[Botany • 2026] Begonia leasalongae (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Begonia leasalongae  Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite, 

in Blasco, Alejandro, Cortes et Rubite, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.8 

facebook.com: Freddie A. Blasco

 Abstract

A new species of Begonia section Petermannia, Begonia leasalongae, from Surigao del Sur is described and illustrated. It grows on shady, moist, rocky slopes alongside a small creek in sitio Cabugi, Unidos, Tago, Surigao del Sur. The new species resembles Begonia noraaunoriae in having erect stems, obovately oblong leaves, 2-tepaled staminate flowers, 5-tepaled pistillate flowers and an upright capsule, but differs in having stems with setose white hairs (vs. glabrous), lanceolate stipules with an aristate apex (vs. obovately oblong with a roundly acute apex), and capsule with setose white hairs (vs. glabrous). The species is named in honor of Lea Salonga. Based on IUCN criteria, we propose its conservation status as Data Deficient (DD), as only one population is currently known.

Begonia agusanensis, Begonia noraaunoriae, flora, setose, Taxonomy, Eudicots, Caraga Region, Surigao provinces, vascular flora

Begonia leasalongae Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite 

FREDDIE A. BLASCO, GRECEBIO JONATHAN D. ALEJANDRO, JUNELITO C. CORTES and ROSARIO R. RUBITE. 2026. Begonia leasalongae (Section Petermannia, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 767(1); 72-76. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.8 [2026-07-16]

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[Botany • 2025] Begonia mabuhayensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from Surigao del Sur, Philippines

 

Begonia mabuhayensis Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite,

in Blasco, Alejandro et Rubite, 2025.

taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2113 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

Begonia mabuhayensis is described as a new species endemic to the Philippines from the multi-layered rocky floors of Mount Egang, Mabuhay, Tandag, Surigao del Sur. B. mabuhayensis closely resembles B. amparoae in having thick rhizomatous stems, stipules with aristate apex, thick and fleshy lamina, curved petioles, 4-tepaled staminate and pistillate flowers, ovary with unequal wings and nodding capsules, but differs in having shorter rhizome, glabrous oblong stipule with longer arista (vs. puberulous, triangular with shorter arista), ovate leaf (vs. broadly ovate), and capsule with orbicular wings and cordate apex (vs. angular and truncate). Following the IUCN criteria, the authors recommend B. mabuhayensis as Data Deficient (DD).

Keyword: Begonia amparoae, Begonia tanauanensis, lithophytic, Mindanao Island, Surigao provinces

Begonia mabuhayensis Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite.
A. Rhizome, B. Stipule with arising arista, C. Stipule with full grown arista, D. Leaf adaxial surface, E. Leaf abaxial surface, F. Staminate flowers, G. Pistillate flower face view, H. Pistillate flower side view, I. Pistillate buds & mature capsules, J. Mature capsules (drying), K. Cross section of the ovary, L. Dried capsules.

All from Freddie A. Blasco 22–006.

Begonia mabuhayensis Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite sp. nov.  

 section Baryandra

Diagnosis: Begonia mabuhayensis resembles B. amparoae Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite (Fig. S2) in habit, with thick rhizomatous stems, thick and fleshy lamina, 4-tepaled staminate and pistillate flowers, and an ovary with unequal wings. However, it differs in having a shorter rhizome, 6 cm × 1.5–2 cm (vs. longer, 10 cm × 2.5–3 cm); glabrous oblong stipule (vs. puberulous triangular), shorter inflorescence, 57 cm. (vs. 72 cm), shorter peduncle, 49 cm. (vs. 68 cm), and a larger capsule, 20–21mm × 25–26 mm, with orbicular wings, cordate apex and cordate base (vs. 15–17 mm × 17–19 mm, with angular wings, truncate apex and rounded base).

Freddie A. Blasco, Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro and Rosario R. Rubite. 2025. Begonia mabuhayensis (section Baryandra, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Taiwania. 70(4); 591-594.  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.591 [2025 August 07]

 https://taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2113

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[Botany • 2024] Begonia abhak (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Begonia abhak Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite,  

in Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang et Rubite, 2024. 

DOI: 10.36253/jopt-15356 

Researchgate.net/publication/379103942

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

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.

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

 Researchgate.net/publication/379103942_Begonia_abhak_a_new_species_from_Lanuza_Surigao_del_Sur_Philippines

[Botany • 2023] Begonia noraaunorae (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species endemic to Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Begonia noraaunorae  

in Blasco, Tandang, Alejandro, Bucay, Cortes et Rubite, 2023.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.620.2.8 

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Abstract

Begonia noraaunorae is described as a new species endemic to the Philippines from the limestone forest of Surigao del Sur. It grows on limestone rocks in semi-shaded broadleaf forest along a national highway. B. noraaunorae resembles B. negrosensis in having erect stems and obovately oblong leaves with sparse hairs and an acuminate apex, but differs in having shorter stems, larger leaves with light green patches, and capsules longer than wide (vs. wider than long), without large bracteoles directly beneath (vs. with), on longer peduncles. The new species is named after Nora Aunor, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. Based on IUCN criteria, B. noraaunorae is considered Vulnerable.

Keywords: Eudicots, limestone, medicinal plants, Surigao provinces, taxonomy.

Freddie A. Blasco, Danilo N. Tandang,  Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro, Mark Angelo C. Bucay, Junelito C. Cortes and Rosario R. Rubite. 2023. Begonia noraaunorae (section Petermannia, Begoniaceae) A New Species endemic to Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 620(2); 193-197. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.620.2.8 

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[Botany • 2024] Begonia tanauanensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from Batangas Province, Luzon Island, Philippines

Begonia tanauanensis Tandang, Bucay & K.F.Chung, 

in Bucay, Tandang, Rubite, Jallores et Chung, 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.641.4.4

Abstract

Begonia tanauanensis is a newly described endemic species in B. sect. Baryandra from Tanauan City, Batangas, southern Luzon, Philippines. Morphological data shows this species resembles B. chingipengii, a species from eastern Luzon as both species have light pink flowers, fleshy green lamina, and boat-shaped bracts. However, B. tanauanensis does not have the prominent white midrib and veins in the adaxial leaf surface, ciliate hairs on leaf margin, strongly keeled stipules and tomentose hairs on the abaxial leaf surface and petioles of B. chingipengii. The plants were observed to have a restricted and severely fragmented distribution. Unfortunately, these observed populations are also affected by human activities and threat of volcanic activity of the nearby Taal Volcano. Because of these threats, we provisionally assess the species as “Critically Endangered” (CR) following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Key words: archipelago, Critically Endangered, Taal Volcano, Tanauan City, Eudicots

Begonia tanauanensis Tandang, Bucay & K.F.Chung.
A. Habit; B. Leaf and petiole; C–D. Young leaf, adaxial and abaxial views; E. Leaves showing the abaxial vestiture; F. Large mature leaf.

 Photographs by Danilo N. Tandang and Mark Angelo C. Bucay.

Begonia tanauanensis Tandang, Bucay & K.F.Chung.
 A. Rhizome; B. Abaxial view of the partly-keeled stipules; C–D. Bracts from the first lower node and uppermost part of inflorescence; E–F. Habit, G. Inflorescence; H–I. Staminate flower, face view and side view; J. Androecium side view; K–L. Pistillate flower, face and side views; M. Stigma; N–O–P. Fresh capsule side, face, and cross section view respectively.

Photographs by Danilo N. Tandang.

Begonia tanauanensis Tandang, Bucay & K.F.Chung, sp. nov. 

§ Baryandra 

Diagnosis:—Among the tallest of the currently described Philippine Baryandra species in its section, B. tanauanensis has the closest vegetative and reproductive structures to B. chingipengii from Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija in Eastern Luzon by having broad ovate leaves, boat-shaped bracts and light pink flowers. However, B. tananuanensis’s stipules have no keels, or sometimes partly keeled (versus strongly keeled in B. chingipengii), solid green adaxial leaf surface (versus dark green with prominently white midrib and veins of B. chingipengii), setose abaxial leaf surface and petioles (versus tomentose), and glabrous leaf margins (versus ciliated leaf margins). Other key differences are summarized in Table 1.

Etymology:—The specific epithet “tanauanensis” is named after the place of its origin, Tanauan City, Batangas in southern Luzon, Philippines.

Mark Angelo C. Bucay, Danilo N. Tandang, Rosario R. Rubite, Edison Jallores Jr. and Kuo-Fang Chung. 2024. A New Begonia Species (sect. Baryandra, Begoniaceae) from Batangas Province, Luzon Island, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 641(4); 277-285. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.641.4.4

[Botany • 2024] Begonia matahom (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Begonia matahom F.A.Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite, 

in Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang et Rubite, 2024. 

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1977 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

In a recent field survey at Mt. Tingtingan, Badong, Tago, Surigao del Sur, an interesting Begonia with a robust habit was found. With the cane-like, erect and ascending or spreading suffrutescent stem, 2-tepaled staminate flowers and 5-tepaled pistillate flowers, this species belongs to section Petermannia. It's worth noting that the staminate and pistillate flowers of this species exhibit different tepal colors. This new Begonia resembles its Surigao ally B. benitotanii in having erect and glabrous stems, leaf adaxial surface with sparsely white spots between veins, obliquely cordate base, acuminate apex and serrated margin, but the new species named Begonia matahom is distinct in having larger stems that are woody and thick, ovate to triangular leaf shape, larger lamina, longer petioles, longer bracts, glabrous staminate tepals, yellowish-green pistillate flowers, stigmas in a curled spirally extended band with prominent cilia to conspicuously feathery, and smaller green ovary with glabrous and thick, unequal wings.

Keyword: Argostemma, Begonia benitotanii, limestone forest, Mindanao, Mt. Tingtingan, taxonomy

Begonia matahom F.A.Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite. (Vegetative Parts)
A. and B. Habit and Habitat: Matured (L), Young (R), C. Stem, D. Stipules: Young (L), Matured (R), E. Leaves (Young and Mature).

All from Freddie A. Blasco 22-003.

Begonia matahom F.A.Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite. (Reproductive Parts).
A. Staminate flower, B. Pistillate flowers C. Young pistillate flowers, D. Drying capsules in pairs, E. Staminate inflorescence with bracts, F. Cross section of the ovary, G. Matured capsules.

 All from Freddie. A. Blasco 22-003.

Begonia matahom F.A.Blasco, Alejandro, Tandang & Rubite, sp. nov. 

 Section Petermannia. 

Diagnosis: Begonia matahom resembles its Surigao ally B. benitotanii Rubite, Tandang & C.W. Lin in having erect and glabrous stems, leaf adaxial surface having sparse white spots between veins, obliquely cordate base, acuminate apex, with 2-tepaled staminate flowers and 5- tepaled pistillate flowers, but differs in having woody and thick stems (vs. semi-succulent), larger leaves 26–27 × 11–12 cm (vs. 8–21 × 6–12 cm), smooth staminate tepals (vs. wrinkled), curved and thick pistillate tepals (vs. flat and succulent), unequal capsule wings (vs. equal). Table 1 offers a thorough comparison of B. matahom and B. benitotanii.

Etymology: The specific epithet matahom is an archaic Bisayan word in the southern Philippines, which means beautiful, lovely, unique, and rare, referring to the distinct colors of the inflorescence.

 

Freddie A. Blasco, Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro, Danilo N. Tandang and Rosario R. Rubite. 2024. Begonia matahom (Section Petermannia, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Philippines.  Taiwania. 69(1); 62-66. taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1977

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[Botany • 2023] Begonia sebodensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from Zamboanga Peninsula, Southwestern Philippines

Begonia sebodensis Mazo & Rubite, 

 in Mazo, Salatan et Rubite, 2023.

DOI: 10.36253/jopt-15028 

 Researchgate.net/publication/374791561

Abstract

A new species of Begonia sect. Baryandra, Begonia sebodensis, from Zamboanga del Norte, southwestern Philippines is described and illustrated. Begonia sebodensis is morphologically similar to B. anisoptera in obliquely ovate to widely ovate leaves, four-tepaled staminate and pistillate flowers and three locular ovary but differs in glabrescent stipules, sericeous petioles, leaf margins distantly serrate and ciliate, many-flowered inflorescences, capsule wings subequal and flat. Following IUCN criteria, we propose B. sebodensis as Endangered (EN).

Keywords: Begonia anisoptera, endemic, lithophyte, taxonomy, Zamboanga del Norte

Begonia sebodensis Mazo & Rubite.
A. Habit; B. Stipules (st) and portion of the petioles (pe); C. Leaf adaxial surface; D. Leaf abaxial surface; E. Leaf margin; F. Pistillate flower, side view showing the ovary; G. Inflorescences, inset: front view of the staminate flower; H. Cross-section of the ovary; I. Capsules and fruit.

 All from K.R.F. Mazo 113.

Begonia sebodensis Mazo & Rubite, sp. nov. 

Sect. Baryandra

 

Similar to Begonia anisoptera in having obliquely ovate to widely ovate leaves, 4-tepaled staminate and pistillate flowers and three winged capsules. However, the new species can be easily distinguished in having stipules glabrescent (vs. densely hirsute), petioles 16.5–28.0 cm long, indumentum reddish-maroon, appressed (vs. 4–12 cm long, hairs brown and spreading), larger leaves 8–17 × 7.0–11.5 cm, distantly serrate (vs. 6–12 × 4–8 cm, entire), inflorescence cymosely branching 5–7 times (vs. 2–3 times), oblanceolate inner staminate and pistillate tepals (vs. obovate to cuneiform) with rounded apex (vs. truncate to slightly retuse), capsule recurved or pendulous (vs. splash cup), wings subequal and flat (vs. strong-ly unequal, abaxial wing cucullate, lateral wings curved)

Etymology: The specific epithet derived from the locality [barangay Sebod] where the new species was collected.

Kean Roe F. Mazo, Noel L. Salatan and Rosario R. Rubite. 2023. A New Species of Begonia section Baryandra from Zamboanga Peninsula, Southwestern Philippines. Webbia. 78(2); 87-92. DOI: 10.36253/jopt-15028 

 Researchgate.net/publication/374791561_A_new_species_of_Begonia_from_Zamboanga_Peninsula_Southwestern_Philippines

[Botany • 2021] Begonia sohoton, B. tarangban et B. burabod (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • Three New Species from Samar Island, the Philippines

Begonia sohoton, Begonia tarangban et Begonia burabod

Rubite, C.Justo, P.Villaseñor & C.W.Lin

in Rubite, Justo, Villaseñor, Angeles, Tandang et Lin, 2021. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.516.3.5 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

Researchgate.net/publication/354152204

 

Abstract

The geographic location, climatic, and soil conditions of Samar Island render a mosaic of varied habitats which harbor numerous endemic, rare, and endangered species of plants. The island province is one of the centers of plant endemism in the Philippines. Included in this rich biodiversity of flora are members of genus Begonia of the family Begoniaceae. In 2018, researchers of the University of the Philippines found in the island three unknown Begonia species. With rhizomatous habits, persistent stipules, protandrous inflorescences, four-tepaled flowers, three winged capsules and bifid placenta, the three species are clearly members of Begonia section Baryandra. Studies of literature, herbarium specimens, and living plants support the recognition of the three new species: Begonia sohoton, Begonia tarangban and Begonia burabod.

Keywords: Eudicots, endemic species, limestone forest, Samar Island Natural Park, taxonomy

 

Rosario Rivera Rubite, Celeena Aimeree de Guzman Justo, Patricka Coliflores Villaseñor, Marjorie D. delos Angeles, Danilo N. Tandang and Che-Wei Lin. 2021. Three New Species of Begonia (section Baryandra, Begoniaceae) from Samar Island, the Philippines. Phytotaxa. 516(3); 263–274. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.516.3.5

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Researchgate.net/publication/354152204_Three_new_species_of_Begonia_from_Samar_Island_the_Philippines

[Botany • 2023] Begonia minhaniae (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from Quezon, Bukidnon, Philippines

Begonia fritschiana Amoroso & Rubite,

in Amoroso, Lamparas, Lagunday, Dapar et Rubite, 2023.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.587.1.5

Abstract

Begonia fritschiana from Mindanao Island is described as a new species endemic to the Philippines. This is the latest addition to the species-rich Begonia section Baryandra. It resembles Begonia caramoanensis but is distinguished by the consistent obliquely ovate leaves with shorter petioles, lamina glaucous abaxially and with marginal hairs, mostly solitary to singly-branched inflorescences with shorter white-glandular hairs on the pedicels and peduncle, one of the outer tepals pink, and glabrous ovary and ovary wings. Begonia fritschiana is known only from the type locality with one population and less than 100 individuals. The area is not currently protected under the country’s National Integrated Protected Areas System by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Because of ongoing threats such as illegal logging, poaching, and over collection of biological resources, the single area of occurrence with estimated extent < 10 km2, and the small number of < 100 individuals, we recommend a classification of B. fritschiana as Critically Endangered.

 

Keywords: Begonia caramoanensis, endemic, lithophyte, lower montane forest, Mt. Tangkulan Range, taxonomy, Eudicots

Begonia fritschiana Amoroso & Rubite, sp. nov. 

§Baryandra

Etymology:—This species is named in honor of Dr. Peter W. Fritsch, renowned botanist from the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and Fort Worth Botanic Garden, USA, for discovering novel species and in his unwavering support for and participation on botanical exploration and research in the Philippines.

 

Victor B. Amoroso, Rica Joy V. Lamparas, Noel E. Lagunday, Mark Llyod G. Dapar and Rosario R. Rubite. 2023. Begonia fritschiana (Begoniaceae, Begonia section Baryandra), A New Species from Quezon, Bukidnon, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 587(1); 39-46. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.587.1.5

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[Botany • 2022] Begonia normaaguilariae (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from the Limestone Forests of Samar Island, Philippines

 Begonia normaaguilariae M.D.Angeles, Rubite, & Tandang, 

in Angeles, Rubite, Chung, Buot & Tandang, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.541.1.4

Abstract

Begonia normaaguilariae, a new Philippine Begonia species from the section Baryandra is described and illustrated herewith. It bears a superficial resemblance to B. biliranensis with a repand leaf margin, and obovoid anther shape. However, the new species is unique in reference to its conduplicate stipule, longer capsule pedicel length, and completely glabrous rhizome, petioles, and leaves. Begonia normaaguilariae was only recorded from the limestone forests of Samar Island Natural Park, Samar Island, Philippines. Following the Red List criteria of the IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee, B. normaaguilariae is hereby proposed as Critically Endangered.

Keywords: eudicots, karst landscape, Malesia, taxonomy

  Begonia normaaguilariae M.D.Angeles, Rubite, & Tandang.
A. Habitat; B. Habit; C. Stipule; D. Rhizome; E,F. Different forms of leaf (Adaxial); G. Leaf (Abaxial); H. Inflorescence; I. Staminate flower adaxial view; J. Staminate flower lateral view; K. Pistillate flower adaxial view; L. Pistillate flower lateral view; M. Infructescence; N. Fruit; O. Transverse section of capsule

 (Photos credits: DN Tandang: A,C,E,H–O; MD delos Angeles: B,D,F,G).

Begonia normaaguilariae M.D. Angeles, Rubite, & Tandang sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:— Begonia normaaguilariae bears a superficial resemblance to B. biliranensis in reference to the shape of leaf foliage in having asymmetric leaf blades with glabrous adaxial surface, white-puncticulate abaxial surface, with inequilateral cordate base, repand or repand-lobed margins and acuminate apex. The new species, however is distinguished by having stipules with a conduplicate stipule towards the acute to acuminate (vs acuminate) apex, longer (190–203 vs 110–180 mm) petioles, and entirely glabrous (vs brown–setose on nerves) abaxial leaf surface and it has much larger overall size of staminate and pistillate flowers.

Distribution and Ecology: — Begonia normaaguilariae is known only from the type locality, Samar Island Natural Park, Municipality of Paranas, Samar Island. It was observed to grow under shaded and moist environments. Furthermore, it was recorded to thrive along the trail on soil but more prominently on limestone rock crevices. The fibrous roots are covered with dried forest litter.

Etymology: — The specific epithet “normaaguilariae” is in honor of the late Professor Norma O. Aguilar, the former professor of plant systematics and head of the Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Her taxonomic contributions on the plant families Poaceae and Fabaceae, have inspired many botanists to follow her stead.

   

 

Marjorie D. Delos Angeles, Rosario R. Rubite, Kuo-Fang Chung, Inocencio E. Buot Jr., Danilo N. Tandang. 2022. Begonia normaaguilariae (Section Baryandra, Begoniaceae), A New Species from the Limestone Forests of Samar Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 541(1); 49-56. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.541.1.4

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[Botany • 2020] Medinilla vexillifer (Melastomataceae: Dissochaeteae) • An Elegant New Species from the Philippines

Medinilla vexillifer C.W. Lin & Rubite

in Lin & Rubite, 2020. 

  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

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Abstract

Medinilla vexillifer C.W. Lin & Rubite (Melastomataceae) from the Philippines is a new species described and illustrated. It most resembles M. calcicola Merr., but differs in its shorter petioles that are 0.2−0.8 (vs. 1−2) cm long, lanceolate to ovate (vs. obovate) leaf lamina, cordate (vs. acute to acuminate) leaf base, upper leaf surface that is densely covered with brownish-yellow stellate and dendroid trichomes (vs. glabrous leaf surfaces), terminal or axillary (vs. only axillary) inflorescences, to 15 (vs. 2−2.5) cm long, and 4- or 5-merous (vs. 5-merous) flowers. This exquisite species has hairy leaves and apendulous inflorescence with bright pink bracts and white petals. The bracts are long-persistent and last for about five months, which may result in its high horticultural potential.

Keyword: Dissochaeteae, Medinilla, Melastomataceae, Luzon, new species, Philippines

Fig. 2. Medinilla vexillifer C.W. Lin & Rubite.
A, B, C. Habit; D. Stem; E. Leaf; F. Portion of leaf adaxial surface, showing stellate trichomes; G. Portion of leaf abaxial surface, showing dendroid trichomes; H. Dendroid trichomes; I. Secondary bracts; J, K. Calyx and secondary bracts; L. Flower; M. Hypanthium and secondary bracts; N. Cross section of an ovary; O. Seeds. B-O from C.W. Lin 676 (TAIF).

Fig. 1. Medinilla vexillifer C.W. Lin & Rubite.
A. Habit; B, B'. Part of leaf, adaxial and abaxial surfaces; C. Vestiture of stem; D. Stellate and dendroid trichomes; E. Inflorescence; F, G. Bracts and secondary bracts; H, H'. Flower, face and side views; I. I'. Stamens, ventral and side views; J. Hypanthium; K, K'. Calyx, showing 4 and 5-merous conditions; L. Cross section of an immature fruit; M. Fruit. All from C.W. Lin 676 (TAIF).

Medinilla vexillifer C.W. Lin & Rubite, sp. nov.

 Type: PHILIPPINES. Original locality not known; possibly from Luzon Island. 

Type specimen pressed from plants purchased from a floral market in Manila, Philippines and cultivated in a nursery in Taiwan, 25 Nov. 2018, C. W. Lin 676 (holotype PNH!; isotype SING!, TAIF!).

 Scandent multi-branched shrub up to 80 m long. Stem terete, internodes to 10 cm long, shorter on the distal branches; nodes rather thickened, knobby, with densely covered with brownish-yellow dendroid trichomes, glabrescent, bark becoming striate on older stems; young stems about 3 mm in diameter, green.

Distribution and ecology: The exact collection locality of Medinilla vexillifer is unknown; according to Mr. Tan (pers, comm., 2018), the new species has been imported to the Singapore from Manila in 2013 so we assume it originated Luzon Island in the Philippines. 

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the many colorful and pendeulous inflorescences, resembling countless flag.

Che-Wei Lin and Rosario Rivera Rubite. 2020. Medinilla vexillifer (Melastomataceae: Dissochaeteae), An Elegant New Species from the Philippines. Taiwania. 65(2); 149-153.  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1665

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