Begonia palmata

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B. palmata

Quick Species Info

Species	Begonia palmata
Region	Asia
Country	Through Out Asia
Year published	1825 (Don)
Date of Origin
Plant Type	Rhizomatous
Section	Platycentrum
Chr 2n	30

Species Information

Classification and Distribution

Begonia palmata is a widespread species found throughout eastern Asia, including Northeast India, China, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It is typically found at elevations of 200–2150 meters.

Habitat

Begonia palmata is a shade-loving plant that prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is often found in association with streams and rivers.

Characteristics

Rhizomatous, erect, monoecious herb, 45–100 cm high. Leaves are narrowly to broadly ovate, to almost orbicular, with a base that is truncate or cordate. The upper surface of the leaves is green, sometimes with pale ring marking, and the underside is green or reddish.

Flower Details

The inflorescence is cymose, axillary to terminal, with 2–6 female and 2–6 male flowers. Male flowers have 4 tepals, and the androecium has 40–80 stamens. Female flowers have 5 equal tepals and an ovary that is 2-locular.

Etymology

The specific epithet "palmata" refers to the palmate leaves of this species.

Comparison to Similar Species

Begonia palmata is similar to Begonia longifolia, but can be distinguished by its palmate leaves and white or pink flowers. Begonia longifolia has lobed leaves and yellow flowers.

References

Prodromus Florae Nepalensis (Don 1825), Flora Indica (Roxburgh 1832), and various other publications.

Photos

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  Begonia palmata from Taiwan

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  Begonia palmata from Vietnam

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  Begonia palmata Thailand Forest Herbarium BKF

External Links

Links to pages related to this species