Begonia bella
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia bella is a perennial monoecious herb found in Peninsular Thailand. It belongs to Begonia sect. Parvibegonia and is known for its irregularly dentate leaves.
Habitat
This begonia species grows in granite rock crevices or damp streamside soils within seasonally dry evergreen forests.
Distribution
Begonia bella is native to Peninsular Thailand.
Characteristics
Begonia bella features succulent leaves that are asymmetric and chartaceous when dry. The leaves are irregularly dentate with an acuminate apex. The plant has two bifid stigmas, bifid placentae, and two-locular fruits with one enlarged wing.
Flower Details
Staminate flowers have pinkish tepals, with outer tepals suborbicular and inner tepals ovate-lanceolate. The androecium is actinomorphic with 40-45 yellow stamens. Pistillate flowers have unequal tepals and two (or three) fused styles with a kidney-shaped stigmatic band.
Ecology
Begonia bella thrives in its habitat and flowers from May to November, with fruiting occurring from November to January.
Proposed IUCN Category
Due to its limited known population and potential threats from human activities or stochastic events, Begonia bella is proposed to be categorized as VUD2 (Vulnerable, under threat of rapid decline).
Etymology
The specific epithet "bella" is Latin for beautiful, referring to the delicate pink flowers and bicolored ovaries.
Notes
= External Links
Add any relevant external links to websites or resources related to this begonia species.
