Revision on the genus Phyllagathis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae). I. The species in Burma, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra

A revision of the genus Phyllagathis Blume is presented under a wider generic concept than used by earlier authors. A comprehensive synopsis of the genus is provided in the general part, where morphological characters and their variations are discussed. This paper will focus in particular on the species occurring in Burma, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia), and Sumatra. Here, the genus includes 10 species, most of which are endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, with only two species endemic to Thailand (P. siamensis and P. tuberosa), and two other also occurring outside the Malaysian political boundaries (P. rotundifolia and P. hispida). Part II of this paper will treat the species of Borneo and Natuna Island.