Tuesday, March 5, 2024

[Botany • 2024] Begonia naraharii (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New Species from Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India


Begonia naraharii B.Hajong, N.Bhat & P.Bharali, 

in Hajong, Bhat et Bharali, 2024. 
 
Abstract
A new species of the genus Begonia (sect. Platycentrum, Begoniaceae) from Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India, Begonia naraharii B.Hajong, N.Bhat & P.Bharali is described and illustrated. A detailed taxonomic description, accompanied by photographs, as well as notes on distribution, conservation status, and a table of comparisons with allied species, are provided.
 
Key words: Begonia, Cucurbitales, Eastern Himalaya, Eudicots, Northeast India, Taxonomy

Habit of Begonia naraharii B.Hajong, N.Bhat & P.Bharali
A. Leaf showing blue iridescence; B. Inflorescence.

Begonia naraharii B.Hajong, N.Bhat & P.Bharali
A. Habit; B. Adaxial and abaxial leaf surface; C. Adaxial and abaxial stipule surface; D. Bract, E. Front view of staminate flower; F. Adaxial and abaxial tepal surfaces of staminate flower; G. Side view of pistillate flower; H. Front view of pistillate flower; I. Adaxial and abaxial tepal surfaces of pistillate flower; J. Side view of androecium; K. Front view of androecium; L. Stamen; M. Gynoecium; N. Side view of stigma; O. Front view of stigma; P. Transverse section of ovary.

Begonia naraharii B.Hajong, N.Bhat & P.Bharali sp. nov. 
§ Platycentrum 

Etymology: The species epithet “naraharii” honors Prof. Garikapati Narahari Sastry, Director of CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, in recognition of his immense contribution to establishing the Germplasm Conservation Centre for the Bioresources of Northeast India at CSIR-NEIST campus and his unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of the people in the northeastern region of India.


Bipankar Hajong, Nazir Ahmad Bhat and Pankaj Bharali. 2024. A New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India.  Phytotaxa. 637(3); 285-290. DOI:10.11646/phytotaxa.637.3.7