[Botany • 2025] Begonia lucivenia (Begoniaceae, sect. Coelocentrum) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Begonia lucivenia W.G. Wang, R.K. Li & H.C. Xi, 

in Xi, Li, Hu, Shen, Liu et Wang. 2025. 

顯脈秋海棠  ||   taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2126

Abstract

Begonia lucivenia, a new species of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It resembles B. zhuoyuniae but can be distinguished by its rhizome and internodes length, stipules size, petiole length and leaf blade size and indumentum. It also resembles B. porteri but differs in leaf blade shape, color and indumentum, and flower color. Detailed description is provided.

Keyword: Begonia porteri, Begonia zhuoyuniae, China, Guangxi, new taxon, taxonomy

. Line drawing of Begonia lucivenia W.G. Wang, R.K. Li & H.C. Xi.
 A. Plant. B. Stipule. C–D. Adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces showing indumentum. E. Bracts. F–G. Staminate flowers, adaxial and side view. H. Stamens, different views. I–J. Pistillate flower, adaxial and side view. K. Styles and stigmas. L. capsule. M. Dissected ovary, showing parietal placentation.

(Drawn by Yong-Cheng Hu)

. Illustration of Begonia lucivenia W.G. Wang, R.K. Li & H.C. Xi.
 A. Habitat. B. Leaf blade, adaxial and abaxial view. C. Plant. D–E. Adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces showing indumentum. F. Rhizome, stipules and part of petioles. G. Stipule. H. Bracts. I. Staminate flower, adaxial and abaxial view. J. Androecium. K. Pistillate flower, front and side view. L. Pistil. M. Immature capsule. N. Dissected ovary, showing parietal placentation.

Begonia lucivenia W.G.Wang, R.K.Li & H.C.Xi, sp. nov. 

顯脈秋海棠  

sect. Coelocentrum 

Diagnosis: The new species differs from the most similar species Begonia zhuoyuniae (Liu et al., 2020) in rhizome and internodes not elongated, stipules larger, petioles longer, leaf blade larger and adaxially more densely villous.

Etymology: The specific epithet “lucivenia” refers to the bright and clearly visible color of the primary and secondary veins of leaf blade. Chinese name is proposed here as “顯脈秋海棠”.

Hou-Cheng Xi, Ren-Kun Li, Yong-Cheng Hu, Jian-Yong Shen, Shan-Hua Liu and Wen-Guang Wang. 2025. Begonia lucivenia, A New Species of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum (Begoniaceae) from Guangxi, China. Taiwania. 70(4); 689-693. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.689 

 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2126 [17 October 2025]