INTRODUCTION 
Succulent plants are characterised by fleshy foliage or 
stems or both. Mostly thev inhabit the arid tropical and 
subtropical areas of the world. For this reason thev are not 
a conspicuous part of the Malayan landscape. It is possible 
however to grow some introduced species in open beds in 
Malayan gardens but it is necessary to ensure good drainage. 
In recent years considerable interest has been shown in the 
smaller exotic species for growing under glass or in house 
windows. Many are attractive for their grotesque form, 
their symmetry and beautiful flowers. 
Not all succulents belong to the cactus family, nor are all 
cacti truly succulents, though this family has the largest 
number of succulent species. The Amaryllis lily family has 
many succulent species, and also the Rubber tree family but 
these do not attain the size of the rubber tree. Several other 
families as well have succulent representatives. 
Some succulents have an industrial value, such as Agave 
for fibre and Aloe for medicinal qualities. 
H. M. BURKILL, 
Director , Botanic Gardens, 
Singapore. 
March, 1958 
