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| Begonia floriprolifera J.Y.Zhou & D.K.Tian, in Zhou, Song, Zhao, Hoang, Tao, Guan, Yan et Tian, 2024. |
Abstract
Begonia floriprolifera is a new species of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum distributed in the karst area of southwestern Guangxi of China and northern Vietnam. Morphologically, it is mostly similar to B. bonii, but differs mainly by its nearly glabrous stipules, shorter inflorescence, bilaterally symmetric and upward curved androecium with fewer stamens, and concave apex of anthers. Due to the narrow distribution area and unfavorably environmental changes of its natural habitat, the new species is assigned to Endangered according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Keyword: Begonia bamaensis, Begonia bonii, Coelocentrum, South China, Northern Vietnam, karst region, new taxon
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| Begonia floriprolifera J.Y.Zhou & D.K.Tian. A & B. Habitat and habit, photographed in Tiandeng, China; C. Wild plant (holotype: CSH0200387), photographed in Tiandeng, China; D & E. Cultivated plants introduced from Tiandeng, China showing different patterns of leaf variegation. (C photo by Daike Tian, the others by Jinye Zhou) |
Begonia floriprolifera J.Y.Zhou & D.K.Tian, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Begonia floriprolifera is morphologically close to B. bonii Gapnep. in the same section, but can be mainly distinguished from the latter by its nearly glabrous (vs. pilose) stipules, short shorter inflorescence (2.5–20 cm vs. over 20 cm), bilaterally symmetric and upward curved (vs. radially symmetric and capitate) androecium, fewer (up to 32 vs. usually over 40) stamens, and anther apex (concave vs. rounded) (Table 1, Fig. S2). Moreover, this species showed rich variation in leaf color (adaxially green to brownish red, abaxially light green to deep red), size and color of variegation patches (absent to large), and flower color (white to pink) (Fig. 2 and 3). In addition, this species is also morphologically similar to B. bamaensis Yan Liu & C.I Peng and B. lui S.M.Ku, C.I Peng & Yan Liu in the same section. However, it differs from B. bamaensis by leaf size and color, indumentums of leaf and flower, stamen number and fruit morphology (Liu et al., 2007). It could be also distinguished from B. lui in plant size, leaf morphology (blade color, leaf maculations, etc.), morphology of flower and fruit, and flowering time (Liu et al., 2020).
Etymology: The epithet is derived from the long flowering period (blooming twice a year) and a large number of flowers of this species (Fig. 2E). The Chinese name is given as “丰花秋海棠”.
Jinye Zhou, Qian Song, Feicheng Zhao, Thanh Son Hoang, Dayan Tao, Shikai Guan, Haixia Yan, Daike Tian. 2024. Begonia floriprolifera, A New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Southwestern Guangxi of China and Northern Vietnam. Taiwania. 69(1); 83-88. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.83
