A Brief Account On The Wild Piper (Piperaceae) Of The Crocker Range, Sabah

Seven species of wild Piper namely Piper canimum Bl., P. erecticaule C.DC, P. aff. longamentum C.DC, P. magnibaccum C.DC, P. poryphyrophyllum N.E. Br., P. umbellatum Linn., P. aff. ridleyi C.DC were collected from various localities of the Crocker Range, Sabah during the expedition held on the 15-24 October 1999. Most of the species were climbers except P. erecticaule P. aff. longamentum and P. umbellate which were erect shrubby herbs. Two other Piper spp. represented by sterile specimens were also collected. Most of these species prefer shady, moist habitats with moderate light penetrating through the forest gaps. They are often seen creeping on the forest floors, fallen trunks, rocks and up on the living trees. However, the collection of the Piper species from these areas were still far from complete and extensive collection should be done in the future