1140. Cyrtostachys renda Blume Arecaceae.

Cyrtostachys renda Blume is described and illustrated. Occurring in lowland peat and freshwater swamp habitats throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo and southern Thailand, this species is the only member of the genus found Cyrtostachys west of the Wallace Line. This monoecious palm is easily distinguished by its striking bright red crownshaft and leaf sheath, making it a highly desirable and widely cultivated ornamental plant in tropical landscapes. While its natural populations in Singapore have declined due to the loss of its freshwater swamp forest habitat, this species remains a distinctive feature of the Singapore Botanic Gardens' historic landscape.