Diversity of Limestone Orchids in Padawan, Sarawak

Padawan Formation is the largest outcrop in Sarawak. However, little botanical work has been done. Many of the collections are unpublished. Therefore, the orchid flora in Padawan is poorly known. Nine limestone hills and two rivers in the northern part of Padawan Formation have been botanized in this study. A total of 148 taxa in 47 genera from 3 subfamilies were recorded. A total of 43 taxa and 10 genera are new records for Padawan. Bulbophyllum reticulatum, Cleisostoma discolor, Dendrobium truncatum, Dossinia marmorata, and Paphiopedilum stonei are recognised as endemic species of limestone area; whilst, Bulbophyllum reticulatum, and Paphiopedilum stonei are recognised as endemic species in Sarawak. There are three outstanding features of the Orchidaceae of Padawan: (i) consists of Asian and Papuasia elements at the generic level and Bornean element at the species level; (ii) morphological diversity, a prima fascia indication of the rich floristic composition of the limestone area; and (iii) small size of genus, species in small populations. Gunung Bekap, Gunung Mangan and Gunung Timurang, stand out for in-situ conservation because they comprise the most diverse orchid species. They are also home to endangered and rare species like Dossinia marmorata, Paphiopedilum lowii and Paphiopedilum stonei.

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