Tuesday, April 25, 2023

[Botany • 2023] Begonia ranoposoensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Sulawesi, Indonesia


Begonia ranoposoensis Saleh, Bandjolu & Ardi, 

in Saleh, Bandjolu, Ardi et Thomas, 2023. 

Abstract
The new species Begonia ranoposoensis Saleh, Bandjolu & Ardi (Begoniaceae, Begonia section Petermannia) is described from material collected in Central and South Sulawesi. A detailed description, photoplate, distribution information and a provisional conservation status assessment are provided.

Keyword: Begonia comestibilis, Begonia vermeulenii, Poso Lake, sect. Petermannia, Wallacea

Begonia ranoposoensis Saleh, Bandjolu & Ardi, sp. nov.
A: Habit. B: Adaxial leaf lamina. C: Abaxial leaf lamina, petiole insertion. D: Leaves. E-F: Stipules. G-H: Male inflorescence. I: Male flowers, front view. J: Female flower, side view. K: Female flower, front view. L: Ovary, cross-section of middle, three-locular with axile, bilamellate placentae. M-N: Fruit, side view. O: Fruit, front views
 (Photographs by Bandjolu, K.P).



Begonia ranoposoensis Saleh, Bandjolu, & Ardi, sp. nov.  


Diagnosis: Begonia ranoposoensis vegetatively resembles Begonia vermeulenii Thomas because of the succulent, peltate leaves, but the male inflorescences are composed of up to 18 monochasial partial inflorescences, each with 4–12 flowers (vs composed of 1–3 cymosesubumbellate partial inflorescences composed of 2 compressed monochasia with up to 5 flowers), an androecium of 21–29 stamens (vs 35–44 stamens), the female flower pedicel is 1–4 mm long (vs 5–10 mm long), and the ovaries and fruit (dry capsules) have 3 welldeveloped wings (vs ovaries and fruit wingless; fruit fleshy and indehiscent).

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the local name of the locality where the species was found and collected - Rano Poso (Pamona Language): Poso Lake.



Muhammad F.R.M. Saleh, Kurniawan P. Bandjolu, Wisnu H. Ardi and Daniel C. Thomas. 2023. Begonia ranoposoensis (Begoniaceae), A New Species from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Taiwania. 68(2); 180-184. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2023.68.180