Pandanus Leaf Research Articles

Potential economic value of non-wood forest products in agroforestry system at Gempolan Village, Kerjo District, Karanganyar Regency: an economic perspective

Non-wood forest products (NWFPs) are defined as any materials (non-timber) that can be utilized from the existence of the forest. Many types of NWFP were found in the community forest of Gempolan Village. All of the community forest in Gempolan Village developed by agroforestry system. The purpose of this study was to measure and assess the potential economic value of NWFPs produced in the community forest of Gempolan Village. The method used in determining the sample was proportionate random sampling. The data collection was carried out by field observations, interviews, and literature studies. Field observation was conducted in 38 community forests by making plots 40 × 25 m2. Furthermore, an interview was conducted with the owner of those community forests to obtain information on the NWFPs utilization. Data analysis was conducted by qualitative and quantitative descriptive. There were 36 types of NWFPs that were identified in this village. In the present study, only NWFPs that plants based are observed, such as durian, ginger, etc. Total economic value of NWFPs in Gempolan Village reached Rp.1,908,394,000.00/year. The highest potential economic value was found in durian Rp.875,000,000.00/year or similar to 45.9% of total economic value of NWFPs, followed by ginger and avocado. The commodities that showed the smallest contribution to the economic value of NWFPs in Gempolan Villages were betel leaf, pandanus leaf, suweg, and snake fruit.

Analysis of the Differences in the Use of Pandan Wangi Leaf Extract (Pandanus Amaryllifolius) and Without Use of Pandan Fragile Leaf Extract (Pandanus Amaryllifolius) as House Fly Repellent (Musca Domestica)

Fly-borne diseases include dysentery, cholera, abdominal typhus, diarrhea, and others related to poor environmental sanitation conditions, so it is necessary to control flies carefully to avoid environmental pollution and health problems. One plant that contains botanical insecticides is the fragrant pandanus leaf (Pandanus amaryllifolius). Fragrant pandanus leaves contain insecticides in the form of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols. The type of research conducted is experimental with a static group comparison experiment design, which simultaneously measures the dependent variable and the independent variable by comparing the treated results with the control results. The research sample amounted to 240 flies. In the 10-minute observation period, 20 flies were released in one cage for each treatment. The results of this study were obtained. There is a difference in the use of fragrant pandanus leaf extract with a dose of 5 ml (7.67), 10 ml (12.33), and 15 ml (13.67) and without using a dose of fragrant pandanus leaf extract on the level of house fly expulsion: 5 ml (2.33), 10 ml (1.67), and 15 ml (1.33). The dose that causes the most significant expulsion of houseflies is in the extract of fragrant pandanus leaves with a dose of 15 ml because the higher the dose, the more flies are expelled. Conclusion: The results of the ANOVA test based on the dose of fragrant pandanus leaf extract on the number of houses flies that do not land, the degree of freedom obtained from 3 to 8, are used to see Ft. It turns out that Ft 1% = 7.59, Ft 5% = 3.86, and Fo = 536.32; thus, if Fo is greater than Ft, Ho is rejected, meaning that there is a significant difference between the various doses of fragrant pandanus leaf extract on the repulsion of house flies.

PENGARUH PEMANFAATAN DAUN PANDAN WANGI (Pandanus Amarillyfolius) DAN BATANG SERAI (Andropogon nardus) SEBAGAI INSEKTISIDA ALAMI PEMBASMI KUTU BERAS (Sitophylus oryzae)

This study aims to determine whether there is an effective effect of fragrant pandan leaf powder (Pandanus amarillyfolius) and lemongrass stems (Andropogon nardus) as natural insecticides on the optimal death of rice bugs (Sitophylus oryzae). This research is an experimental research conducted in the biology laboratory of Patompo University. The experiment was designed using a completely randomized design (CRD) with the concentration of pandan leaf powder (P.amarillifolius) and lemongrass stem (A.nardus) which were varied, namely P0 (0), P1 (60 gram fragrant pandan leaf powder), P2 (60gram lemongrass stem powder), P3 (60gr fragrant pandan leaf powder + 60gr lemongrass stem powder). Based on the results of the study for rice flea mortality, it can be seen that the average of each concentration is P0 (0%), P1 = 56.7%, P2=66.7%, and P3 = 73.3%. Of these concentrations, it can be seen that the best concentration as a natural insecticide for rice flea mortality is P3 with an average mortality of 73.3%. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be seen that the value of F count> F table (6.333> 5.14) or sig value <0.05 (0.033 <0.05), so it can be concluded that H0 is rejected, which means that there is a significant effect of utilizing fragrant pandanus leaves and lemongrass stems as a natural insecticide against rice fleas. So it can be said that fragrant pandanus leaf powder (P.amarillyfolius) and lemongrass stems (A.nardus) can have an effective effect and as a natural insecticide against the death of rice fleas (S.oryzae).Keywords: Pandanus amarillyfolius, Andropogon nardu, Sitophylus oryzae

Formulation of Peel-off Gel Face Mask from Pandanus amaryllifolius (Roxb.) Leaves Extract

UV exposure is the most significant environmental risk factor that can be altered for skin cancer andmany other skin conditions. An antioxidant is a compound that can protect the skin from sun radiation.Pandanus amaryllifolius is a plant that has antioxidant activity because it contains polyphenols. Theobjective of this study is to formulate a pandan Wangi leaf extract peel-off gel facial mask and analyzehow variations in the extract's concentration affect the physical and chemical evaluation. In this study,three formulas were made with varying concentrations of extract, namely F1 (1%), F2 (3%), and F3(5%). The preparation was evaluated for 28 days at a controlled room temperature (180C-300C+20C).The evaluation carried out included a physical evaluation (organoleptic, spreadability, homogeneity,viscosity, dry time) and a chemical evaluation (pH). The results showed that F1, F2, and F3 met therequirements for physical and chemical evaluation. Variations in the concentration of Pandan Wangileaf extract had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the results of the preparation evaluation which includedorganoleptic, spreadability, and viscosity. While for the evaluation of homogeneity, dry time, and pHdid not show significant results (p> 0.05). These results indicate that pandanus leaf extract (Pandanusamaryllifolius Roxb.) can be formulated into a peel-off gel facial mask.

UJI DAYA HAMBAT EKSTRAK DAUN PANDAN WANGI (PANDANUS AMARYLLIFOLIUS ROXB) TERHADAP BAKTERI ESCHERICIA COLI

Fragrant pandanus leaf plant (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb) contains antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, alcolloids, saponins, and tannins. One alternative to overcome Escherichia coli bacterial infection is the use of fragrant pandanus leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of fragrant pandan leaf extract (Pandanus amarllyfolius Roxb) against the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria. This type of research is experimental using the disc diffusion method. Fragrant pandanus leaves are extracted by maceration method using ethanol 96% as a solvent. The results of the study found that the average diameter of the bland zone at a concentration of 25% is 6 mm, at a concentration of 50% is 11.7 mm, the concentration of 75% is 12.3 mm, at positive control (Chloramphenicol) is 25 mm, and negative control (ethanol 96%) is 6 mm. The conclusion of the study is the pandan leaves extract can inhibit the growth of bacteria Escherichia coli.

Pengaruh Pemberian Rebusan Daun Pandan Wangi (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb) Terhadap Penurunan Glukosa Darah Pada Mencit (Mus musculus)

Background :Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a degenerative disease caused by damage to the pancreas in production or insulin cannot work effectively. Boiled water of Fragrant Pandanus Leaf (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb) can help reduce blood glucose levels. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of boiled water fragrant pandanus leaf on blood glucose levels in male mice induced by glucose as a hiperglikemi model. Methods : 30 male mice were divided into 5 groups. Each group induced glucose 0.2ml/20gBB. The negative control group was given Na-CMC; the positive control group was given glibenclamide 0.01 ml/20gBW; treatment group 15% fragrant pandan leaf boiled water; treatment group 2 was given 10% fragrant pandan leaf boiled water; treatment group 3 boiled water of 20% fragrant pandan leaves. Examination of blood glucose levels was carried out after the intervention. Analysis of the results using the Kruskall Wallis test followed by Post Hoc Mann Whitney. Result : The results of Kruskal Wallis test on blood glucose level showed that had effect of giving the boiled water of Fragrant Pandanus Leaf in five groups treatment p=0,000. The result of Mann Whitney test showed that the boiled water of Fragrant Pandanus Leaf had effective antidiabetic activity at a dose of 20%. Conclusion : Based on the result of this study we can conclude the giving of boiled water fragrant pandanus leaf can reduce blood glucose levels.

Efektivitas Gel Esktrak Daun Pandan Wangi (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb.) terhadap Penyembuhan Ulser Pada Tikus Wistar

Ulcer is a lesion that is often found in the oral cavity that causes discomfort, pain, difficulty speaking and difficulty eating. Nowdays, herbal ingredients are widely used as alternative medicine choice besides drugs on the market. Pandan leaf contains flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and polyphenols which have antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant abilities, allowing faster healing of ulcers. Purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pandanus leaf extract gel on healing ulcers and determine the most effective concentration in healing ulcers. This study used 25 Wistar rats divided into 5 groups, which were applied CMC-Na gel, aloclair gel, 25%, 50% dan 75% pandan wangi leaf extract gel. Each rat was made ulcer by heating the stopper amalgam on the bunsen fire for 30 seconds, then touching to the left buccal mucosa for 1 second, and waiting for 2x24 hours to form an ulcer. Giving the gel every morning and evening and measure the diameter of ulcers every day. This study showed healing time and decrease ulcer diameter pandanus leaf extract gel faster than negative control. The average recovery day was negative control for 9.8 days, positive control for 8 days, pandanus leaf extract gel concentration 25% for 8.6 days, concentration 50% for 8 days, and concentration 75% for 6.8 days. Pandan leaf extract gel accelerated ulcer healing and 75% concentration is the most effective.

Notes on leaf anatomy: Additional information for Indonesian Pandanus spp. (Pandanaceae)

In Indonesia, Pandanus spp. were distributed from Sumatra to Papua. These Pandanus species has broader variation of anatomical leaf characters whether epidermis or transversal section traits. This study was conducted to obtain an information of anatomical characters of Pandanus leaf and supporting character on Pandanus identification. Pandanus collections of Herbarium Bogoriense were used for this study, and some of Pandanus species from Papua New Guinea and Malay Peninsula were added as well. Paraffin method and simple peeling of the leaf surface were used to get leaf transversal sections and epidermis characters. In general, anatomical characters of examined species in this study relatively similar to other Pandanus species which were studied by former researchers. Pandanus has broad range of stomata types on the lower leaf surface, from simple stomata to the most specialized stomata. The upper leaf surface of Pandanus spp. has similar stomata type, viz. class 1 (simple). Zonation always presents on all species, except on P. atropurpureus, P. conoideus and P. nitidus. Mostly, crystals CaCO3 were found in three forms, namely rectangular and needle-like shape in idioblast cells, while prism-shape is scattered in the mesophyll area. These crystal shapes absent in P. odorifer and there is one additional crystal shape, drusse which present in P. conoideus. Silica bodies located in the upper and lower hypodermis of leaf. Bundle sheath extension was seen in all species except P. beguinii, P. conoideus, and P. fusinus.

Dodol Ulame, a Mandailing’s Ethnic Food: History and Culture, Packaging, and It’s Challenge on Globalization

Mandailing Ethnic was famous with its social system and strong customs which is reflected in all aspects of life including in making dodol ulame . How dodol ulame able to survive in globalization era without losing its cultural identity is very interesting to learn even more there are still limited information about traditional and ethnicity. This study used qualitative phenomenological methods using primary and secondary data. Dodol ulame was first introduced by Mandailing ethnic and it was a symbol of the existence of Mandailing ethnics that was still maintained today which thrives on mutual help and kindship. The uniqueness of dodol ulame lies in the traditional manufacturing process using local ingredients i.e. glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. All ingredients were cooked for the long time so that it produces a distinctive taste and texture. In addition, the unique and traditional packaging system by using Pandanus leaf and hung it in a para-para was believed to be able to extend shelf life. On the globalization era, modifications and technologies need to be considered in order to overcome weaknesses in the long cooking process, low nutritional value, product standardization and environmental preservation of dodol ulame . Overall this study tries to highlight information about traditional and ethnic dodolulame to preserve its existence which is full of traditions and mandailing ethnic culture in the era of globalization.

PEMBUATAN KOMPOSIT DARI LIMBAH PLASTIK POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET) BERBASIS SERAT ALAM DAUN PANDAN LAUT (Pandanus tectorius)

Composite is a material that is formed from a combination of two or more forming materials through an inhomogeneous mixing consisting of two parts, namely the matrix as a composite binder or protector and the filler as a composite filler. Pandan sea leaf ( Pandanus tectorius ) is one alternative natural material that can be used as a filler in making composites because it has a high cellulose content and has strong fiber properties. The purpose of this research was to describe the process of making composites with natural fiber fillers and characteristics of composites produced. Making composites through 4 steps, namely making sea pandanus leaf powder, making cellulose fraction, making polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste matrix, and making composite. Based on the results of the composite characterization research includes water content from 2.46% to 3.51%, density from 0.49 g/cm 3 to 0.52 g/cm 3 , porosity from 10.02% to 24.06%, and absorption water that is 24.88% to 46.51%. The type of MPA 1 (30% filler cellulose sea pandanus leaves: 70% polyethylene terephthalate pellet matrix) had a moisture content that complies with SNI 01-4449-2006 that is 2.46%, the corresponding density value SNI 03-2105-2006 is 0.52 g/cm 3 , the porosity value that is in line with SNI 03-2105-2006 is 10.02%, and the absorption according to JIS A5905-2003 standard is 24.88%.

UJI DAYA HAMBAT ANTIBAKTERI SALEP EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN PANDAN HUTAN (Freycinetia sessiliflora Rizki.) TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN BAKTERI Staphylococcus epidermidis

Freycinetia sessiliflora Rizki is a plant that has secondary metabolites, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids-steroids, saponins, phenols and tannins. This study aims to determine whether there is inhibitory and concentrated ointment extract of thick pandanus leaf of the forest that can inhibit the growth of Stapylococcus epidermidis bacteria. Inhibition testing was carried out by disk diffusion method with different concentrations of 5% and 10% concentrations made 9 ointment formulas with a variety of 3 bases namely hydrocarbon base, absorbency base and water soluble base. The results of inhibitory measurements of ethanol extract ointment leaves of pandanus leaves are good or have the greatest value to the smallest inhibitory effect on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria with an average diameter of inhibition at F6 of 4.11 mm, F1 of 2.78 mm, F3 of 2.68 mm, F5 of 2.47 mm, F4 of 2.25 mm, F2 of 2.23 mm, F7 of 1.29, F8 of 1.13 and F9 of 0.86 mm.

Pengaruh Ukuran Partikel dan Lama Ekstraksi terhadap Karakteristik Ekstrak Pewarna Alami Daun Pandan Wangi (Pandanus amaryllifolius R.)

Fragrant pandan leaves can be used as a natural coloring because they contain chlorophyll obtained through the extraction process. The purposes of this study were to determine the effect of particle size and extraction time on the characteristics of natural pandanus fragrance leaf extract and determine the best treatment of particle size and extraction time to produce natural pandanus leaf extract dye. This study used a 2 factorial factorial randomized block design. The first factor is the particle size which consists of 3 levels, namely 40, 60, 80 mesh. The second factor is the extraction time which consists of 3 levels, namely 24, 36, and 48 hours. The results showed that the treatment of particle size and extraction time affected the yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, brightness (L *), redness (a *) and yellowish level (b *). The treatment of 60 mesh particle size and 36 hour extraction time are the best treatment to produce natural pandanus fragrance extract coloring with yield characteristics of 8.81% chlorophyll a level of 23.66%, chlorophyll b level of 3.92%, total chlorophyll content of 27.57%, the brightness level (L *) 21.06, the redness level (a *) 4.92, the yellowish level (b *) 6.21.
 Keywords: Pandanus amaryllifolius R., chlorophyll, color, extraction

CHEMICAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTIC OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor) TAPAI WITH TRADITIONAL PACKAGING

Tapai is one of the traditional food from Java island. Nowadays, traditional food is being ignored by people. Conserving traditional food s are needed . Processing into a variety of foods that has good nutrition can make traditional food exist. Sorghum ( Sorghum b icolor ) is a good source of carbohydrates, fibers, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant. However, it has not been fully utilized. B itter taste, sandy texture and unpleasant aroma in sorghum cause people do not like . Therefore, this study aimed to develop tapai from sorghum. This study will focus on the evaluation of starch content, pH, acidity content, sugar content and sensory evaluation tapai made from varieties of sorghum and types of natural packaging. The method used in this study wa s the experimental method using a completely randomized factorial design consisting of two factors, vari able of sorghum (white, red and brown sorghum) and types of natural packaging (banana leaf, pandanus leaf, and guava leaf) with two replications. Duncan's multiple range tests were performed with a 5% significance for statistical analysis. Results revealed that the highest starch content was 27,4% in tapai from brown sorghum with banana leaf packaging. Regarding sugar content, tapai from brown sorghum with banana leaf packaging had the highest result. Whereas, base d on sensory evaluation, tapai from white sorghum with banana leaf packaging was the most favored by panelist s. Normal 0 false false false IN X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:IN; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

Effect of Extraction Time on Tannin Antioxidant Level and Flavonoid on Pandan Wangi Leaf (Pandanusamary llifolius Roxb) Using Hydrothermal Extractor

Pandanus leaf (Pandanus Amaryllifolius) is one of the plants that have chemical content in the form of tannins, saponins, polyphenols (phenolics), alkaloids and flavonoids that can be used as antioxidants.The research that is done is total tannin and alkaloid test on pandan leaves. The purpose of this reseach was to determine the effect of extraction time on the amount of tannin and alkaloids in pandan leaves. In the tannin and alkaloids test, the extraction of pandan leaves was first used hydrothermal extract with 60°C temperature in 60 minutes using aquadest solvent with variation of extraction time 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes. Tannin content of 0.2%; 0.8%; 2.5%; 6.2%; 7.1% and flavonoid levels of 2.05%; 2.36%; 4.44%; 0.78%; 0.34%. From the results of reseach showed that the longer the extraction time, the more tannin content produced. While flavonoids have optimum time at 40 minute extraction time. Optimal tannin content obtained by using aquades solvent is the time of extraction for 60 minutes, while the optimum flavonoid content at the time of extraction 40 minutes.

UJI EFEKTIVITAS DAUN PANDAN WANGI (PANDANUS AMARYLLIFOLIUS ROXB.) SEBAGAI ANTIBAKTERI TERHADAP SALMONELLA TYPHI

Pandanus amaryllifolius roxb leaves commonly used as food dditives which contain various compound groups namely alkaloid, saponins, flavonoids and tannins that have a role in antibacterial activity. This research is indicated to support the success of antibacterial in fragrant pandanus leaf plants against Salmonella typhi, one of the pathogenic bacteria. The antibacterial effectiveness test of ethanol-ethyl acetate extract (1: 1) of pandanus leaves which evaluated by the Kirby-bauer method and making the extract concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%. The results showed that pandanus leaves extract had antibacterial effectiveness against Salmonella typhi with an average inhibition zone diameter of 11.6 mm; 14 mm; 14.3 mm; 15.3 mm; positive controls (Ciprofloxacin) 27 mm; and negative controls (aquadest) didn’t produce the inhibition zone of Salmonella typhi.

On the materials of mats: thinking through design in a Melanesian society

This article examines the selective use of plant materials in design inMelanesia. It explores – through an analysis of pandanus leaf mats inNewIreland,PapuaNewGuinea – how makers select fibres on the basis of their capacity to express social relations to varying temporalities before their natural decay.J.J.Gibson's theory of affordance andDonaldNorman's concept of mapping are critically applied for this purpose. This approach emphasizes how social and temporal relations are condensed into objects, and refocuses anthropological attention towards materials and their affordances in the production of material culture.

PEMBUATAN KONSENTRAT ZAT WARNA ALAMI UNTUK BAHAN MAKANAN DARI DAUN PANDAN DAN BIJI KESUMBA BESERTA PENERAPANNYA

<p><strong><em>Abstract:</em></strong><em> Pandanus leaf and </em><em>B</em><em>ixa orellana linn seed can be used as natural colourant. This colourant has a beautiful colour effect and hardly to be imitated by synthetic colourant.</em><em> Based on other study, n</em><em>atural colourant concentrate from </em><em>these</em><em> seed </em><em>was</em><em> tested into soaked food and dried foodl in order </em><em>to </em><em>increase food quality. </em><em>In this study, we used</em><em> </em><em>P</em><em>andanus leaf and </em><em>B</em><em>ixa orellana linn seed with water as solvent</em><em> in extraction process. Colourant and solvent was then separated by distillation. </em><em> </em><em>A</em><em>bsorb</em><em>a</em><em>ncy and pH</em><em> of product were then analysized.</em><em> Absorbency </em><em>analysis was conducted</em><em> </em><em>using</em><em> pectrophotometer.</em><em> E</em><em>xtraction</em><em> of 1</em><em> kg of raw material and 5 </em><em>L</em><em> of </em><em>water at </em><em>100<sup>o</sup>C </em><em>in stirred tank for </em><em>30 minutes </em><em>operation </em><em>produce</em><em>d</em><em> a thin colourant substance. Distillation</em><em> of this substance </em><em>at 100<sup>o</sup>C </em><em>produced 300 mL of concentrated substance. We found that 1 kg</em><em> of </em><em>P</em><em>andanus le</em><em>af</em><em> </em><em>generate</em><em> 60</em><em>.</em><em>66 grams of colourant substance and </em><em>1 kg</em><em> of </em><em>B</em><em>ixa orellana linn seed </em><em>generate</em><em> 119</em><em>.</em><em>14 grams. </em><em>Absorbancy </em><em>analysis</em><em> of product</em><em> at 520 nm length of wave and pH 5-6 </em><em>showed that</em><em> concentration of </em><em>product from B</em><em>ixa orellana linn seed </em><em>is</em><em> higher than </em><em>product from P</em><em>andanus </em><em>leaf</em><em>. </em><em>Products of liquid</em><em> colourant substance </em><em>were</em><em> </em><em>then </em><em>tested into soaked and dried food</em><em> such as </em><em>Bolu Kukus cake</em><em>, </em><em>Klepon</em><em> and</em><em> Rengginang. Liquid colourant substance </em><em>from P</em><em>andanus leaf give</em><em>s</em><em> brown and dark green </em><em>colour </em><em>with fragrance</em><em>,</em><em> whereas </em><em>B</em><em>ixa orellana linn seed gives dark yellow and dark red colour with distinctive smell.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em> </em></strong><strong><em>Keyword</em></strong><strong><em>s</em></strong><strong><em>: </em></strong><em>natural colour, pandanus and bixa orellana linn, consentrate.</em></p>

A new genus and species of freshwater crab (Crustacea, Decapoda, Potamoidea) from northern Madagascar, and a second new species associated with Pandanus leaf axils

Two new species of freshwater crab are described from Madagascar, one from streams in a high-elevation locality, and the other from Pandanus leaf axils in low altitude localities. The unusual combination of characters of the new high-elevation species warrants the establishment of a new genus to accommodate this taxon. The new taxa are compared to the other species of freshwater crabs occurring in Madagascar, including Gecarcinautes antongilensis vondrozi Bott, 1965, which is considered here to be a synonym of G. antongilensis (Rathbun, 1904). Both of the new taxa are endemic to Madagascar, as are all of the genera and species of freshwater crabs found on the island.

Manufacture and use of hook-tools by New Caledonian crows

TOOL behaviour in wild birds has been described as mostly stereotyped1,2, and tool manufacture involves little modification of material3–5. Here I report in New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides the manufacture and use of two different types of hook tool to aid prey capture: hooked-twig and stepped-cut barbed pandanus leaf. Crow tool manufacture had three features new to tool use in free-living nonhumans: a high degree of standardization, distinctly discrete tool types with definite imposition of form in tool shaping, and the use of hooks. These features only first appeared in the stone6 and bone7 tool-using cultures of early humans after the Lower Palaeolithic6,7, which indicates that crows have achieved a considerable technical capability in their tool manufacture and use.

An Unusual Submerged Aquatic Ecotype of Asplenium unilaterale

Although many ferns inhabit moist places, extremely few are actually deserving of the term aquatic. There are the floating miniferns Azolla and Salvinia, and others that usually root in mud with a fluctuating water level, e.g., Ceratopteris, Acrostichum, and Marsileaceae. Rheophytes, subject to floods in streambeds, are periodically aquatic. Some plants are moistened with constant spray from waterfalls (Giesenhagen, 1892; Mickel, 1972; Iwatsuki, 1975; Page, 1979). A species of Stenochlaena lives in water pockets formed by Pandanus leaf bases (Price, 1982, p. 200). This report of Asplenium unilaterale Lam. makes it the second known fern that lives as a genuine submerged aquatic. The other such is Bolbitis heudelotii (Fee) Alston of Africa, sometimes cultivated in tropical aquaria, although it is merely a form of the species that is most often rheophytic (Hennipman, 1977, p. 236-240). Asplenium unilaterale is already known to be highly variable in cytology (Lovis, 1973), reproduction (Murakami & Iwatsuki, 1983) and habitat and morphology (Iwatsuki, 1975), with some plants (var. udum) having an extremely thin (bistratose) lamina lacking intercellular spaces. The submerged form was collected in Seram (Ceram) Island, the Moluccas, Indonesia, during field trips in 1983 and 1984-85. On the island, ecologically and reproductively different forms of Asplenium unilaterale also are terrestrial or on dry or wet rocks in montane forests, as they are in the entire range. The new form grows in a spring named Air Mata at 350 m above sea level on the southern slope of Murkele Mountain Ridge at the central part of the island. This area is abundant in limestone rocks, and river water occasionally underflows. The spring is formed at the mouth of an underflowing stream and water flows out with air bubbles from the bottom of the spring at several points and goes down rapidly along Wae (=River) Makariki (Fig. 1). The water level appeared to be constant and the water temperature measured 19?C. The spring is surrounded by steep slopes covered by semi-primary forest. Asplenium subnormale, a lowland species closely related to A. unilaterale, was found growing terrestrially on the slope, but A. unilaterale was absent there. The submerged form consists of several populations, and all the individuals are uniform in morphology. The largest population grows submerged 50-70 cm (to the top of the leaves) below the water surface in rather slowly flowing water, with numerous air bubbles, and epiphytic on likewise submerged roots of two trees of Ficus sp. (one ca. 28 cm and another 33 cm in DBH) which stand in the spring (Fig. 1). Smaller populations grow more shallowly submerged on roots