Begonia kayinensis

Quick Species Info

Species
Region	South East Asia
Country	Myanmar
Year published	2023
Date of Origin
Plant Type	Tuberous
Section	Monophyllon
Chr 2n

Species Information

Classification and Origin

Begonia kayinensis is a newly discovered species of Begonia in the section Monophyllon found in Myanmar.

Habitat

This species grows on shaded, moist limestone surfaces, exposed limestone, and cave entrances at an elevation of around 80 meters above sea level.

Characteristics

- Height: 10–30 cm - Tuber: Globose with numerous fibrous roots - Stem: Red and succulent - Leaf: Unifoliate, cordate or orbicular-cordate, bullate upper surface (purplish-red to brownish-red), deep red lower surface, prominent venation - Inflorescence: Paniculate, arising from the top of the stem with the leaf - Staminate Flower: Numerous stamens (25–30), yellow - Pistillate Flower: Styles yellow, free; ovary green, 2-locular

Flower Details

- Staminate flower: White to pink tepals, actinomorphic and numerous stamens. - Pistillate flower: White to pink tepals, bifid stigma with twisted bands.

Distribution and Habitat

This species is currently known from Hpa-an District, Kayin State, southern Myanmar, and is found in limestone hills and caves, including Yathae Pyan Cave and Mt. Zwegabin.

Etymology

The specific epithet "kayinensis" refers to Kayin State, where the type specimen was collected.

Comparison to Similar Species

Begonia kayinensis is morphologically similar to Begonia prolifera but can be distinguished by characteristics such as leaf color, shape, and inflorescence type.

References

Taiwania - Maw, M.B., et al. (2023). Taxonomic studies on Begonia (Begoniaceae) in Myanmar III: Begonia kayinensis (sect. Monophyllon), a remarkable new species from Kayin State, Southern Myanmar. Taiwania, 68(4), 407–411.

Photos

• Begoniakayensis2.jpg
• Begoniakayensis3.jpg
• Begoniakayensis4.jpg

External Links

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