<em>DYSOXYLUM FRIMENSIS</em> NG, AN INCREDIBLE NEW SPECIES

Abstract

Dysoxylum frimensis is described here as a new species, almost 50 years after it was discovered. It is known from a single tree 25 m tall, growing on side of the entrance road of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, which is the centre for taxonomic botany in Malaysia. Botanist drive past this tree every day so we could not believe it could be an unknown species. We waited for another specimen to turn up, but no other specimen has turned up. The tree is self-fertile. We have germinated the seeds, planted the progeny, and found it to be very suitable for ornamental urban planting. The evidence points to its being an indigenous species.