Begonia sykakiengii

Begonia sykakiengii

B. sykakiengii

Quick Species Info

Species	sykakiengii
Region	South East Asia
Country	Philippines
Year published	Not specified
Date of Origin	Not specified
Plant Type	rhizomatous
Section	Not specified
Chr 2n	2n = 28

Species Information

Classification and Distribution

Begonia sykakiengii is a monoecious rhizomatous herb endemic to the Philippines, particularly in Panay Island, Capiz Province, Maayon Municipality.

Habitat

This species thrives on moist limestone rock or soil in semishaded conditions, typically found at an elevation of approximately 15 meters.

Distribution

Begonia sykakiengii is restricted to the Municipality of Maayon on Panay Island in the Philippines. It primarily grows on vertical cliffs and exposed or semi-exposed limestone hills.

Characteristics

- Rhizome: Creeping, up to 15 cm or longer, 5–12 mm thick, with internodes 2–8 mm long. - Stipules: Pale yellowish-green, triangular, 7–16 mm long, strongly keeled, with an aristate apex. - Leaves: Alternate, with velutinous petioles and asymmetric, oblique, ovate to widely ovate leaf blades. The upper side of the leaf is variegated with irregular spots of chartreuse, silver grey to whitish, often forming a wide band parallel to the margin. - Inflorescences: Axillary, bisexual and protandrous, dichasial cyme 15–35 cm long, with reddish peduncles.

Flower Details

- Staminate Flower: Tepals white to pinkish, with outer ones widely ovate or obovate to suborbicular, and inner ones obovate. - Pistillate Flower: Ovary pale yellowish-green to reddish, with 3-winged wings. Tepals white to pinkish. - Styles: Three, shortly fused at the base and yellow in color.

Etymology

The species name "sykakiengii" is dedicated to Mr. Sy Ka Kieng, a patron of field trips that supported the research.

Comparison to Similar Species

Begonia sykakiengii resembles Begonia nigritarum but can be distinguished by its larger stipules, leaf blades, bracts at the base of the inflorescence, inflorescence peduncle, and styles.

References

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Care

Cultivating and caring for Begonia sykakiengii requires mimicking its natural habitat conditions. Ensure it has well-draining soil, moderate shade, and appropriate moisture levels.

Photos

Begonia in circulation that is most likely a hybrid

External Links

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