Begonia mangdenensis
Species Information
Diagnosis
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
- 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
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
The specific epithet 'mangdenensis' refers to Mang Den in Mang Den Commune, where the new species was discovered.
Proposed Conservation Status
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
Begonia mangdenensis is very similar to Begonia lamdongiana but can be distinguished from by various characteristics, including leaf surface texture, vein prominence, and distribution.
