Begonia montaniformis
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia montaniformis is a monoecious, perennial, rhizomatous herb endemic to Northern Vietnam, specifically Thanh Hoa Province, Ba Thuoc District, Co Lung Municipality, Eo Dieu village.
Habitat
This begonia species is a lithophytic herb that grows on shady cliffs in primary evergreen seasonal broad-leaved closed lowland forests on crystalline marble-like highly eroded limestone. It is found at elevations ranging from 450 to 600 meters.
Characteristics
Begonia montaniformis features stout creeping rhizomes, pale green to pinkish stipules, and red to greenish-purple petioles. Its leaves are alternate, ovate to widely ovate, with unique conical bullae on the leaf surface.
Flower Details
The staminate flowers have two tepals, while the pistillate flowers have three tepals. The ovary is reddish-green, trigonous-ellipsoid, with unequal wings. The species is characterized by its spirally twisted stigma.
Etymology
The specific epithet "montaniformis" refers to the leaf surface with dense conic bullae, resembling peak clusters in Sino-Vietnamese limestone karst landforms.
Similar Species
Begonia montaniformis resembles other species like B. ferox and B. nahangensis but differs in various characteristics.
Chromosome Cytology
Begonia montaniformis has been observed with 2n = 30, 31, 32, 33 chromosomes.
Care
Detailed care instructions for growing and maintaining Begonia montaniformis are not provided in the provided text.
Photos
references
External Links
No external links to additional resources related to Begonia montaniformis are provided.
