The Distribution of Macaranga , Genus (Family Euphorbiaceae) in Penang Island, Peninsular Malaysia

A total of eight species of Macaranga are identified in this study, which were carried out from March to December 2005 in Penang Island. The most common species recorded is Macaranga tanarius which is found in almost every disturbed habitats, except for primary forested area. Unlike M. tanarius, M. javanica (the second most common species) are also well distributed except in highly populated human inhabitation areas. The other six species are scattered without any clear distributing pattern. Land clearings by human activities are likely the main cause that triggers the spread of M. tanarius and M. javanica populations, thus the species are widely distributed and thrive well in these study areas.