Begonia merrilliana
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia merrilliana is endemic to Panay Island, Philippines. It is found on rock-strewn cliff bases or along stream banks in lowland forests at elevations of 200–300 meters.
Habitat
The species thrives in lowland forests, particularly on rock-strewn cliff bases or along stream banks.
Characteristics
Begonia merrilliana is characterized by its elongate, creeping rhizomes, undulate, angular leaf margins, and variegated leaves on the upper side. It has shorter petioles and narrower leaves compared to similar species.
Flower Details
The staminate outer tepals are 7–11 × 8–10 mm, and the pistillate outer tepals are 6–10 × 6–9 mm. The stamens are approximately 0.8 mm long.
Etymology
Named in honor of Dr. Elmer Drew Merrill, an outstanding plant systematist who worked in the Philippines for more than two decades in the early twentieth century.
Comparison to Similar Species
Similar to Begonia obtusifolia in the elongate, creeping rhizomes and undulate, angular leaf margin. However, it differs in having shorter petioles, narrower leaves, and variegated leaves on the upper side.
References
- Peng et al. Bot Stud (2017) 58:28
Photos
External Links
Links to pages related to this species
