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| Begonia abhak Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite, in Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang et Rubite, 2024. DOI: 10.36253/jopt-15356 |
Abstract
A new Begonia species, Begonia abhak, from section Petermannia is described and illustrated. Growing on shady, moist, rocky slopes alongside a small creek of Bujon, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. The new species resembles Begonia panayensis in having glabrous stems, membranous, shiny leaves, oblong to oblanceolate lamina, acuminate apex and green ovary with pink wings but is distinct in having short stems, broadly ovate stipules, acute leaf base, serrated margins, and the slashed or jagged to almost entire margins of the capsule wings. Based on IUCN criteria, B. abhak is hereby proposed as Least Concern (LC).
Keywords: Begonia panayensis, Mindanao, medicinal plants, Surigao provinces, Taxonomy
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| Begonia abhak Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite, sp. nov. A. Stem, B. Stipule, C. Bracts, D. Staminate flowers, E. Young pistillate flower, F. Mature pistillate flower, G. Pistillate flower side view, H. & I. Immature capsules, J. Matured capsule, K. Cross section of the ovary. All from Freddie A. Blasco 22-009. |
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| Begonia abhak Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite, sp. nov. A. & B. Habit and Habitat. All from Freddie A. Blasco 22-009. |
Begonia abhak Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite, sp. nov.
Sect. Petermannia.
Diagnosis: Begonia abhak resembles B. panayensis Merril in having tall, erect and glabrous stems, oblanceolate leaves, glossy surface adaxially, light green abaxially, acuminate apex, acute base, 2 tepaled staminate flowers, 5 tepaled pistillate flowers and green ovaries with pink wings. However, B. abhak differs in having shorter stems at 1.3 m (vs. 1.5 m), stipules broadly ovate at 19–20 × 9–10 mm (vs. oblanceolate 15–20 mm long), smaller lamina at 14–15 × 5.5–6 cm (vs. 16–20 × 4–6 cm.) with serrated margins (vs. dentate), broadly ovate male tepals (vs. orbicular), shorter and narrower capsules at 16–17 × 14–15 mm. (vs. longer and wider 25 × 20 mm).
Etymology: The specific epithet abhak is derived from the Bisayan/Cebuano word, which means sliced or slashed, referring to the margin of the capsule wings.
Freddie A. Blasco, Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro, Danilo N. Tandang and Rosario R. Rubite. 2024. Begonia abhak (section Petermannia, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Webbia. 79(1); 47-50. DOI: DOI: 10.36253/jopt-15356