Begonia liuyanii
Species Information[edit]
Classification[edit]
Begonia liuyanii is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae. It is a member of section Coelocentrum, which is characterized by its small flowers and actinomorphic androecia.
Distribution[edit]
Begonia liuyanii is endemic to southwestern Guangxi, China. It is a rare species, known only from a few collections.
Habitat[edit]
Begonia liuyanii is found on shaded, rocky limestone slopes at elevations of around 200 m.
Characteristics[edit]
Begonia liuyanii is a rhizomatous plant with large, ovate to suborbicular leaves that are up to 38 cm long and 32 cm wide. The leaves are sparsely setose on the upper surface and lack maculation. The flowers are small and actinomorphic, with a thyrsoid inflorescence.
Flower Details[edit]
The flowers of Begonia liuyanii are bisexual and actinomorphic. The tepals are 3-5 mm long and yellowish or reddish. The stamens are numerous and shortly golf-club shaped. The ovary is trigonous-ellipsoid and 3-winged.
Etymology[edit]
The specific epithet "liuyanii" honors Yan Liu, a botanist who first collected this rare species.
Comparison to Similar Species[edit]
Begonia liuyanii is most similar to Begonia filiformis and Begonia masoniana, which are also members of section Coelocentrum. However, Begonia liuyanii can be distinguished by its larger leaves, sparsely setose upper leaf surface, and lack of maculation.
References[edit]
Peng, C.-I., S. M. Ku, and W. C. Leong. 2005. Begonia liuyanii (sect. Coelocentrum, Begoniaceae), a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China. Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. 46: 245-254.
