Leprosula Miq Research Articles

The Vegetation Diversity of the Growth Rate Stand in The PBPH PT. Hutan Mulya Central Kalimantan’s

PT Hutan Mulya is one of the companies engaged in natural forest management, carrying out logging activities that cause changes in the value of species diversity in the remaining stands (LoA). There are 651 individuals of 87 plant species in the LoA area (2016 and 2016) and 63 plant species in virgin forest areas, so there are a total of 32 plant groups. The highest Importance Value Index is found in Meranti Merah (Shorea leprosula Miq) and Suhi (Shorea atrinervosa Symington) in virgin forest areas, while in the LoA area it is dominated by the Jambuan (Syzygium Gaertn) species because it is a source of animal feed and is not produced by companies. The diversity index of tree species, poles, and saplings in virgin forest is high (>3.00), whereas in the LoA area (2016 and 2022), the level of trees is high (>3.00), the level of poles is medium (1.00–3, 00), and the level of saplings for LoA 2022 is low (1.00<). Meanwhile, the virgin forest similarity index and LoA (2016 and 2022) are in the same or medium category, between 0.31 and 1.00.

Potential of carbon sequestration enhancement through intensive silvicultural techniques using Shorea leprosula plantation in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Iskandar M, Siregar IZ, Krisnawati H. 2023. Potential of carbon sequestration enhancement through intensive silvicultural techniques using Shorea leprosula plantation in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4699-4713. Various sectors are involved in achieving Indonesia’s Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), including Forestry and Other Land Uses (FOLU) sector. Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) implementation by forest concessionaires (PBPHs) enormously contributes to land-based mitigation activities, primarily at the local level. One of the SFM activities is forest enrichment with Intensive Silvicultural (SILIN) technique using Shorea leprosula Miq. to enhance carbon stock and sequestration. This study was conducted in PT Sarmiento Parakantja Timber (PT Sarpatim) in Central Kalimantan (Indonesia) and used the measurement data from 32 purposive sampling plots. Each plot was 40m × 40m in size, constructed under three different SILIN patterns (conventional strip, effective strip, and gap) as well as natural forest stands. This study found that SILIN gap pattern had higher carbon stock and sequestration potential, compared to the natural forest (reference) stands, and reached a net sink condition after 30 years. For the stands of SILIN conventional and effective strip patterns, the carbon stocks were lower than the reference stand, even when the vegetation aged 30 years. PBPHs applying SILIN technique as part of the SFM and the mitigation actions demonstrate an enhanced carbon stock and sequestration. This effort supports Indonesia’s Enhanced NDC target and FOLU Net Sink 2030.

Morpho-Physiological Strategies of Shorea leprosula Miq. and Shorea acuminata Dyer in Response to Light Intensity and Nutrient Amendments

Successfully restoring degraded forest areas depends on seedlings adapting their growth to suit harsh environments. Hence, the requirements for seedlings’ growth need to be addressed before replanting degraded sites. The present study determines the effect of abiotic factors viz. light irradiance (8%, 30%, and 100%), nutrient addition (no fertiliser (NF), NPK, and vermicompost) on the growth performance and photosynthetic capacity of two dipterocarp species seedlings, Shorea leprosula Miq. and Shorea acuminata Dyer. The morphological characteristics assessed for growth performance comprised plant height, stem diameter, leaf count, leaf area, relative chlorophyll concentration, biomass, and root-to-shoot ratio. Li-Cor 6400 and 6800 were used to measure the leaf gas exchange traits, including photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (gsw), and water-use efficiency (WUE). Our results demonstrated that different levels of light intensity and nutrient amendment significantly impacted plant-growth performance. Plants grown in 30% irradiance showed better growth performance in terms of relative height growth rate (RHGR), mean number of leaves, and leaf areas 41%, 24%, and 32% higher than the control. The A value was also higher in 30% irradiance, but no significant differences were observed between each level of light irradiance. The addition of vermicompost gave better growth for RHGR, relative diameter growth rate (RDGR), mean number of leaves, biomass, and relative chlorophyll concentrations 47%, 40%, 131%, 19%, and 27% higher than the control, respectively. However, the results obtained for photosynthetic parameters were contrary to growth performance. The photosynthesis rate (A) was higher (14.8%) in NPK compared to the control, and the other photosynthetic parameters did not differ significantly despite different nutrient amendments. In terms of species, S. leprosula has better growth performance and photosynthetic characteristics than S. acuminata in different light irradiance and nutrient amendments, thereby rendering S. leprosula the preferred rehabilitation species. Generally, nutrient addition of either NPK or vermicompost and 30% light irradiance gave better morphological and physiological growth for both species. The outcome of this study could provide a better understanding on the forest rehabilitation strategy to reduce the seedling-mortality rate, particularly for climax tree species.

IDENTIFIKASI JENIS HAMA DAN PENYAKIT TANAMAN MERANTI MERAH (Shorea leprosula Miq) DI AREAL KEBUN BENIH SEMAI UNIVERSITAS PALANGKA RAYA

Seed gardens are one way to obtain quality seeds. Seed gardens are areas where certainplants are planted to produce seeds of superior genetic origin. The seed garden of TheUniversity of Palangkaraya in maintaining red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq) plantsencountered several obstacles, one of which was pests and diseases. Identification of pestand disease attacks is basically the beginning to find out a plant needs special care orattention to improve the quality of the plant itself. This study aims to identify anddetermine the intensity of pest and disease attacks on red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq)in the seed garden area of The University of Palangka Raya. Collecting data using thecircle plot method, a systematic random sampling technique. Based on the research, it wasfound that the types of pests and diseases that attack red meranti are fire caterpillar(Setothosea asigna), beetle (Mecynorrhina sp), leaf spot (Curvularia sp and Nigrosporasp). The frequency of pest attack is 7.52% and the intensity of attack is 0.75%, with acombination frequency of 1.50% and an attack intensity of 0.45%.Keywords: identification, pests, diseases, seed garden

Effectiveness of several methods of mycorrhizal inoculation and inoculum doses on growth of red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) wildlings

Effectiveness of several methods of mycorrhizal inoculation and inoculum doses on growth of red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) wildlings

Diameter growth performance and estimated carbon stock of Shorea spp. at KHDTK Haurbentes, Bogor

Shorea leprosula Miq. and Shorea selanica (Lam.) Blume are fast growing plant and they can be used as a rehabilitation plant. Plant adaptability can be seen from the growth in diameter. Furthermore, rehabilitation plants have the potential to store carbon stocks which can support Indonesia's Forestry And Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 program. This study aims to analyze diameter growth and estimate carbon stocks stored in 8-year-old S. leprosula and S. selanica species in unproductive forest area KHDTK Haurbentes, Bogor. Furthermore, the data collection of diameter was conducted by census while carbon stock estimation used allometric equations. The diameter distribution of S. leprosula and S. selanica was normally distributed. The normal diameter distribution is defined as the highest number of frequencies around the mean value. The results of the normality test of S. leprosula and S. selanica have normal diameter distribution data which indicate that these species have good adaptability in unproductive forest areas. Moreover, the incremental growth of S. leprosula diameter is 1.38 cm while the diameter increment of S. selanica is 1.19 cm. The carbon stock of S. leprosula is 4.72 tons/ha while S. selanica is 8.32 tons/ha. S. leprosula and S. selanica have good adaptability. Thus, they can be used as plants to rehabilitate unproductive forests and store potential carbon stocks.

The effect of slope aspect on growth attributes of Shorea leprosula Miq. in a rehabilitated hilly landscape

Shorea leprosula Miq. is one of Indonesia’s native red meranti species with a higher growth increment than other meranti species. Gunung Dahu Research Forest is a rehabilitated hilly landscape planted with various species of Dipterocarpaceae. This study aims to analyze the growth performance of 24 years old of S. leprosula stands in various slope classes of line planting technique at Gunung Dahu Research Forest. Growth analysis of S. leprosula was carried out by measuring the stem diameter, total tree height, basal area, diameter increment, height increment, and Leaf Area Index (LAI). Slopes were divided into three classes: mild/gentle (15-25%), steep (>25-45%) and very steep (>45%). The results showed that slope class significantly affected height growth and the canopy cover of S. leprosula, but it did not affect the diameter growth. A very steep slope provided the best growth to diameter (average diameter 30.07 cm; MAI 1.25 cm/year) and height (average height 23.7 m; MAI 0.99 m year−1). Furthermore, a linear relationship was formed between the crown cover and slope class in which denser crowns were established in response to a steeper slope (LAI 3.4). Thus, planting S. leprosula as a rehabilitation effort in steep slope landscape delivers beneficial as they showed better growth performance.

The growth Shorea leprosula Miq. on various slopes and directions of slopes in Gunung Dahu Research Forest, Bogor

Shorea leprosula Miq is a Dipterocarps forest plantation that has the prospect of being developed because it is a fast-growing species with high economic value. Given its commercial importance, this study was conducted to analyze the effect of slope class and slope direction on growth. Data were collected using the census method on S.leprosula stands with a spacing of 2m x 2m and 4m x 8m. The direction of the slope is determined based on the configuration of the slope according to the cardinal directions, while the slope of the land is determined based on the classification of the slope class of the land. The results showed that the slope class, slope direction, and the interaction between factors had a significant effect on the growth of S.leprosula. The interaction between the slope class and the direction of the slope produces the highest average annual increment of diameter in the flat slope class with the direction of the slope facing north, which is 1.79 m / year while the highest annual increment of the total average height is in the very steep slope class with to the slope facing to the north at 0.82 m / year.

Innovation for the development of environmentally friendly oil palm plantation in Indonesia

Oil palm is a very common commodity in rural communities of Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia, and the farming activities in these areas create a high multiplier effect and increase welfare. However, the expansion of oil palm areas puts pressure on forests and resources. The research was carried out through a survey using the developmental research method. Efforts to implement sustainable development in the plantation sector need to be carried out to develop palm in the second cycle. One of the efforts is to implement agroforestry by planting forestry plants between oil palm trees, namely meranti trees (Shorea leprosula Miq). The model for the development of meranti is a monoculture palm plantation that is integrated with meranti trees. This has ecological, economic, and social benefits, following the basic concepts of environmental management. Planting copper meranti between palm trees has multiple benefits for the community, such as wood production. Planting copper meranti between oil palm trees has multiple benefits for the community, timber production as additional income for farmer families.

Natural regeneration potential of red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) in 20-years-old man-made hilly dipterocarp forest

Shorea leprosula Miq is one of major tropical timber within the dipterocarp family and known as red meranti in global trade. The species has been subjected to intensive timber extraction due to their high economic value and natural abundance in primary tropical forest. Timber supply of this species has been known to only from natural forests and none have been reported from commercial plantation. Thus, population decline, habitat contraction and local extinction become the major issues related to the species. This research was conducted to determine the natural regeneration potential of S. leprosula in 20-years-old man-made hilly dipterocarp forest. The research was located at Gunung Dahu Research Forest (GDRF), a 250 Ha-mixed dipterocarp forest established since 1997 in Bogor-West Java as landscape restoration together with native biodiversity conservation program. Five S. leprosula plots were chosen consisting from different spacing distance of 2 m x 2 m, 3 m x 3 m, and 4 m x 4 m. Result showed that each plot has been experiencing different total number of fruiting times, ranging from 1-3 times, with total numbers of natural juvenile reached 652 stocks. Among them, seedling were the most stocks available at GDRF, with the most dominant occupied at height class of 11 cm – 33 cm and 34 cm – 55 cm. Natural stocks were absent from 2 observed plots due to high human alteration at those area. Canopy openness, altitude and human intervention/disturbance are among the factors that affecting the regeneration potential at GDRF.

Design of Discovery Learning Model Biodiversity Integrated to Develop the Scientific Attitude of Student

In learning Biology with a scientific approach, the scientific attitude becomes important to be developed in students, the problem is not all teachers have the creativity and innovation to develop the scientific attitude. In this study, stages will be carried out to design a scientific approach to discretion for the subject of integrated ethnobotany biodiversity and religious value. The Ethnobotany Study is interesting because this study discusses the biodiversity of local plant species, the names of these plants in local terms, scientific names, benefits for life, as well as including their classification in Plant taxonomies. This type of research is a qualitative descriptive research. In this study, the research team conducted observations, interviews with officers and resource persons at Perhutani Jambi with address: Jln Lintas Jambi-Palembang, Kenali Asam Bawah, Kota Baru, Jambi, KM 11, Jambi. Data obtained related to the type of local plants are carried out verification and data reduction, and integrating local plant knowledge in the context of ethnobotany in the subject of Biodiversity in Biology. The results of the study found five main local plants in tropical forests, namely (1) Jatropha (Ricinus communis). (2) Bulian (Eusideroxylon zwageri), (3) Meranti Bunga (Shorea leprosula Miq), (4) Meranti Putih (Shore spp) (5) Jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum) (6) Gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis), (7) Ketapang (Terminalia cattapa) In this study it was also found that local plants as ethnobotany were cultivated mostly for blandar wood (beam), Usuk, and house sills, because they were resistant to termites, namely Bulian, Meranti Bunga, Meranti Putih plants, Gaharu type plants for deodorant can be taken, other types of productive plants found fruit, and ornamental plants for parks or protectors to be planted on the roadside. In its application, the information obtained from these types of plants and their benefits are packaged in the study of Biodiversity in Biological Materials. The design of teaching materials, the teacher assigns assignments to students for observation, interviews, analyzing data, and presenting their findings in the Perhutani Tropical Forest to increase the scientific attitude of students.And assigns assignments to discovers sens of religious value at The Holy Alquran related to religious values on biodiversity material.

The growth of Shorea leprosula at various planting distances and slopes in Gunung Dahu Research Forest, Bogor, Indonesia

Abstract. Pamoengkas P, Rachmat HH, Khalifa N. 2020. The growth of Shorea leprosula at various planting distances and slopes in Gunung Dahu Research Forest, Bogor, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4396-4404. Shorea leprosula Miq. is one of the species of Dipterocarpaceae family which has great potential to be developed as plantation forestry. This research aimed to investigate the effect of planting distance and slope on the growth of S. leprosula in Gunung Dahu Research Forest, Bogor, Indonesia. Growth variables in terms of height and diameter, and environmental factors were observed in S. leprosula stands at various planting distances and slopes. Analysis results showed that plot with planting distance of 4x6 m produced the best growth of S. leprosula than other planting distances, with the largest increment of diameter and height of 1.49 cm/year and 0.82 m/year, respectively. Slope class did not affect the diameter growth, but it affected the height growth. Slope class flat (0-8%) exhibited height growth of S. leprosula of 0.81 cm/year, which was better compared to other slope classes. Interaction between planting distance of 4x6 m and slope class of rather steep (15-25%) produced the best growth of S. leprosula compared to other interactions with diameter and height increment of 1.64 cm/year and 0.83 m/year, respectively.

Assessing the potential of Gunung Dahu Research Forest as Source-Identified Seed Stand of Shorea leprosula Miq

Shorea leprosula Miq is a species from Dipterocarp family with high economic value but has complex problems in seeds availability and storage. S. leprosula stand in Gunung Dahu Research Forest (GDRF), Bogor-West Java has been flowering for several times that makes these stand to have potential to be developed as seed stand. This research was aimed to assess the potential of Gunung Dahu Research Forest as source-identified seed stand for S. leprosula. Assessment was carried outin plot number 1, 2, 5, 7 and 21A by developing a scoring technique to several criteria, those were: total amount of seed trees, stand’s quality, flowering and fruits quality, stand’s health, trees parentage, accessibility, and stand’s security. Only those of plots having 94 points or above would be accepted as seed stand and that designated plot number 2, 5, and 21A with total score 131; 131.5; and 96.5 points accepted as seed stands while plot number 1 and 7 were failed to fulfil the criteria. Among those of accepted plots, plot number 5 has higher potential as seed stand because it has fewer disturbances than plot number 2.

Tree growth performance and estimation of wood quality in plantation trials for Maesopsis eminii and Shorea spp.

Plantations of tropical species are becoming an increasingly important source of wood. However, it is important that research trials focus not only on tree growth performance, but also on wood quality. The aims of this study were to assess the growth performance of six commercially and ecologically important tree species from separate plantation trials in Indonesia and to determine the relationships between tree growth and wood quality in terms of the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE) and wood density. Forty-eight 7-year Maesopsis eminii Engl. and thirty-five 9-year specimens (7 each of 5 Shorea spp.) were selected from two trials. The MOE, based on acoustic velocity, was indirectly measured to evaluate wood stiffness. Tree-growth performance was evaluated, and correlations between growth traits and acoustic velocity as well as density and wood stiffness properties were estimated. The growth performance of M. eminii in terms of tree volume was significantly different in three different categories of growth (i.e. fast, medium, slow). Of the five Shorea spp. studied, Shorea leprosula Miq. had the highest growth rate, as expected since it is known to be a fast-growing Shorea species. Indirect measurement of wood quality by means of non-destructive ultrasonic methods showed a weak negative correlation between tree volume and acoustic velocity and dynamic MOE. Although each fast-growing tree could reach a merchantable size faster than other varieties or species, wood traits of various species tested were not significantly different based on tree growth rate performance. The findings from this study could be used to improve selection criteria in future breeding trials; indirect measurements of the dynamic modulus of elasticity can be used in mass pre-selection of genetic materials, to choose the most-promising material for in-depth evaluation.

Coptotermes sp. Termite Attacks in Some Locations of Red Meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) Plantation

<p class="Els-Abstract-text"><span lang="EN-GB">Red Meranti (<em>Shorea leprosula</em> Miq.) have been widely planted in secondary forests and logged over forest. Problems were found in the field is due to the presence of <em>Coptotermes </em>sp<em>.</em> termite attack in <em>S. leprosula</em> plants resulting to its death. The aims of this study were to determine the percentage and intensity of <em>Coptotermes </em>sp. termite attack. The method used is to perform observations of termite attack in several locations planting, i.e. in KHDTK Samboja (East Kalimantan), KHDTK Sebulu (East Kalimantan), PT INHUTANI II, Pulau Laut (South Kalimantan) and PT Suka Jaya Makmur (West Kalimantan). The results showed that the percentage and intensity of <em>Coptotermes </em>sp<em>.</em> termite attacks in KHDTK Samboja, respectively 7.3 % and 4.7 %, in KHDTK Sebulu 11.3 % and 8.2 %, in Inhutani II 5.8 % and 5.3 % and in PT Suka Jaya Makmur 5.4 % and 4.8 %. The source of termite attacks in plants in KHDTK Samboja and KHDTK Sebulu was the termite nest contained in secondary forest bordering <em>S. leprosula</em> plantations while the source of the termite attack in plants in Inhutani II and PT Suka Jaya Makmur was the termite nests located between <em>S. leprosula</em> plantations. Finally, <em>Coptotermes sp</em> termite attack disturbed <em>S. leprosula</em> plantation.</span></p><div><p class="Els-keywords"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <em>Coptotermes </em>sp. termite attack; intensity termite attack; percentage termite attack; <em>Shorea leprosula</em> Miq.</p></div><p class="Els-Abstract-text"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p>

Kualitas Kayu Meranti Merah (Shorea leprosula Miq.) Hasil Budi Daya

Wood quality of five year-old of cultivated Red Meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) was studied in order to assure its proper utilization. The evaluation was conducted based on fiber dimension and physical properties of wood. Fiber dimension was measured through maceration specimen, while green moisture content, wood density, and specific gravity were measured following the modification of BS 373.75. Result shows that quality of Red Meranti wood studied was similar to that of naturally grown, except for its fibers which were shorter and thinner than those of naturally grown. It was found that wood quality of each tree was homogenous and even. Result also shows that average values of fiber length, cell wall thickness, moisture content in green condition, wood density and SG are 968.12 µm, 2.72 µm, 104.57%, 0.81 g/cm3, and 0.50, respectively. The wood is categorized as strength class of III, therefore, this Shorea leprosula wood is potential as raw material for plywood and furniture manufacturing, as well as for the 3-rd class of structural and other purposes. The trees unfortunately have not produce the mature wood yet, and the wood produced is not suitable for the highest quality of pulp and paper manufacturing.

The properties of red meranti wood (Shorea leprosula Miq) from stand with thinning and shade free gap treatments

Selective cutting and line planting silvicultural system has been carried out in natural forest to increase the growth rate of red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.). Even though high growth rate has been understood tend to decrease certain basic properties of wood; however measurement of the basic properties specifically done on the red meranti resulted from thinning and shade free gap treatment has been lacking. In the present research, measurement of the basic properties of red meranti resulted from thinning and shade free gap treatment was done. It was found that thinning and increasing shade free gap increased the diameter of tree, longitudinal shrinkage, fiber diameter, lumen diameter, sapwood extractives, and ash content. On the other hand, these treatment decreased heartwood proportion, crown coverage, specific gravity, wood density, mechanical properties, radial and tangential shrinkage, fiber length, cell wall thickness and heartwood extractives. Lignin, holocellulose, α-cellulose and hemicelluloses were not significantly influenced by the treatments. Overall, thinning and increasing shade free gap tended to reduce the quality of wood.

PATTERNS OF Coptotermes sp. TERMITE ATTACK ON Shorea leprosula Miq IN KHDTK SEBULU, EAST KALIMANTAN

<p>Red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq) as a major commercial timber has been widely planted in Dipterocarp forests. Coptotermes sp. termite often attacks S. leprosula Miq to its death, but the attack patterns are unknown. This research aims to get data on the frequency, intensity, and patterns of Coptotermes sp. attack in KHDTK Sebulu, East Kalimantan. Methods used were observation, recording, and mapping on S. leprosula Miq trees attacked by termites in KHDTK Sebulu. The results showed that the frequency of termite attacks on S. leprosula Miq in KHDTK Sebulu was 6.4-30.5% and termite attacks intensity was 4.7-22.1%. Termite attack patterns tended to spread and were followed by the formation of the nest to produce colonies. </p><p><strong>Keywords</strong> : S. Leprosula Miq plant, Coptotermes sp.,attack frequency, attack intensity, attack pattern.</p>

KEMAMPUAN BERTUNAS STOOL PLANTS MERANTI TEMBAGA (Shorea leprosula Miq.) DARI BEBERAPA POPULASI DI KALIMANTAN

Vegetative propagation has an important role to produce high quality of seedling. Through vegetative propagation, the genetic potential of a mother tree will totally be inherited to the off-springs. Therefore, the success of stool plants preparation from selected mother tree is very important. The aim of study was to investigate the effect of populations and height of topping to sprouting ability of Meranti tembaga (Shorea leprosula Miq.) stool plants. This study was arranged in completely randomized block design with factorial. The two treatments used in the study were three populations (Muara Wahau, East Kalimantan; Kenangan, East Kalimantan and Ketapang, West Kalimantan) and four height of toppings (20 cm, 40 cm, 60 cm and 80 cm). The results of study showed that population were significantly different for the number of sprouts, length of sprouts, diameter of sprouts and number of nodus. While the height of topping were significantly different only for the number of sprouts. The best number of sprouts (6.82 buds), length of sprouts (18.41 cm), diameter of sprouts (2.14 mm) and number of nodus (7.10 nodus) was found at Muara Wahau population. While among the height of toppings, the best number of sprouts was found at 80 cm height (8,06 buds), followed by 60 cm (6,00 buds), 40 cm (5,08 buds) and 20 cm (3,86 buds). There were no significant differences on the interaction between population and height of topping for all measured characters.

Some Records of Termitomyces from Old World Rainforests

Summary. Eleven species of Termitomyces are enumerated from the rainforests of the Old World, seven from Malaysia and seven from the Republic of Cameroon, with three species common to both. Lepiota discipes Henn. is synonymised with Termitomyces letestui and a second record is made of Tricholoma termitomycoides Corner, which resembles Termitomyces heimii Natarajan. During collecting trips for ectomycorrhizal fungi to Greater Templar Park, Selangor, and Pasoh Forest Reserve, Negri Sembilan, both in Malaysia, and Korup Rainforest National Park, Republic of Cameroon, as part of three separate interdisciplinary studies, several populations of the genus Termitomyces were also collected. This account records these finds and in so doing expands the known distribution of the species considered. Fresh collections were made in the policies of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) at Kepong, an area of 1300 hectares which forms part of the Greater Templar Park. It was formerly agricultural land, in some places with tin mining and can now be classified as a lowland rainforest. It is of a secondary nature especially as it was artificially planted in many areas with various dipterocarps and other specimen trees. The history of the plantings dates back to 1929 and is well documented. Further collections were made in logged and unlogged areas at Pasoh, an outstation of FRIM. This area is a mixed lowland dipterocarp forest dominated by Shorea leprosula Miq. and has been the subject of intensive study for over fifty years. The Korup collections were made in an area of unlogged forest dominated by caesalpinioid legumes. The agaric genus Termitomyces R. Heim has long been a curiosity to not only mycologists but botanists and even entomologists. The relationship between certain termites and fungi was first described in 1779 from the East Indies by Johann Konig, the German naturalist (Collins 1982). Termitomyces species are well known as a food source and are considered delicacies, with many species on sale in markets and at roadsides in the old world tropics. Termites are the most important group of invertebrate decomposers in the tropics and it is estimated that they are responsible for the removal of approximately 28% of all leaf litter in the rainforests of Malaysia (Collins 1982). Members of the family Termitidae, subfamily Macrotermitinae (the higher termites), have an association with members of the genus Termitomyces. These termites build