THE LIVERWORT GENUS MARCHANTIA L. (MARCHANTIOPHYTA: MARCHANTIOPSIDA) IN SINGAPORE, WITH A NEW SPECIES RECORD

The historical records of the genus Marchantia in Singapore are reviewed. A recent collection and identification of historical unidentified herbarium specimens reveal two distinct native species occurring in Singapore, namely Marchantia acaulis Stephani and Marchantia emarginata Reinw., Blume & Nees. Unintentional destruction and extermination threatens the one surviving population of each of the two Marchantia species. Conservation efforts by the authorities are called upon to prevent the local extinction of both species.