Begonia crassula
| Species | crassula |
|---|---|
| Region | South East Asia |
| Country | Vietnam |
| Year published | Not specified |
| Date of Origin | Not specified |
| Plant Type | Lithophytic herb |
| Section | Diploclinium |
| Chr 2n | Not specified |
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia crassula is a lithophytic herb found in central Vietnam, specifically in Quang Binh province. It primarily grows in remnants of short tall broad-leaved primary forests on rocky mountain tops composed of highly eroded solid crystalline limestone at elevations around 570 meters above sea level. This species belongs to Sect. Diploclinium.
Habitat
Begonia crassula is a lithophytic herb or undershrub that thrives on open rocks and exposed cliffs on rocky mountain tops. It has strict ecological requirements and is commonly found among rocks or in cliff crevices.
Distribution
This begonia species is endemic to limestone areas in central Vietnam within Quang Binh province, specifically in the Minh Hoa and Tuyen Hoa districts.
Characteristics
Begonia crassula is an entirely glabrous herb with stems that are ascending to erect, succulent, and cylindrical. The leaves are petiolate and have a glossy, uniform green appearance on both surfaces. The leaf blades are fleshy, succulent, and broadly ovate with a transverse shape. They are shallowly crenulate to irregularly denticulate along the margin and have prominent grooved veins.
Flower Details
The flowers of Begonia crassula are pedicellate and monosexual. Staminate flowers have two opposite broadly ovate to orbicular tepals, while pistillate flowers have two sepals and two petals. The styles are tripartite and inflate toward the apex, forming turgid cristate-capitate, densely setose-papillose stigmas.
Etymology
The species epithet "crassula" reflects the succulent habit of the plant.
Notes
Begonia crassula is ecologically distinct, being a typical element of xerophytic herbaceous vegetation on open rocky karstic limestone outcrops. It differs from related species by its succulent habit, fleshy leaves, and the number of tepals in its flowers.
References
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Care
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Photos
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