Begonia langsonensis
Species Information[edit]
Classification and Distribution[edit]
Begonia langsonensis is a monoecious, rhizomatous herb endemic to the Huu Lung Protected Area in Huu Lien District, Lang Son Province, Vietnam. It grows on semi-shady cliff faces or steep limestone slopes in evergreen broad-leaved forests at an elevation of approximately 125–165 meters.
Characteristics[edit]
This begonia species features creeping rhizomes, deciduous reddish-pale green stipules, and brownish-green petioles. Its leaves are alternate, asymmetric, and obliquely ovate. The adaxial surface of the leaves is uniformly emerald green and sparsely minutely scabrescent, while the abaxial surface is pale green and sparingly puberulous or subglabrous. The leaves have serrulate and puberulous margins.
Flower Details[edit]
- Staminate flowers: They have four tepals, with outer tepals being broadly ovate to orbicular and pink in color. The androecium is zygomorphic. - Pistillate flowers: These flowers have three tepals, with two outer tepals being pink or pinkish on both surfaces and orbicular in shape. The ovary is whitish-green to pinkish, trigonous-ellipsoid, and 3-winged, with unequal pinkish wings.
Etymology[edit]
The specific epithet "langsonensis" refers to Lang Son Province, where the new species was discovered.
Similar Species[edit]
Begonia langsonensis somewhat resembles B. ornithophylla in leaf shape and aspect but is nearly glabrous throughout. It differs from B. ornithophylla in various features, including petiole, abaxial blade, and pedicel and peduncle characteristics.
Chromosome Cytology[edit]
Begonia langsonensis has a somatic chromosome number of 2n = 30.
