Florae Malesianae Praecursores LXII. On the genus Thottea (Aristolochiaceae)

The generic delimitation of Thottea and Apama has been reviewed. Arguments are given for treating them as one genus, under the name of Thottea. Techniques used for clearing the leaves and for preparing reproductions of the venation have been described. There are two leaf venation patterns, i.e. pinnate and acrodromous, with intermediate forms showing gradual variation. The arrangement of stamens, chief character used for generic distinction, up until now known as occurring in one series (Apama) or two (Thottea), has now also been found existing in three or four series. One new type of seeds in this group has been found, which is rather smooth, flat and longitudinally curved. It resembles that of Saruma and some species of Aristolochia. Scanning electronmicrographs of leaf surfaces, floral parts and seeds have been chosen to elucidate interesting or diagnostic characters. There are eight new species described and eight new combinations made.