Begonia lophura
Species Information[edit]
Classification[edit]
Begonia lophura is a monoecious rhizomatous herb found in the Quang Ngai Province of Vietnam.
Distribution[edit]
This species is known from Tra Bui Commune, Tra Bong District, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, and likely occurs in adjacent areas. It grows on hill slopes composed of sandstone at an elevation of approximately 565 meters, under the canopy of lower primary evergreen broad-leaved forests.
Characteristics[edit]
- Rhizome: Stout, hispid, with congested internodes. - Stipules: Reddish-green, narrowly triangular, strongly keeled, hispid abaxially. - Leaves: Alternate, with widely ovate blades, crenulate margins, and blue iridescence on the upper surface. - Inflorescences: Axillary, bisexual, cymose panicles with dichasial cymes branching. - Flowers: Staminate and pistillate flowers with distinct tepals and other features. - Capsule: Trigonous-ellipsoid, scabrous, with unequal wings.
Etymology[edit]
The specific epithet 'lophura' refers to the resemblance of the blue iridescent sheen leaves, which resemble the metallica blue feather of Lophura edwardsi.
Proposed Conservation Status[edit]
Begonia lophura was collected from a protected forest, and no major anthropogenic disturbance has been observed. Therefore, the species is preliminarily assigned to the Vulnerable (VUD2) category according to IUCN guidelines.
Notes[edit]
Begonia lophura bears some similarities with B. pavonina and B. menglianensis but can be distinguished by various characteristics, including leaf shape, surface iridescence, and ovary features.
Care[edit]
Specific care instructions or tips for growing and maintaining Begonia lophura are not available.
