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| Begonia jurgenneae Naive & Buenvenida, in Buenvenida, Naive et Rodriguez, 2025. |
Abstract
We describe and illustrate Begonia jurgenneae, a newly discovered species from Capiz and Iloilo Provinces, Panay Island, Philippines. A complete taxonomic treatment is here provided including a comprehensive morphological description, diagnostic comparisons with allied taxa, a phenological data, a distribution map, color images, and a preliminary conservation assessment.
Keyword: Begonia incisa, Begonia quercifolia, Biodiversity, endangered, species discovery, tropical forest, Western Visayas
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| Begonia jurgenneae Naive & Buenvenida A. Habit in situ B. Stipules C. Abaxial leaf surface; D. Adaxial leaf surface E. Male inflorescence F. Ventral view of staminate flowers G. Dorsal view of staminate flowers H. Ventral view of pistillate flower; H1. Details of style I. Lateral view of pistillate flower showing ovary and pedicel J. Profile view of the fruit. Scale: C: 5 cm; E–F, H–J: 1 cm. Photos by MAK Naive |
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| Distribution of Begonia jurgenneae Naive & Buenvenida across Panay Island. The red star indicates the type locality, whereas red circles indicate localities where the species was previously documented and collected. |
Begonia jurgenneae Naive & Buenvenida, sp. nov.
§ Petermannia
Diagnosis: Close to Begonia quercifolia (=B. leytensis), a species from Samar and Leyte Island, but can easily be recognized by having a lanceolate stipule (vs. linearly oblong stipule in B. quercifolia), lanceolate leaf lamina with 5–7 primary veins (vs. oblong to ovately oblong leaf lamina with 3–4 primary veins in B. quercifolia), and sparsely pubescent capsule with acute wings apex (vs. glabrous capsule with conspicuous wings apex in B. quercifolia).
Etymology: This species is named in honor of Dr. Jurgenne Honculada-Primavera, whose pioneering work in mangrove conservation and community-based protection has become foundational to preserving Philippine biodiversity.
Harold O. Buenvenida, Mark Arcebal K. Naive and Lillian Jennifer V. Rodriguez. 2025. Begonia jurgenneae (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), A New endemic Species from Panay Island, Philippines. Taiwania. 70(4); 595-598. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.595 [2025 August 08]