Genomic characterization of R. palembanica's chloroplast reveals key markers and evolutionary links, advancing molecular resources for conserving threatened Dipterocarpaceae species. The Dipterocarps have an important ecological and economical role and are a major component of tropical forests in Southeast Asia. They are well-known as sources both for their timber and non-timber products. Genome references become fundamental resource and can be used as best practice in achieving biodiversity conservation efforts and goals. This study aims to characterize chloroplast genome of Rubroshorea palembanica compared to other Dipterocarpaceae species, construct phylogenetic relationship, and identify potential molecular markers for inferring genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis. The chloroplast genome of R. palembanica was 150,558 bp in size. A typical quadripartite structure occurred, comprising a large single-copy region of 83,511 bp, a small single-copy region of 19,839 bp, and a pair of inverted regions of 23,604 bp each. There were 128 unique genes, including 84 protein coding genes, 36 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. A total of 159 simple sequence repeats and 190 long repeats were identified. Eight highly variable loci were identified and they have the potential for genetic markers. Those genes were rps16–trnQ, trnQ–psbK, psbK–psbI, psbI–trnS, psbB–psbT, psbT–psbN, psbN–psbH, and psbH–petB. The phylogenetic position of R. palembanica was nested in the Rubroshorea clade, which was more closely related to R. macrophylla. These findings provide genomic information that could support conservation studies.

Syzygium rubrocarpum, a new species from Sulawesi, is described and illustrated here. This novel species is recognized by its narrowly elliptic or oblong-elliptic to subfalcate leaf shape with 13-15 lateral veins, cauliflorous cymes on main stem, pink-colored flowers, and red-colored globose berries. Currently, S. rubrocarpum is known to occur in two locations in Southeast Sulawesi (Kendari and Kolaka) and is locally referred to as ruruhi.

The complete chloroplast genome of Hopea rudiformis, a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List, was sequenced and analyzed to uncover its genomic structure, gene content, and evolutionary context, contributing essential resources for conservation and phylogenetics. Assembled using GetOrganelle with 146.3x coverage, the plastome spans 151,323 bp and follows the typical quadripartite structure of angiosperms, comprising an LSC, SSC, and two IR regions, with an overall GC content of 37.39%, highest in the IRs due to rRNA gene enrichment. A total of 126 genes were annotated, including 83 protein-coding genes, 35 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs, with gene losses (infA, ycf15, atpF), intron reductions (clpP, rps12), and the presence of cis- and trans-splicing genes (notably trans-spliced rps12) highlighting structural and functional plastome modifications. Codon usage and amino acid profiles showed biases favoring translational efficiency, while 191 SSRs-primarily trinucleotides-were identified, offering potential for marker development. Comparative genome analysis with other Hopea species (H. odorata, H. hainanensis, and H. dryobalanoides) revealed high synteny and conserved IR boundaries, with minor lineage-specific shifts. Phylogenomic analysis positioned H. rudiformis within a well-supported clade alongside these congeners, confirming its evolutionary placement in the core Hopea lineage. This study not only clarifies the plastid genome architecture of H. rudiformis but also provides a foundation for its genetic conservation, phylogenetic refinement within Dipterocarpaceae, and future biodiversity research.

Dewi AP, Wulansari TYI, Senjaya SK, Arifiani D, Wanda IF, Lisnawati Y, Sunardi, Prawestri AD, Martiansyah I, Evana, Satrio RD, Hartono AMNK, Suyoko, Yuswandi AY, Syukur M, Sari DK, Rasyl CA. 2025. Updated information on qualitative leaf anatomical characters of Eusideroxylon zwageri from East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 322-336. Eusideroxylon zwageri, the sole species of its genus ( (Eusideroxylon) and one of the most economically and culturally significant timbers of Borneo known as Bornean ironwood or "kayu ulin", has been extensively studied for its ecology, genetics, and conservation, yet its foliar anatomy remains poorly documented. This study provides an updated qualitative assessment of leaf anatomical characters of E. zwageri based on 66 accessions representing five subpopulations in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Transverse and paradermal sections of the lamina, midrib, and petiole were prepared following standard microtechnique procedures, and 37 anatomical traits were recorded. The results showed that most foliar anatomical features of E. zwageri are consistent with the Lauraceae family. A single character appears diagnostic for E. zwageri zwageri-osteosclereids present in the mesophyll of the lamina. Several anatomical features of E. zwageri indicate functional adaptation, including superficial stomata (related to efficient CO2 intake), sclereids (contributing to the hardness and durability of the wood), oil cell distribution (which helps prevent pest attacks), suggesting functional adaptations related to gas exchange efficiency, mechanical reinforcement, and defense against herbivory. Nevertheless, understanding pronounced lignification of sclerenchyma and sclereids may constrain regeneration, posing challenges for conservation. These updated anatomical data provide a foundation for future taxonomic, ecological, and conservation research, particularly in developing propagation strategies to support large-scale restoration of this Vulnerable species.

Effective detection of Ganoderma boninense (G. boninense) is critical for disease prevention and management. This study aims to detect G. boninense infection in the upper part stem of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in five growth stages of the plant by conducting PCR-based diagnostic methods using specific four combinations of DNA primers of G. boninense. The upper part tissues of the stem were tested including leaflet, petiole, and scars samples from various stages of oil palm (seedling at pre-nursery, seedling at nursery, young, mature, and old palm at plantation fields). The results show that G. boninense infection can be detected early using a PCR method with a specific primer combination, ITS1 and Gan2. The leaflet is an excellent source of tissue for identifying G. boninense infection in the upper part of the palm. Sequencing analysis indicated that all samples were positioned within G. boninense clade. This study supported the idea of utilization of leaf samples from different growth stages of oil palm for early detection of G. boninense.

Dehaasia pugerensis Koord. Valeton is an endemic plant species classified as critically endangered (CR) in Jember, Java. It thrives in arid, rocky forest regions, making it a significant genetic resource for plant conservation initiatives. This study aimed to analyze the genetics of Dehaasia pugerensis through a molecular approach utilizing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) barcoding technique. This experiment utilized three accessions from three populations in Puger Jember, East Java: Igir Pletes (IP), Watu Susu (WS), and Undak Sebanen (US), along with Klatakan (KT). Notably, samples from the WS accession were excluded from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) primers due to poor sequencing results and were substituted with samples from the US accession. A single sample from each population of Dehaasia pugerensis underwent DNA sequencing utilizing DNA barcoding markers from three chloroplast genes: ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL), maturase K (matK), and the transfer RNA-histidine and the photosystem II protein D1 (trnH-psbA) intergenic spacer, as well as one nuclear ITS region. Sequence analysis demonstrated identical base composition in the plastid genes rbcL and matK, minor variation in trnH-psbA intergenic spacer, and significant variation in the nuclear ITS region. This demonstrates that the evolutionary rate of the chloroplast genome is lower than that of the nuclear genome. The chloroplast and nuclear genomes exhibit significant differences in evolutionary rates, influenced by various internal and external factors such as inheritance mode, mutation rate, and evolutionary pressures. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the three accessions clustered together within the same group, as determined by chloroplast genes and ITS region. The three accessions exhibit a close relationship with Dehaasia hainanensis and Dehaasia incrassata, as indicated by the genetic distance observed on the phylogenetic tree. DNA barcoding with rbcL, matK, trnH-psbA intergenic spacer, and ITS confirmed the identity of Dehaasia pugerensis and revealed key genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the three accessions (KT450, IP42, WS152) into a single clade, closely related to Dehaasia hainanensis and Dehaasia incrassata, indicating shared evolutionary traits. While rbcL and matK were genetically stable, trnH-psbA intergenic spacer and ITS showed notable variability, particularly in ITS, which revealed important genetic differences. These findings highlight the value of molecular data in shaping conservation strategies for Dehaasia pugerensis, such as propagation, reintroduction, and seed banking.

Neolamarckia cadamba is a fast-growing tropical tree species increasingly cultivated in community and industrial plantation forests. However, its growth on many sites is less than optimal, especially in marginal drylands. Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) may offer a viable solution to improve seedling quality and enhance adaptation to marginal environments. The research aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize the DSEs species associated with N. cadamba, and to test their effect on improving its seedling quality. The six DSEs symbionts of N. cadamba successfully isolated and identified were CPGS-1, CPGS-3, CPPS-9, CKKS-3, CKKS-5, and CGKR-9. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the identified isolates CPGS-1 and CPPS-9 were closely related to Dothideomycetes sp. (69%). Isolates CPGS-3, CKKS-3, and CKKS-5 were closely related to the genus Knufia (99%). CGKR-9 was closely associated with Exophiala spinifera (similarity 99.51%). The molecular analysis indicates that the six DSEs isolates from N. cadamba are new species that have never been identified. The effect of DSEs on the N. cadamba seedlings growth was tested using three isolates (CPGS-1, CKKS-3, and CKKS-5) in the green house. CKKS-5 isolate gave the best N. cadamba seedling growth, with increased seedling height and diameter over the control of 11.6%-20.4% and 8.8%-51.8%, respectively. CKKS-5 increased the seedling biomass of Gowa and Pomalla provenances by 89.1% and 35.8%, respectively, compared to the control. The DSEs inoculant, especially CKKS-5, can positively affect seedling morphophysiological traits. These findings can serve as a basis for developing DSE-based biofertilizer applications to establish plantation forest and restore degraded forests and landscapes.

The genus Dillenia (Dilleniaceae) comprises approximately 100 species distributed across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. In Indonesia, research on Dillenia remains limited, particularly regarding updated data on its diversity and distribution. This research aims to know the research gap of the genus Dillenia globally and inventory Dillenia collection from Sulawesi at Herbarium Bogoriense (BO) and Bogor Botanical Garden (BBG). This study first conducted a bibliometric analysis using data from the Scopus database, followed by a descriptive approach through morphological observation of herbarium specimens from Sulawesi deposited in the BO and living collections in the BBG. The bibliometric analysis revealed five major research clusters in Dillenia studies: antibacterial activity and phytochemistry; ethnobotany and traditional uses; pharmacology and cytotoxicity; phytochemical analysis and plant extracts; and compound isolation and purification. Research on taxonomy, ecology, and conservation of Dillenia remains underexplored and offers substantial opportunities for further investigation. The inventory confirmed the presence of four endemic species in Sulawesi—D. serrata, D. ochreata, D. celebica, and D. talaudensis—and D. pentagyna, which is more broadly distributed. However, potential misidentification was observed in some specimens, notably the occurrence of D. ptempoda in the BBG collection, a species not listed in previous taxonomic revisions.

Background Essential oils are natural products of aromatic plants with numerous uses. Essential oils have been traded worldwide and utilized in various industries. Indonesia is the sixth largest essential oil producing country, but land degradation is a risk to the continuing extraction and utilization of natural products. Production of essential oil plants on degraded lands is a potential strategy to mitigate this risk. This study aimed to identify degraded lands in Indonesia that could be suitable habitats for five wild native essential oil producing plants, namely Acronychia pedunculata (L.) Miq., Baeckea frutescens L., Cynometra cauliflora L., Magnolia montana (Blume) Figlar, and Magnolia sumatrana var. glauca (Blume) Figlar & Noot using various species distribution models. Methods The habitat suitability of these species was predicted by comparing ten species distribution models, including Bioclim, classification and regression trees (CART), flexible discriminant analysis (FDA), Maxlike, boosted regression trees (BRT), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), generalized linear models (GLM), Ranger, support vector machine (SVM), and Random Forests (RF). Bioclimatic, topographic and soil variables were used as the predictors of the model habitat suitability. The models were evaluated according to their AUC and TSS metrics. Model selection was based on ranking performance. The total suitable area for five native essential oil producing plants in Indonesia’s degraded lands was derived by overlaying the models with degraded land locations. Results The habitat suitability model for these species was well predicted with an AUC value >0.8 and a TSS value >0.7. The most important predictor variables affecting the habitat suitability of these species are mean temperature of wettest quarter, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter, precipitation of coldest quarter, cation exchange capacity, nitrogen, sand, and soil organic carbon. C. cauliflora has the largest predicted suitable area, followed by M. montana, B. frutescens, M. sumatrana var. glauca, and A. pedunculata. The overlapping area between predictive habitat suitability and degraded lands indicates that the majority of degraded lands in Indonesia’s forest areas are suitable for those species. Conclusion The degraded lands predicted as suitable habitats for five native essential oil producing plants were widely spread throughout Indonesia, mostly in its main islands. These findings can be used by the Indonesian Government for evaluating policies for degraded land utilization and restorations that can enhance the lands’ productivity.

The community in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) uses several plants as alternative medicine in their daily life. Those medicinal plants were sorted from the highest to the lowest value based on Index Cultural Significance (ICS). Thirteen selected native plants from GHSNP were investigated for their antimicrobial and antioxidative potential using DPPH scavenging. Their phytochemical compositions were profiled by phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis. Staurogyne elongata (ICS= 351) and Blumea balsamifera (ICS= 228) were the most widely used plants in the five hamlets in Cikaniki Resort. Phytochemical screening produced a different color reaction (alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids) and the presence of foam (saponins) for several species. Plantago major had the highest total phenol and flavonoid content, not significantly different from Turpinia montana. Aquadest extract from Heptapleurum fastigiatum had the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 14.24mg/L). The study showed the highest inhibitory activity for T. montana against Staphylococcus aureus. Meanwhile, the ethanolic extract of S. elongata and Lophatherum gracile inhibited both S. aureus and Escherichia coli's growth. The GC-MS analysis of the ethanolic extracts showed a wide chemical diversity, including 79 compounds from five species, distributed by fatty acids, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, alkanes, and other organic compounds. Interestingly, GC-MS analysis enabled to identify of several compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial activity in their extracts, such as (-)-Globulol, alpha-cadinol, spathulenol, longifolene, octadecamethyl-cyclononasiloxane, gamma-muurolene, tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane, and trans-calamenene. The thirteen native species of GHSNP have potential health properties to be utilized and developed as traditional medicine.

Detecting Ganoderma boninense in Indonesia is crucial for effectively controlling and mitigating the spread of basal stem disease in oil palm fields. While there is ongoing development of tolerant plants, no such plant has been successfully created yet. Consequently, researchers are actively studying detection methods for Ganoderma boninense. One established and highly accurate approach is the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques for molecular detection. However, this method requires time‐consuming sample preparation, which can pose challenges in plantation settings. To address this problem, a portable lab‐on‐chip device has been introduced. This technology enables easy and automatic DNA retrieval from liquid samples by absorbing lysed DNA using magnetic beads. An efficient mechanism for manipulating the magnetic bead within the semiconductor has been successfully implemented. The extraction process typically takes around 15 minutes using a modified methodology on the chip device approach. The chip facilitates the retrieval of two samples with a capacity of 120 µL for each sample. The PCR method was utilized to validate the equivalence of the lab‐on‐chip device extraction to the standard extraction method. This represents a promising alternative for expedited and simplified detection of Ganoderma boninense in field conditions.

The Bogor Botanical Garden (BBG) is a pivotal center for plant research and conservation, boasting a diverse collection of over 12,000 individual plants spanning various species. However, among the plant collections at BBG, some of them have the potential to be invasive. Therefore, this study aimed to uncover the plant collections at BBG with invasive potential and analyze the distribution of one of the most dominant collections, Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl. The method employed in this research involved a literature review to identify which plant collections have invasive potential and a vegetation analysis on the distribution of E. pinnatum within BBG. Additionally, ANOVA analysis and regression models were employed to explore the relationship between environmental factors and E. pinnatum abundance. Results revealed that BBG hosted 78 potentially invasive plant species, with E. pinnatum comprising 28 individuals. Spatial analysis indicates a clustered distribution of E. pinnatum, influenced by seed dispersal mechanisms, environmental factors, and biotic interactions. Correlation analysis links soil pH, soil moisture, and canopy cover to E. pinnatum distribution. Canopy cover demonstrates a significant positive correlation with E. pinnatum abundance, suggesting its importance in providing favorable microclimates for growth. Regression analysis further supports canopy cover as a predictor of E. pinnatum presence. However, while a strong statistical association was observed, causal relationships require further investigation. This study underscores the complexity of ecological dynamics in BBG and emphasizes the need for comprehensive research to define underlying mechanisms driving plant distributions and interactions.

Psidium is a genus of plants that is found in the neotropical region and belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Currently, there are 92 identified species in this genus. Earlier botanists documented that the genus in Java, Indonesia, is comprised solely of two species – specifically P. guajava L. and P. guineense Sw. However, during our 2023 botanical study, we discovered another Psidium species – P. cattleyanum Sabine – from West and East Java. It was first introduced to the island as a living specimen at the Bogor Botanic Gardens, Bogor, Indonesia, in 1972. Since then, the species has been intentionally planted for ornamental purposes by the Sundanese community. Psidium cattleyanum differs morphologically from other Psidium species in Java. It has coriaceous leaves with inconspicuous lateral veins, and its ripe fruit is red. Our findings increase the number of Psidium species in Java to three. Description, photographs, an updated key, and a brief discussion are given.

The true mangrove genus Camptostemon (Malvaceae) is becoming increasingly rare. This genus can be found in the Philippines, Borneo, Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Confusion remains over the taxonomic status of Camptostemon aruensis, endemic to Aru Islands, Indonesia. Therefore, a taxonomic revision is presented. Morphological characteristics, distribution maps, an identification key, and photographs of the species are provided. Based on type and type-locality specimens from the Aru Islands, C. aruensis is found to morphologically match C. schultzii. Camptostemon aruensis is a synonym of C. schultzii. Therefore, Camptostemon consists of two species, C. philippinensis (from the Philippines, Borneo, and Sulawesi), and C. schultzii (from Maluku, Indonesian Papua, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia). Camptostemon philippinensis and C. schultzii are found in different geographic areas and do not share the same island.

The community living around the Cikaniki Area of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (CA-GHSNP) uses various plants to fulfill their needs. Their habits are related to indigenous knowledge of using plants as food, medicine, construction, and household utilities, which dynamic societal changes have not displaced. This study aimed to inventory and update potential plants used as food, medicine, construction, and household utilities by local communities in the Cikaniki area, and measure and analyze their cultural and ethnobotanical value. This study objected to five hamlets in the Cikaniki at Malasari Village, Nanggung District, Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The quantitative analysis was calculated based on the Informant Consensus Factor, Fidelity Level, and Use Value. We analyzed the qualitative data based on the data collection through observation, interviews, and documentation from informants and respondents in five hamlets. The study recorded 199 plant species from 75 families used by the community of CA-GHSNP. The most utilized species in Cikaniki were Staurogyne elongata, Caryota mitis, Blumea balsamifera, Castanopsis argentea, Pilea melastomoides, and Piper betle. There are 72 species of plants used as food, 122 species for medicinal purposes, and 50 species of plants used for construction and household utilities. The potential plant species in the CA-GHSNP, their utilization categories, and recommendation for conservation strategy are discussed.

Reports indicated a global decline in mangrove forest coverage, with particularly high levels in Sumatera, Indonesia. To effectively conserve these ecosystems, additional research is essential to obtain comprehensive data. Specifically, investigating pollen variation in mangrove species in South Sumatera is critical due to the current lack of information. This study aimed to determine the pollen morphology of various mangrove species in South Sumatera. Fieldwork was conducted around mangrove ecosystem area of Musi Estuary in Tanjung Api-api and Payung Island, South Sumatra. Each mature flower was placed in an envelope and stored an airproof container with silica gel. Herbarium specimens were also used for identification purpose. Pollens of nine mangrove species (Avicennia alba, A. marina, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, B. sexangula, Excoecaria agallocha, Kandelia candel, Nypa fruticans, Rhizophora apiculata, and Sonneratia caseolaris) were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Pollen SEM images were measured and morphological characteristics of pollens were recorded. The pollen of mangroves in South Sumatera coastal area varied in size (small and medium), ratio of polar/equatorial (prolate, isodiametric and oblate), shape (ellipse, triangular, triangular pyramid and spheroidal shape), polar view (circular, open semi-angular and intruding semi-angular), equatorial view (prolate-circular oval, spherical-apiculate and spherical-circular oval), outline (lobate, triangular and circular), aperture (tricolporate, triporate and monosulcate) and ornamentation (perforate, psilate, echinate reticulate and gemmate). The pollen morphology has been demonstrated to be effective in distinguishing various mangrove species in South Sumatera, and it can be used to produce a species identification key.