This nickname was brought hereditary since the Dutch colonial era to the present.

Since the fifteenth century, sandalwood tree is the main attraction for Europeans to get it. Therefore, the type of tree it was assigned as the identity of the flora of East Nusa Tenggara province.

Sandalwood whose quality is considered the most good is derived from Mysoram areas in South India. In Indonesia, sandalwood from Timor also appreciated quite expensive.

But now, sandalwood fragrance is very rare, so the price is more expensive. Instead, use jenggi sandalwood (Santalum spicatum).

Although they contain different concentrations of chemicals and therefore also different levels of fragrance.
The characteristics of Sandalwood Tree

Sandalwood grows well in areas that have obvious differences in climate between the dry and rainy seasons. It can be grown in the plains to a height of 1,500 meters above sea level. Cendana also often found in the area full of rocks or volcanic rocks that continue the flow of water.

Cendana including family Santalaceae of the order Loranthaceae. It can grow to a height of 11-15 meters, with a trunk diameter of 25-30 cm.

Sandalwood has a round rod and colored started grayish brown to red brown. Branch began to grow on the bottom half of the tree.

Primary branches of this type are very irregular, often bent and have many branches. Dahan bottom tend to grow hanging.

The leaves are opposite each elliptical to oblong (oval) with two pointed ends.

There are two type

There are two types of Cendana, the Cendana Red and White Sandalwood.

Red sandalwood grows in areas Funan and India, while the White sandalwood grows in East Nusa Tenggara, among others, on the island of Flores, Alor, Sumba, Solor, Adonara, Lomblen, Pantar, Timor, Rote and Sabu.

In terms of quality, both are the same. Red sandalwood is comparatively less fragrant and the quality is not good, so it was not too sold traded.

utilization Cendana

The sweet smell of sandalwood typical derived from wood. Therefore, the timber often used for spices, ingredients incense, aromatherapy, perfume mixtures, as well as the keris's sheath.

Sandalwood is also widely used as building materials, furniture, craft or crafts, works of art, to the rosary.

Beyond these things, there is still a sandalwood tree benefits, particularly for health. It is useful for therapeutic ingredients of herbal medicine.

The part that is usually used drug is wood, leather and sandalwood oil

Kantil ( cempaka putih )

Kantil (Cempaka Putih) is a plant that has white flowers and fragrant with trees up to 30 meters high.Magnolia flowers that have a Latin name Michelia albaand is still closely related to interest JEUMPA (cempaka yellow) This is a typical plant ( fauna identity ) Central Java province.

Myths that developed in the community, the scent of magnolia flowers typical highly favored by kuntilanak, a kind of refined makhlus female. Kuntilanak, according to this myth, often makes the magnolia tree (white frangipani) as the house where he lived. Apart from these myths, magnolia has a tradition of strong value for the Java community, especially in Central Java in both the mating and death.


Magnolia plant has several local names in the various regions in Indonesia. Local names include the following cempaka white, magnolia (Java), cempaka bodas(Sunda), Campaka (Madura), JEUMPA Gadeng (Aceh),Campaka putieh (Minangkabau), Sampaka mopusi(Mongondow), interest misspelled kebo (Makassar) ,flowers misspelled mapute (Bugis), capaka bobudo(Ternate), capaka bobulo (Tidore).

In English, the fauna of Central Java identity is calledWhite champaca . In the Philippines plant is known asTsampakang puti . In the language of scientific (Latin) magnolia flower called Michelia alba synonymous withMichelia longifolia (Blume).

Traits. Trees have a magnolia that are capable of reaching 30 meters and has a woody stem. In the branches white cempaka usually covered with fine hairs grayish.

Leaf magnolia (cempaka white) single oval and green .Petiole rather long, reaching almost half the length of the leaves. Magnolia ( Michelia alba ) has white flowers that have a distinctive fragrance. Plants are mythologized as the home kuntilanak is uncommon to have fruit because it is done vegetative propagation.

Habitat and Distribution. Trees magnolia (cempaka white) spread from the Asian mainland to the tropical islands in the Pacific region. In Indonesia, this plant floral identity of Central Java province have spread to almost all parts of Indonesia.

Magnolia plant habitats include tropical areas in the lowlands to an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level.

Benefits and Uses. Flowers Kantil have strong traditional values for the Java community, especially in Central Java. Flowers Kantil much in use at the marriage ceremony is mainly for decoration bun and a dagger. In addition magnolia flowers are also used at funerals and sow flowers (nyekar).

In the Java language, meaning magnolia flower hanging just like this. Flowers Kantil have ritual significance 'kemantilkantil' which means always remember wherever they are and always have a close relationship despite the different nature.

Medically, flower, stem, leaf magnolia ( Michelia alba ) contains alkaloids mikelarbina and liriodenina which have properties as an expectorant and diuretic . Because the content is dipunyainya, magnolia believed to be an alternative medicine for various diseases such as bronchitis, cough, fever, vaginal discharge, inflammation, prostate, urinary tract infection, and difficult urination.

Unfortunately, the efficacy of which is owned by the white flowers of this unexplored cempaka optimally. So that even now starting to anyone trying to cultivate these plants but its utility as much for spiritual events and traditions.

Listening medical myths and content of the accompanying fauna identity of Central Java province, now depends on each of us. Is it trust this plant as a home kuntilanak or even be aware of medical efficacy as an alternative medicine that is very useful.

Scientific classification . Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Magnoliophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: magnoliales; Family: Magnoliaceae; Genus: Michelia;Species: Michelia alba . Latin name: Michelia alba .Synonyms: Michelia longifolia (Blume). Indonesia Name: Kantil, Cempaka Putih.

Cempaka Rough Woods

Cempaka rough woods, typical flora West Sulawesi

Kidnesia.com It turned out good for carving wood and building materials not Cuma teak, forest cempaka rough was equally good. Flora called latin Elmerrillia ovalis flora is typical of West Sulawesi. The craftsmen of wood carving Toraja very fond of plants that have a Latin name another Elmerrillia ovalis (Miq.) Dandy, Elmerrillia vrieseana (Miq.) Dandy, Magnolia ovalis (Miq.) Figlar, Talauma ovalis Miq., And Talauma vrieseana Miq.

Cempaka rugged forests can grow to as high as 45 meters and diameter of the base of the main stem about 2 meters. The trunk is straight, cylindrical, light brown, and in certain parts no peeling bark.

The leaves are manifold single leaf. This is because each stalk leaves only support one leaves alone. Leaves cempaka rugged forests composed of leaf blade and petiole. Short leaf stalk is in the base of the leaf. Oval shape of its leaves. The underside of the leaves are fine hairs evenly. Bone leaves a rough forest cempaka has pinnate structure. The base of the leaves of this plant are not bertoreh.

Flowers cempaka rugged forest at a glance like frangipani. Crown color yellow or white flowers with petals that are usually an odd number. Tool breeding in the crowns of flowers. The fruit is oval-shaped with four seeds in each fruit. This plant breeding generative seed.

Frangipani tree forests used to living rough on the ground with an altitude of 1000 m above sea level. The plant can also live in the tropical forests. Its natural habitat is lying areas with enough water supply. Spreading region covering Sulawesi and Maluku. Plants are still closely with this yellow frangipani, not including rare plants. These plants are still quite a lot in the area of ​​origin, Sulawesi and Maluku.

With still pretty much sum cempaka rugged forests, flora typical of West Sulawesi is a favorite of the craftsmen carving and buildings in Toraja.

Rafflesia Arnoldii

Rafflesia arnoldii is a parasitic plant, without roots or leaves. The main body of the plant resides inside the host plant. The only visible parts are the flowers, which burst through the host plant’s bark as compact buds, and later the fruits. The flowers are up to 1 m in diameter, and their flesh is reddish-brown with white spots. Each flower is either male or female and consists of five lobes inserted on a cup-like structure. In the centre of the cup is a column with a disk. The anthers (male parts) or styles (female parts) are situated underneath the disk. The fruits are berries with minute seeds.

It is likely that only damaged roots or stems of a new host can be infected by seedlings of Rafflesia. The foetid smell of the flowers attracts carrion-flies (of the genera Lucilia and Sarcophaga). The pollen adheres to the backs of the flies, which do not seem to receive any reward from the plant.

Two varieties are known, the more common being R. arnoldii var. arnoldiifrom Sumatra and Borneo, the other one being R. arnoldii var. atjehensiswhich is only known from north Sumatra. The main difference between the two is that the central disk (or ramenta) is partly missing at the base of the central column in R. arnoldii var. atjehensis.

A race for discovery

The first botanist to find a specimen of a Rafflesia was the French explorer Louis Auguste Deschamps (1765-1842). He was a member of a French scientific expedition to Asia and the Pacific. During the expedition he spent three years on Java, where in 1797 he collected a specimen of what is now known as R. patma. During the return voyage in 1798, his ship was taken by the British, with whom France was at war, and all his papers and notes were confiscated. They did not see the light of day until 1954 when they were rediscovered in the Natural History Museum, London.

The British botanist Joseph Arnold (1782-1818) and the statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles (1781-1826, founder of modern Singapore) collected a specimen of another Rafflesia species found by a Malay servant in Sumatra in 1818. Arnold contracted a fever and died soon after the discovery. Lady Raffles, who had also been present when the specimen was collected, finished the colour drawing that Arnold had started of the plant, and it was sent to Joseph Banks, along with the preserved material. Banks passed all the materials on to Robert Brown (1773-1858) of the British Museum and Kew's resident botanical artist Franz Bauer (1758-1840).

William Jack (1795-1822) who was Arnold’s successor in Sumatra, being aware that Deschamps, despite his loss of notes, could formally publish a name for the newly discovered genus at any moment, rushed to draft a description to ensure the credit went to a British botanist. This draft description was held in readiness, in case there was word that the French were about to publish, whilst waiting for the British Museum to produce a better-prepared version.

The generic name, Rafflesia (given i n honour of Sir Raffles), proposed by Brown (who had originally wanted to call it Arnoldii) after Joseph Arnold, was validated by S.F. Gray in his report of the June 1820 meeting of the Linnean Society of London, as published in the Annals of Philosophy in September that year. While the species Rafflesia arnoldii was officially described for the first time in 1821 by Brown, so that Arnold was commemorated after all.

Threats and conservation

Many sites where Rafflesia grows are now popular with tourists, who provide an income for local people and also an incentive to preserve the species. Unfortunately, as a result of this ecotourism and the resulting human disturbance, the number of flower buds produced per year has decreased significantly at many sites.

Tiger Orchid, The Beauty of Papua

Indonesia was heaven on earth. Perhaps that opinion was not mistaken. Just look at the wonderful nature with abundant resources, a tremendous wealth. We should be grateful for that.One of them, Indonesia's forests rich in various types of orchids pretty remarkable. One of them is the tiger orchid ( Grammatophyllum Scriptum ) found many in Papua.

Grammatophyllum Scriptum is  a species  of orchids  of  the family Orchidaceae . Basic strands of colored flowers and mottled yellowish-brown spots. Because the motive mottled-spotted orchid that is often called the tiger orchid. There is also a strand of colored flowers green base. The orchid is not too large, long sepalnya only approx 3 cm.

Grammatophylum scriptum mostly from coastal forest, with a height of no more than 100 m above sea level. There is growing on the ground, nothing sticks in the trees. In maintenance, this kind of like heat and water, but do not let stagnant. So, as much as possible, put this orchid in a place exposed to direct sunlight. Type of planting medium that can be used to grow orchids are ferns or charcoal. Wreaths long, dangling bawah.Oleh Therefore, tiger orchid is best planted in crates and hung or attached to a tree branch.

Tiger orchid has a short pseudo bulbs. The leaf blade grows over this pseudo bulbs. In ancient times the natives Ambon make a paste of artificial orchid tubers to treat wounds.

Tiger orchid in Indonesia are in Papua, Sulawesi, Maluku and East Nusa Tenggara. In Indonesia, at least three kinds of tiger orchid found. All three are different in terms of color, pattern, and spacing antarkuntum flowers. Tiger orchid bouquets of Papua has long, can reach 1.5-2 meters, a distance of flowers with each other closely enough. These orchids usually bloom once a year, but some are flowering twice a year.Flowers last quite a long time, until about two months. Appearance tiger orchid flowers originating from Tual islands is similar to that from Papua.However, shorter flower stalk, between 1 / 3-1 / 2 of the stalk tiger orchid Papua. Flowering period is not too long and quickly formed flower seeds. Tiger orchid is found also in Ternate and Flores. Appearance interest similar to that of Papua, but the distance is not meeting flowers.There is more to come from Sulawesi and Ambon, but the color of the flower is more faded.

In the Philippines were also found Gramatophyllum scriptum . There are brown plain, there are green and small-sized by the number of lots and the florets within the meeting. Tiger orchid spread also in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Fiji Islands and Santa Cruz.

Eboni. The Black Sweet.

He was tall and lanky, like fairy fashion on the catwalk. Pembawaanya shade. Some white flowers Decorate the upper part of his body. Her dark brown skin looks beautiful, sparkling in the sunlight exposure. Her presence seemed always anticipated by the general public. He was the idol of the heart ebony.

The author had met him several times and asked him to take pictures together. However, dear dear thousand, the ebony originating from ebenaceae familia is in fact not a girl. He is simply the name of a type of tree, favorite artists and creators of luxury furniture.

Figure 1. Stand ebony tree in the Garden (middle). Source: personal documentation.

Ebony Diospyros celebica or also known as ebony, Macassar ebony, Coromandel ebony, streaked ebony and black ebony, is a kind of wood production with features such as a layer cake, black and yellow are naturally found only in Sulawesi (endemic). Stems grow tall and straight with a height can reach 40 m. Rod underneath can reach diameters of 1 meter and are often equipped with board roots (buttresses) were great.

Figure 2. The bark is dark wood. Source: personal documentation.

Grooved bark, peel small brown and black. Pepagannya brown and the inside is white yellowish.

Figure 3. Leaves ebony. Source: personal documentation.

Single leaf, arranged alternate, elliptic elongated, with pointed tip, the top surface shiny, leathery and dark green, hairy beneath the surface of the green and gray. The upper surface of leaves are not hairy and dark green.


Figure 4. Leaf ebony (bottom side). Source: personal documentation.

The flowers are clustered in axillary, white. The fruit is oval, hairy and red colored yellow to brown when older. The flesh is whitish often eaten by monkeys, squirrels and bats; which thus acts as an agent pemencar seed. The fruit is oval, hairy and red colored yellow to brown when older. The seeds are shaped like an elongated wedge blackish brown.

Figure 5. Fruit ebony. Source: personal documentation.

This species can be found in primary forests on clay, sand or rocky soil that has good drainage, at an altitude of less than 400 m. Ebony also like topography hilly area with steep slopes.

Ebony produce very good quality wood. Dark brown wood color, black, or black striped reddish. Sapwood is white to pink and wooden porch black or brown vang black rows. This wood is very heavy, with a specific gravity of 0.76; class durability and strength is classified in class one. Ebony including heavy wood with a density exceeding water, so it can not float.

Figure 6. The texture of black wood is very beautiful. Source: Wikipedia Indonesia.
Eboni known to have a very slow growth. In its natural habitat, wood texture colored striped brown and yellow with motifs known to be very beautiful, will be formed after the tree reaches the age of about 60-80 years.

As a result of a very massive logging in the 1970s, this time with the tree population aged above 50 years are very rare. Along with more demand, the price of black wood is also becoming soar. Price per cubic meter of ebony best quality in the UK can reach tens of millions of rupiah.

Because the quality is very good, this wood including wood exports are very expensive and mempunvai many uses including for pole bridge, veneer of luxury, furniture, sculptures, carvings, home decoration, musical instruments (eg, guitar and piano), sticks and boxes jewelry.

In Indonesia, known as the ebony black wood. Other names are wood Itam, toetandu, sora, lotong wood, and wood maitong. Ebony is the identity of the flora of Central Sulawesi.