Begonia afromigrata
Species Information[edit]
Classification and Distribution[edit]
Begonia afromigrata is an epiphytic monoecious plant found in Laos (Vang Vieng hills and Muang Awn) and South Western Province of Thailand (Kanchanaburi region).
Habitat and Ecology[edit]
This species primarily grows epiphytically, typically between 5 and 15 meters above ground level. It is commonly found on dead trees or fallen branches in evergreen forests, although it has been noted in deciduous forests as well. Its preferred habitat includes limestone formations at altitudes ranging from 600 to 1900 meters. Begonia afromigrata is often seen on tree trunks rather than smaller branches. In cultivation, it produces male inflorescences first, followed by female inflorescences.
Characteristics[edit]
- Stems: Usually pendulous, up to 90 cm long, with an indumentum of lepidote-stellate, irregularly shaped, brownish-tan trichomes when young. The indumentum disappears with age. - Stipules: Moderately persisting, narrowly triangular to ovate, 30–35×5–12 mm, with a distinct median nerve and stellate indumentum. - Leaves: Fleshy, dull medium green above, pale green beneath. Petioles are terete, stellate pubescent, greenish or brownish red, 2–7(–8) cm long. Lamina is membranaceous when dry, variously asymmetrical, narrowly oblong to ovate, 11–24×3–12 cm, with a cordate or truncate base. The margin is variable, from sinuate and remotely bluntly dentate to almost entire and reddish. - Inflorescences: Axillary, strictly unisexual, and often simultaneous on the same branch. Male inflorescence is a short dichasial cyme, up to 7-(rarely up to 15-)flowered. Female inflorescence is a (1-, 2-,) 3-flowered dichasial cyme, with the central flower on top of the peduncle and both lateral flowers often perpendicular to the top flower.
Flower Details[edit]
- Male Flowers:**
- Pedicel often curved in bud, up to 10 mm long, pale wine red. - Perianth segments: 4, with two larger outer tepals opposite, obovate, up to 15×12 mm, white or pink. - Pair of inner tepals: Alternate, much smaller, narrowly obovate, 8–14×2–3 mm. - Androecium: Stamens 11–14, filaments fused at the base into a ca. 1 mm long in vivo red column.
- Female Flowers:**
- Ovary of the top flower of the cyme in the lower part sterile and over a length of 3–5 mm contracted into a pedicel-like stalk. - Perianth segments: 3–4, similar in shape, color, and indumentum to male flowers.
Etymology[edit]
The species name "afromigrata" suggests a resemblance to Begonia eminii Warb. from Africa, but it is distinct in several aspects.
Comparison to Similar Species[edit]
Begonia afromigrata resembles Begonia eminii Warb. from Africa but is distinct in several ways, including leaf characteristics and ecological preferences.
References[edit]
Care[edit]
No specific care instructions or tips for growing and maintaining Begonia afromigrata are provided.
Photos[edit]
Include additional photos of Begonia afromigrata.
External Links[edit]
No relevant external links were provided.
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