On the basis of decades of field observations and multidisciplinary research, in particular directed at species of Araceae exhibiting rheophytism, we offer an overview of morphological diversity among the more than 130 aroid species so adapted on Borneo. Based on a combination of morphological and concomitant ecological occurrence, a preliminary scheme of subcategories of van Steenis' "rheophytic landplants" is outlined with the purpose of encouraging study to better understand the impetus of obligate rheophytic aroids' evolution. It is hoped that the proposed subcategories will encourage targeted research with abundant field-based observations. Criticism is directed at the current demand by scientific journals that computer algorithm-generated statistical 'proof' be provided for all observational life science writing and further insisting that all such observations be linked to a 'big picture' by comparison within the context of a global perspective, preferably incorporating whatever themes are currently fashionable in the field. Such requirements discourage researchers, and particularly students, from undertaking purely observational research, and effectively result in the suppression of publication of vital observational data while encouraging publication of statistically well-supported biological nonsense.