DR. O. STAPF ON THE FLORA OF MOUNT KINABALU. 85 
and Dacrydium elatum, both very common. Myrtus flavida and Rhododendron cunei- 
Jolium assume a yew-like appearance, whilst groups of Rhododendron ericoides exhibit 
the Erica type, and numerous dwarf oaks (Quercus Havilandii) are representative of a 
closely-allied form (Q. pruinosa var. alpina, Jungh.), found under similar conditions on 
the high mountains of Java. The shrubs blossom nearly the whole year, and many of 
them very freely. Not less than 9 species of Rhododendron adorn this ridge with their 
brilliant flowers collected in dense clusters or scattered among the dark foliage. They, 
in addition to 5 species of Vaccinium and 7 species of Diplycosia, render the order of 
Ericacee (incl. Vacciniee) the most conspicuous and numerous of the phanerogamic 
vegetation of this zone. Some of them become occasionally epiphytal here as elsewhere. 
Then follow Rubiacee with 10 species, two of which are climbers, whilst one (Psychotria 
densifolia) was found epiphytal on trees. Few Rubiacee, however, reach 8000 feet, and 
only one (Hedyotis macrostegia) goes beyond 9000 feet. Myrtacee number 6 species, 
amongst which Leptospermum recurvum is most conspicuous, covered all over with 
innumerable white flowers like snow. Myrsinee are represented by 5 species, among 
them being the dwarf Embelia minutifolia and the widely-spread Myrsine capitata. 
Ternstremiacee and Rosacee number 4 species. Among the former Schima brevifolia 
represents the Camellia type, whilst 3 of the 4 Rosacee are species of Rubus, and 
Stranvesia integrifolia replaces Photinia integrifolia, which is found in Java under 
similar conditions. Urticacee are represented by three shrubby figs, all below 9000 feet, 
and Cupulifere by 1 Quercus and 2 Castanopsis, the latter also limited to the lower part 
of the zone. Styracee number also 3 species (Symplocos). Among the remainder I 
may mention particularly Eleocarpus sericea, a representative of the Javan Acronodia 
punctata, Blume; Rhus borneensis, a very singular member of the section Venenate ; 
the large-flowered Polyosma Hookeri; an endemic species of Leucopogon; 2 Laurinee ; 
and 2 species of Loranthus having large flower-heads and living chiefly on Rhodo- 
dendrons. Among the climbers may be especially mentioned Smilax levis and a 
very common Calamus, the latter upward to 9000 feet. The Pitcher-plants, however, 
are by far the most peculiar feature, though most of them are only locally frequent. 
There are not less than 5 species found on this ridge, some climbing in the trees, as 
Nepenthes Lowi, others rambling in the shrubs or straggling over the ground. 
The herbaceous vegetation, so far as it forms a distinct part of the forest, is repre- 
sented by 15 species, a remarkably small number, of which 8 are Orchidee, 3 Gesneracee, 
and one a common Malayan grass. To these 2 or 3 herbs might be added, which 
though distinctly foreign, namely Austral-Antarctic types, seem to be more or less 
intimately associated with this formation. They are Nertera depressa, Euphrasia 
borneensis, and Trachymene saniculefolia. Balanophora elongata, a common parasite 
living upon the roots of Hricacee, is here as frequent as it is in Junghuhn's fourth 
zone or “ cold region.” | / 
The fern vegetation attains here its most luxuriant development, and, as it seems, the 
greatest variety, being represented in the collection by not less than 21 species. Two 
are tree-ferns, and one, Cyathea Havilandii, was found at 10,500 feet. The delicate 
Trichomanes and a species of Hymenophyllum are limited to the lowest part, whilst the 
SECOND SERIES.—BOTANY, VOL. IV. N 
