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| Begonia stilpnophylla D.C.Thomas & Ardi, in Thomas, Ardi, Santana, Pinto, Wei, Martins et Conaboy, 2023. |
Abstract
A new rhizomatous, lithophytic species of Begonia (Begoniaceae – Begonia sect. Jackia) is described from material collected from limestone areas in the Indonesian and Timor-Leste parts of the island of Timor, Lesser Sunda Isles. Photographs, a provisional conservation status assessment of the new species, and an identification key to species of Begonia sect. Jackia in the Lesser Sunda Isles are provided.
Keywords: Endemism, Limestone karst
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| Begonia stilpnophylla D.C.Thomas & Ardi, sp. nov. A, Habit; B, leaf, abaxial surface; C, leaf, adaxial surface; D, rhizome and stipules; E, leaf margin with reflexed teeth; F, dichasial-cymose inflorescence; G, female flower, side view; H, female flower, front view; I, male flower, front view; J, stamens; K, fruit; L, ovary, cross-section; M, seed. Scale bars: B, C and F, 10 cm; D, 2 cm; E, G and K, 1 cm; H, 5 mm; I, 12 mm; J, 1 mm; L, 3 mm; M, 300 μm. All photographs of D. C. Thomas 3494, taken by D. C. Thomas. |
Begonia stilpnophylla D.C.Thomas & Ardi, sp. nov.
[Section Jackia]
This species is morphologically similar to Begonia pseudomuricata Girm. from Bali but differs by its more strongly compressed rhizome internodes (2–5 mm vs c.10 mm long),glabrous petioles (vs sparsely to moderately densely hairy), smaller tepals of the male flowers (outer 10–11 × 8–9 mm, inner 12–14 × 6 mm vs outer 12–15 × 11–12 mm, inner15–19 × 7 mm) and female flowers (outer 7–8 × 7–8 mm, inner 5 × 2–4 mm vs outer10–11 × 9–10 mm, inner 9–10 × 3–4 mm).
Habitat and ecology. In crevices and on ledges on limestone cliffs, cave entrances and limestone boulders, in semi-shade, from 250 to 1300 m elevation.
Etymology. Greek, stilpnos (‘sparkling’, ‘glittering’) and -phyllos (‘-leafed’) – a reference to the way light reflects from the lower leaf surface.
D.C. Thomas, W.H. Ardi, F. Santana, P. Pinto, F. Loke Wei, N.B. Martins and N. Conaboy. 2023. A New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Edinburgh Journal of Botany.DOI: 10.24823/EJB.2023.1973
