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| Begonia normaaguilariae M.D.Angeles, Rubite, & Tandang, in Angeles, Rubite, Chung, Buot & Tandang, 2022. |
Abstract
Begonia normaaguilariae, a new Philippine Begonia species from the section Baryandra is described and illustrated herewith. It bears a superficial resemblance to B. biliranensis with a repand leaf margin, and obovoid anther shape. However, the new species is unique in reference to its conduplicate stipule, longer capsule pedicel length, and completely glabrous rhizome, petioles, and leaves. Begonia normaaguilariae was only recorded from the limestone forests of Samar Island Natural Park, Samar Island, Philippines. Following the Red List criteria of the IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee, B. normaaguilariae is hereby proposed as Critically Endangered.
Keywords: eudicots, karst landscape, Malesia, taxonomy
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| Begonia normaaguilariae M.D.Angeles, Rubite, & Tandang. A. Habitat; B. Habit; C. Stipule; D. Rhizome; E,F. Different forms of leaf (Adaxial); G. Leaf (Abaxial); H. Inflorescence; I. Staminate flower adaxial view; J. Staminate flower lateral view; K. Pistillate flower adaxial view; L. Pistillate flower lateral view; M. Infructescence; N. Fruit; O. Transverse section of capsule (Photos credits: DN Tandang: A,C,E,H–O; MD delos Angeles: B,D,F,G). |
Begonia normaaguilariae M.D. Angeles, Rubite, & Tandang sp. nov.
Diagnosis:— Begonia normaaguilariae bears a superficial resemblance to B. biliranensis in reference to the shape of leaf foliage in having asymmetric leaf blades with glabrous adaxial surface, white-puncticulate abaxial surface, with inequilateral cordate base, repand or repand-lobed margins and acuminate apex. The new species, however is distinguished by having stipules with a conduplicate stipule towards the acute to acuminate (vs acuminate) apex, longer (190–203 vs 110–180 mm) petioles, and entirely glabrous (vs brown–setose on nerves) abaxial leaf surface and it has much larger overall size of staminate and pistillate flowers.
Distribution and Ecology: — Begonia normaaguilariae is known only from the type locality, Samar Island Natural Park, Municipality of Paranas, Samar Island. It was observed to grow under shaded and moist environments. Furthermore, it was recorded to thrive along the trail on soil but more prominently on limestone rock crevices. The fibrous roots are covered with dried forest litter.
Etymology: — The specific epithet “normaaguilariae” is in honor of the late Professor Norma O. Aguilar, the former professor of plant systematics and head of the Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Her taxonomic contributions on the plant families Poaceae and Fabaceae, have inspired many botanists to follow her stead.
Marjorie D. Delos Angeles, Rosario R. Rubite, Kuo-Fang Chung, Inocencio E. Buot Jr., Danilo N. Tandang. 2022. Begonia normaaguilariae (Section Baryandra, Begoniaceae), A New Species from the Limestone Forests of Samar Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 541(1); 49-56. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.541.1.4
