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| Begonia andariasii Mustaqim & Ardi, in Mustaqim et Ardi, 2026. |
Abstract
Begonia andariasii (Begoniaceae) is described as a new species endemic to Mamasa Regency, Sulawesi Barat Province, Indonesia. The species is provisionally assigned as Critically Endangered (CR). Detailed descriptions, distribution, photographs, and discussions are given.
Keyword: Begonia ranoposoensis, Cucurbitales, herbs, Indonesia, taxonomy, Wallacea
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| Morphology of Begonia andariasii. A. Wild plants. B. Stipule. C. Leaf, adaxial. D. Leaf, abaxial. E. Inflorescence. F. Male flower, lateral view. G. Male flower, frontal view. H. Stamens. I. Female flowers. J. Female flower, frontal view. K. Style and stigmas. L. Cross-section of ovary, also showing placentae. M. Capsules. Photographs: A–E, F–G by Andarias Sambokaraeng and H–M by Wendy A. Mustaqim, |
Begonia andariasii Mustaqim & Ardi, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Begonia andariasii is similar to B. ranoposoensis Saleh, Bandjolu & Ardi but differs in being consistently erect (vs. semi-erect to creeping), longer stipules (14–16 vs. 6‒11 mm long), male inflorescences consisting of 1–2 compressed monochasia, with up to 7 flowers (vs. a thyrse composed of up to 18 partial inflorescences, each compressed-subumbellate and bearing 4–12 flowers), male flowers with more anthers (43–47 vs. 21–29), longer female inflorescence peduncle (9–36 mm vs. 1–3 mm), longer fruiting pedicels (5–6 mm vs. up to 4 mm) and a longer capsule (20–22 mm vs. 9–17 mm).
Etymology: Named in honour of Andarias Sambokaraeng, also known as Andre, a local plant enthusiast and conservationist whose contributions have revealed the plant diversity of Mamasa to the scientific community and the public.
Wendy A. Mustaqim and Wisnu H. Ardi. 2026. Begonia andariasii (Begoniaceae), A New Species from Mamasa, Sulawesi. Taiwania. 71(4); 638-642 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.638 [11 August 2026]
