Begonia aketajawensis
Begonia aketajawensis
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia aketajawensis is a species in the Begonia genus, part of the Petermannia section. It is endemic to the North Moluccas, Indonesia.
Habitat
This begonia species is typically found on vertical moist rock surfaces, including limestone substrates. It thrives in half to full shade and is commonly found in secondary forests at altitudes of 100–150 meters.
Distribution
Begonia aketajawensis is exclusively found in the Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park on the island of Halmahera, North Moluccas, Indonesia.
Characteristics
- The plant is a perennial, monoecious herb with creeping stems, reaching a length of approximately 25 cm. - Stems are few-branched, with internodes ranging from 1.7 to 3.8 cm in length, densely covered with branched hairs. - Leaves are alternate, with persistent stipules and channeled, red petioles. - Leaf lamina is narrowly obovate to orbicular, with dimensions of 8.8–12 × 8.5–11 cm. - Inflorescences are axillary and protogynous.
Flower Details
- Male flowers have four white tepals, with the two larger ones measuring 11–15.5 × 11.5–15 mm, orbicular in shape. - Stamens have yellow filaments and oblong anthers. - Female flowers have five to six white tepals, with the four larger ones measuring 10.5–15 × 8–11 mm, obovate in shape. - Ovary is globoid with three locules and bilamellate placentation.
Etymology
The specific epithet "aketajawensis" originates from the collection locality of the type material, Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park.
Comparison to Similar Species
Begonia aketajawensis can be distinguished from Begonia holosericea by its leaf shape and size, male flower tepal count, and ovary characteristics. Notably, B. aketajawensis has narrowly obovate to orbicular leaves (8.8–12 × 8.3–11 cm), male flowers with four tepals, and sparsely hairy or glabrous ovaries, in contrast to the broader leaves and densely hairy ovaries of B. holosericea.
References
- [Include the citations for the research papers that provided this information]
Care
Information about the cultivation and care of Begonia aketajawensis is not provided in the research papers.
Photos
External Links
No external links related to Begonia aketajawensis are available at this time.
