Begonia alta
| Species | alta |
|---|---|
| Region | South East Asia |
| Country | Vietnam |
| Year published | 2012 |
| Date of Origin | Not specified |
| Plant Type | rhizomatous |
| Section | Diploclinium |
| Chr 2n | Not specified |
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia alta is a terrestrial evergreen herb native to northern Vietnam, specifically in Phu Tho province (Tan Son district). It is typically found in primary broad-leaved evergreen forests on shale at elevations ranging from 700 to 1000 meters above sea level. This species belongs to Sect. Diploclinium.
Habitat
Begonia alta thrives in steep, shady, rocky slopes in its natural habitat.
Distribution
This begonia species is endemic to the shaly mountains in the central part of northern Vietnam.
Characteristics
Begonia alta is a tall, erect, and stout herb that can grow to a height of 1.5 to 2 meters. It has a hardly developed rhizome and straight, olive-green to purple-brownish stems with swollen nodes. The leaves are asymmetric, oblique-narrowly ovate to ovate, and serrulate along the margin. They are typically velvety green to gray-green on the upper surface and glossy purple-brown with light greenish nerves on the lower surface.
Flower Details
The flowers of Begonia alta are glabrous and light pink. Staminate flowers have 2 opposite sepals and 2 opposite petals, while pistillate flowers have 2 sepals and 1 petal. The stamens are numerous and bright yellow.
Etymology
The species epithet "alta" signifies that Begonia alta is recognized as one of the tallest among Indochinese begonias.
Comparison to Similar Species
Begonia alta is most closely related to Taiwanese Begonia chuyunshanensis and Begonia lukuana. However, it differs from these species in various ways, including its pistillate flowers, tall habit, and glabrous leaves.
References
Care
Instructions or tips for growing and maintaining Begonia alta.
Photos
External Links
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