Begonia amidalae
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia amidalae is a monoecious perennial begonia species endemic to Batang Ai, Sarawak, Borneo. It is found in valley terrains and stream banks, particularly on sunlit steep slopes in very wet dipterocarp forests. Its distribution is limited to elevations of approximately 100–200 meters.
Characteristics
- Stem: Erect, brownish to red-brown, 30–100 cm long, 5–10 mm across, glabrous or glabrescent, with internodes 2–8 cm long. - Stipules: Ovate-triangular, 7–12 mm long, 2.5–4 mm wide, hyaline with reddish tinge, strongly keeled, margin entire, cuspidate (cusp 0.8–1.2 mm). - Petiole: Terete, 0.5–2 cm long, 2–3 mm across, purple-red, glabrous (sometimes with minute hairs when young). - Leaves: Many, alternate, simple, ovate-lanceolate, basifixed, asymmetric, 11–15.5 cm long, 4–7.5 cm wide. Adaxially dark green with silver patches on lower leaves, patches sometimes inconspicuous on upper leaves. Venation palmate-pinnate with ca. 3 major lateral veins on each side, other primary veins branching dichotomously. Succulent and glossy adaxially.
Flower Details
- Staminate Flower: Creamy to pale green with purple-red tinge towards the base, elliptic, 5–6 mm long, 4–5 mm wide, with 7–11 stamens. - Pistillate Flower: Pale green with purplish tinge towards the base, outer tepals ovate to elliptic (5–10 mm long, 3.5–5 mm wide), inner tepals ovate to narrowly elliptic (6–9 mm long, 2.5–5 mm wide). Styles golden yellow, bifid (2.5 mm long), stigmas papillose in a kidney-shaped band all around.
Fruit Details
Fruit is pendent on a stalk 8–10 mm long, capsule 10–15 mm long, 13–17 mm thick (wings included), glabrous, with wings narrowed to the base and truncate distally.
Etymology
The specific epithet "amidalae" is named after Padmé Amidala, a fictional character in the Star Wars movies. The appearance of this species, with embellished silvery spots on dark green foliage, is reminiscent of the starry sky.
Comparison to Similar Species
Begonia amidalae bears some resemblance to B. subisensis but can be distinguished by its leaf shape, tepal color, fewer stamens, and smaller pistillate tepals and fruits. Detailed comparisons between the two species are presented in Table 1.
References
Care
Photos
No additional photos are provided.
External Links
No external links are provided.
