Begonia locii
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia locii is a monoecious, rhizomatous herb endemic to the Huu Lung Protected Area in Huu Lien District, Lang Son Province, Vietnam. It grows on semi-shaded limestone rock faces at an elevation of 125–165 meters.
Characteristics
This begonia species features stout, creeping rhizomes and deciduous reddish to olive stipules. Its leaves are alternate, asymmetric, and obliquely ovate. The upper leaf surface is densely covered with small raised cones, each topped by a magenta hair, giving it a wrinkled texture. The adaxial surface of the leaves is deep olive-green to maroon with light green zones along primary and secondary veins. The abaxial surface is pale green, purplish red between primary and secondary veins, and reddish-white tomentose on all veins. The venation is palmate with 7–8 primary veins.
Flower Details
- Staminate flowers: They have four tepals, with outer tepals being broadly ovate to orbicular and white to pinkish in color. The androecium is zygomorphic. - Pistillate flowers: These flowers have three tepals, with two outer tepals being pinkish to white and suborbicular or broadly ovate. The ovary is trigonous-ellipsoid, sometimes strongly keeled at the middle, and 3-winged, with unequal wings.
Etymology
The specific epithet "locii" honors Professor Phan Ke Loc for his contributions to Vietnamese botany.
Similar Species
Begonia locii resembles other species in leaf shape and maculation pattern but is clearly distinct in various features, including leaf venation, upper leaf surface texture, and ovarian characteristics.
Chromosome Cytology
Begonia locii has a somatic chromosome number of 2n = 30.
