The flora of Malaysia projects

Abstract

Malaysia has an estimated 15,000 species of vascular plants. Located in the Malesian region, its affinity is Sundaic, having common elements with Sumatra, Java and Palawan. The two halves of Malaysia, Peninsular Malaysia extending from mainland Asia and East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo have their own distinct floristic components. Peninsular Malaysia has about 8,200 species of vascular plants and Sabah and Sarawak have an estimated 12,000 species. The flora of Sabah and Sarawak is generally richer than that of Peninsular Malaysia. Due to historical reasons, the flora of Malaysia project is planned in a phased approach. The Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak project, initiated in 1991, represents the first systematic modern attempt to document some of the important plant families of these two states. It would take at least another ten years to complete this project. It is estimated that the Flora of Peninsular Malaysia project, initiated in 2005, will take at least 20 years to complete. To achieve these ambitions, there must be continual support in skilled manpower and fund allocations.