Malaysia has approximately 15,000 species of vascular plants. Its flora is distributed between two major geographical regions; Peninsular Malaysia on mainland Asia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Peninsular Malaysia has over 8,300 plant species and Sabah and Sarawak in a recent estimate have about 12,000 species. Total species endemism for Peninsular Malaysia is about 30%; its tree endemism is 26.3%. For Sabah and Sarawak, the endemism level is higher, recently revised figures gave a tree species endemism of 42.1%. Malaysia has recently published its national strategy for plant conservation, which now forms the basis of conservation activities for the country. Since 2004, we have been running a project entitled "Conservation Monitoring of Rare and Threatened Plants of Peninsular Malaysia", in which conservation status assessment is scored for a number of families. Results of the assessment of 458 taxa included 46.1% in some threat category. Detailed conservation studies are in progress for 33 species of threatened plants. Initial work on these species include spatial distribution studies at regional level based on herbarium records, and at a more local level, population studies to determine demography of populations. Regular phenological observations were also made for many of the species.

The reproductive characteristics of Vatica yeechongii (Dipterocarpaceae), a critically endangered species, were investigated. Vatica yeechongii is a subcanopy dipterocarp species that flowers and fruits annually and some trees are capable of flowering twice a year. The species is outcrossing and self-incompatible. The study showed that apomixis did not occur in V. yeechongii and thus, pollination is required to produce fruits. The creamy white and strongly sweet-scented flower attracted insects and offered pollen as reward. Insects from the family Apidae carried abundant pollen on their hairy abdomen and legs, and were shown to be effective pollinators. Thrips were the most abundant visitors, but they were poor pollen-carriers and probably ineffective as pollinators. Pollen grains of V. yeechongii were viable almost for two days. Information regarding flowering phenology, floral biology and breeding system were used to propose appropriate conservation prescriptions.

Thismia limkokthayi, a distinct mitriform species of the mycoheterotrophic genus Thismia, is described and illustrated. It was found at a locality in the upland areas of Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. This new species is morphologically similar to members of Thismia sect. Geomitra, but differs in several characteristics, including the colour of the floral tube, the inner surface of the floral tube with longitudinal ribs and absent transverse bars, a stamen apex with a central lobe (prolongation of the rib) and two lateral lobes (the tips of each are recurved) and a black-purplish stigma. Thismia limkokthayi is provisionally classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.