Saturday, April 10, 2021

[Botany • 2021] Begonia kekarmonyingensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India

 

Begonia kekarmonyingensis Taram, D.Borah & M.Hughes

in Taram, Borah & Hughes, 2021.  

Abstract
A new species of Begonia sect. PlatycentrumB. kekarmonyingensis, from Kekar Monying, a place of historical significance in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India is illustrated and described. It is allied to B. cathcartii and B. menglianensis, and morphological similarities and differences between the species are discussed. It has been assessed as Vulnerable according to IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Conservation status, Indian flora, morphology, rhizomatous begonia, taxonomy, Eudicots

Begonia kekarmonyingensis Taram, D.Borah & M.Hughes.
A, Habit; B, Stipule; C,D Leaves; E, buds and bracts; F,G. Male flower (front and side view); H,I. Female flower (front and side view); J,K. Androecium; L. Gynoecia. A–L from M.Taram & D.Borah 2094

Begonia kekarmonyingensis Taram, D.Borah & M.Hughes sp. nov., § Platycentrum

Etymology:—Named after Kekar Monying, a place of historical significance and a tourist attraction, from where the type of new species is collected. 

 Distribution and habitat:—Begonia kekarmonyingensis is so far considered endemic to the type locality of Kekar Monying in Arunachal Pradesh (Siang belt). It grows near streams, waterfalls and in rock crevices of the moist shaded areas by the roadside.



Momang Taram, Dipankar Borah and Mark Hughes. 2021. Begonia kekarmonyingensis (Begoniaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. Phytotaxa. 494(3); 268–272. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.494.3.2