Taxonomic Revision and Conservation of Typhonium Schott (Araceae) in Mainland Southeast Asia

By: Khant Zaw Hein

Location: Mahasarakham University — Thailand

Purpose:

This project is currently undertaking the first modern, in-depth review of Typhonium across Mainland Southeast Asia, the heart of the genus’s diversity. The purpose is to clarify species boundaries, document distributions, update identification keys, and reconstruct the evolutionary history of Typhonium across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Peninsular Malaysia. Typhonium stands out because nearly 90% of its species occur only in this region, yet the group has been largely overlooked in recent research. As one of the most diverse yet understudied branches of the Araceae family, Typhonium is overdue for a closer study. To gain a complete picture, the research involves extensive herbarium work, focused field expeditions, and both light and scanning electron microscopy for pollen analysis.

Impact:

This research is laying the groundwork for conserving Typhonium throughout the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the most important and threatened regions for wildlife worldwide. By mapping species distributions, identifying at-risk populations, and assessing their conservation status with IUCN standards, the project is generating the information needed for effective conservation planning and habitat protection.

This project is also creating lasting resources, including detailed species descriptions, updated identification keys, distribution maps, photographic plates, and high-resolution pollen images. These outputs are enabling botanists, conservationists, researchers, and aroid enthusiasts to better identify and study Typhonium, while strengthening botanical collections across Southeast Asia. Findings are being shared in peer-reviewed journals, such as Aroideana, and through International Aroid Society publications, furthering knowledge of Typhonium and supporting the IAS’s mission to promote research, education, and the long-term conservation of the Araceae family.