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Type: Article
Published: 2014-12-30
Page range: 129–140
Abstract views: 15
PDF downloaded: 1

Three new species of Begonia (sect. Petermannia, Begoniaceae ) from Sarawak, Borneo

Division of Botanical Garden, Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, No. 53, Nanhai Road, Taipei 10066, Taiwan
Division of Botanical Garden, Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, No. 53, Nanhai Road, Taipei 10066, Taiwan
Herbarium (HAST), Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
Begonia amidalae Begonia darthvaderiana Begonia anserina Borneo Malaysia New species Sarawak Sect. Petermannia Taxonomy.

Abstract

Borneo is a hotspot for Begonia. About 140 species of Begonia have been described from Borneo, 75 of which occur in Sarawak. In this study we report the discovery of three undescribed species of Begonia, namely B. amidalae, B. darthvaderiana and B. anserina from southwestern Sarawak. They are assignable to sect. Petermannia based on the cane-like habit, protogynous inflorescence and pistillate flowers with three locules each with two placentas. The new species B. amidalae somewhat resembles B. subisensis K.G. Pearce, but is sharply distinct by the leaf shape, tepal color, much fewer stamens and smaller pistillate tepals and fruits. Begonia darthvaderiana is similar to B. chlorosticta Sands differing in the leaf shape, orientation and maculation, much fewer stamens, color of staminate tepals as well as shape of fruit wings. Begonia anserina approaches B. pleioclada Irmsch. in the sympodial branching, differing in being a much taller plant with shorter inflorescence and larger fruits.