Wednesday, January 6, 2021

[Botany • 2016] Begonia speculum & B. erythrothrix (Begoniaceae, sect. Ignota) • Two New Peruvian Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) and an Amended Description of Begonia thyrsoidea


Begonia speculum Moonlight & Tebbitt

in Moonlight & Tebbitt, 2016. 
 
Abstract
Begonia speculum is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to the San Martín Region of Peru, and compared with Begonia cremnophila Tebbitt and Begonia lutea L.B.Sm. & B.G.Schub. Begonia erythrothrix is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to the Cuzco Region of Peru, and compared with an updated description of Begonia thyrsoidea Irmsch., which is lectotypified. Using International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria, Begonia speculum is considered Vulnerable; B. erythrothrix and B. thyrsoidea are assessed as Data Deficient.

Keywords: Begonia cremnophilaBegonia sect. EupetalumBegonia sect. QuadriperigoniaBegonia thrysoidea, Peru


Begonia speculum Moonlight & Tebbitt. 
A and B, habitat (scale bar, 20 cm); C, habit (scale bar, 5 cm); D, leaf, abaxial surface (scale bar, 2.5 cm); E, tuber (scale bar, 2 cm); F, ovary, cross-section (scale bar, 3 mm); G, male flowers, front view (scale bar, 5 mm); H, female flowers, front view (scale bar, 10 mm); I, immature female flower, side view (scale bar, 5 mm).
Photographs from type collection P.W. Moonlight & A. Daza 158.
 

Begonia speculum Moonlight & Tebbitt, sp. nov. § Ignota.

Etymology. The epithet ‘speculum’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘mirror’ and emphasises the symmetry of the leaves and male flowers, and the occasional two locular ovary and two styles of the female flowers of this species.


Begonia erythrothrix Tebbitt & Moonlight, sp. nov. § Ignota.

Etymology. The name ‘erythrothrix’ refers to the dense indumentum of red hispid hairs that covers the petioles and peduncles of this species.

 
P. W. Moonlight and M. C. Tebbitt. 2016. Two New Peruvian Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) and an Amended Description of Begonia thyrsoideaEdinburgh Journal of Botany. 74(2); 111 - 122. DOI: 10.1017/S0960428616000299