Begonia lamdongiana
Species Information
Classification
Begonia lamdongiana is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae. It is a member of section Coelocentrum, which is characterized by its small flowers and actinomorphic androecia.
Distribution
Begonia lamdongiana is endemic to Vietnam. It is known from only a few collections in Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park.
Habitat
Begonia lamdongiana is found in shaded slopes under constantly humid, frequently foggy primary broadleaved forest at elevations of around 1,500 m.
Characteristics
Begonia lamdongiana is a rhizomatous plant with large, ovate to suborbicular leaves that are up to 25 cm long and 20 cm wide. The leaves are densely setose on the upper surface and lack maculation. The flowers are small and actinomorphic, with a thyrsoid inflorescence.
Flower Details
The flowers of Begonia lamdongiana are bisexual and actinomorphic. The tepals are 3-5 mm long and yellowish or reddish. The stamens are numerous and shortly golf-club shaped. The ovary is trigonous-ellipsoid and 3-winged.
Etymology
The specific epithet "lamdongiana" refers to Lam Dong Province, where Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park is located.
Comparison to Similar Species
Begonia lamdongiana is most similar to Begonia hongiaoensis, which is also a new species from Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park. However, Begonia lamdongiana can be distinguished by its densely setose upper leaf surface.
References
Lin, C.-W., Hsu, T.-C., & Luu, H. T. (2021). Two new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Vietnam. Phytotaxa, 509(2), 152-160.
Photos
External Links
[Begonia lamdongiana] at the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
