Begonia kayinensis

**Quick Species Info**
Species
Region	Asia
Country	Myanmar
Year Described	2023
Plant Type	Tuberous
Section	Monophyllon
Chr 2n

Begonia kayinensis

       === Species Information ===
       ==== Classification and Origin ====
       Begonia kayinensis is a newly discovered species of Begonia in the section Monophyllon.

       ==== Habitat ====
       This species grows on shaded, moist limestone surfaces, exposed limestone, and cave entrances at an elevation of around 80 meters above sea level.

       ==== Characteristics ====
       - Height: 10–30 cm
       - Tuber: Globose with numerous fibrous roots
       - Stem: Red and succulent
       - Leaf: Unifoliate, cordate or orbicular-cordate, bullate upper surface (purplish-red to brownish-red), deep red lower surface, prominent venation
       - Inflorescence: Paniculate, arising from the top of the stem with the leaf
       - Staminate Flower: Numerous stamens (25–30), yellow
       - Pistillate Flower: Styles yellow, free; ovary green, 2-locular

       ==== Flower Details ====
       - Staminate flower: White to pink tepals, actinomorphic and numerous stamens.
       - Pistillate flower: White to pink tepals, bifid stigma with twisted bands.

       ==== Distribution and Habitat ====
       This species is currently known from Hpa-an District, Kayin State, southern Myanmar, and is found in limestone hills and caves, including Yathae Pyan Cave and Mt. Zwegabin.

       ==== Etymology ====
       The specific epithet "kayinensis" refers to Kayin State, where the type specimen was collected.

       ==== Comparison to Similar Species ====
       Begonia kayinensis is morphologically similar to Begonia prolifera but can be distinguished by characteristics such as leaf color, shape, and inflorescence type.

       ==== References ====
       - Maw, M.B., et al. (2023). Taxonomic studies on Begonia (Begoniaceae) in Myanmar III: Begonia kayinensis (sect. Monophyllon), a remarkable new species from Kayin State, Southern Myanmar. Taiwania, 68(4), 407–411.

       === Chromosome Number ===
       2n = 30

       === care ===

       === Photos ===
       [Insert photos of Begonia kayinensis]

       === External Links ===
       [Link to the original article]