The Ecology And Distribution Of Freycinetiagaud. (Pandanaceae: Freycinetoideae) In The Indonesian New Guinea

Abstract

The study mainly concerns with tbe species of Freycinelill Lhat occurs in the indonesian New Guinea, including the provinces of Papua and Papua Barat. The study indicates that almost all species of Freycinetia in the Indonesiall New Guinea prefer high humidity and abundantly occur along rivers. except ror the members of the group of species with imbricate leaves, which inhabit also secondary forests. Futhermore, the members of this group have never been found within the range of 1700 to 3000 111 altitudcs. This highest range of altitudes is specifically occupied by the members of the groups of species with semi imbricate and grass-like leaves. The costal foresls are inhabited by the groups of species with semi and non imbricate leaves. Indonesian New Guinea shares many species with Papua New Gujnca. except ror the members of the group of species with semi imbricate leaves, which are more common in Indonesian New Guinea than in Papua New Guinea. On the contrary, the members of the group of species wi1h grass-like leaves arc more common in Papua New Guinea and becoming rare toward the Indonesian site and becoming absent i11 the Vogelklop (Bird's head). except for F polyclada which is commonly found in Sarong. Indonesian Ncw Guinea possesses 34 spectes exclusively distributed in the area, while Papua New Guinea has 72 spec ie s. The two areas share 52 species. Only five species have extra New Guinean di stributions. i.e. F. excelsa. F .furtiicularis. F. inarginata. F. percostata. and F. scandens.