Begonia mangdenensis
Species Information[edit]
Diagnosis[edit]
Begonia mangdenensis is similar to Begonia lamdongiana in certain features, such as its habit, lanceolate leaves, 4-tepaled staminate flowers, 5-tepaled pistillate flowers, and glabrous ovary. However, it differs in having maculated leaves with a velvety adaxial surface, strongly sunken veins on the upper side of the leaves, and glabrous bracts.
Characteristics[edit]
- Rhizome: Stout, with congested internodes, and sparsely villous. - Stipules: Caducous, yellowish-red, widely triangular-ovate, herbaceous, and aristate. - Leaves: Alternate, with lanceolate to ovate blades, denticulate margins, and velvety upper surfaces. - Inflorescences: Axillary, bisexual, cymose panicles with peduncles. - Flowers: Staminate and pistillate flowers with distinct tepals and other features. - Capsule: Trigonous-ellipsoid with unequal wings.
Distribution and Ecology[edit]
This species is known from Mang Den Commune, Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province, Central Highland Vietnam. It grows along the moist rocky banks of streams in broad-leaved evergreen forests at elevations of around 1,000 meters.
Etymology[edit]
The specific epithet 'mangdenensis' refers to Mang Den in Mang Den Commune, where the new species was discovered.
Proposed Conservation Status[edit]
Begonia mangdenensis faces habitat degradation due to local people using it as an edible vegetable. It is considered Endangered (EN) B1b(iii) + B2b(iii) according to IUCN criteria, mainly due to the decline in habitat quality and the limited number of mature individuals.
Similar Begonias[edit]
Begonia mangdenensis is very similar to Begonia lamdongiana but can be distinguished from by various characteristics, including leaf surface texture, vein prominence, and distribution.
