Begonia matillanoae

Species	Begonia matillanoae Y.P.Ang & Langbao
Publication Date	Edinburgh Journal of Botany 83, Article 2102: 1-10 (2026)
Origin	Philippines (Palawan)
Region	Asia
Growth Type	Rhizomatous
Section	Baryandra
Chromosome Count

Species Information

Publication/Authors

Edinburgh Journal of Botany 83, Article 2102: 1-10 (2026). Authors: Y. P. Ang, A. B. Marcos-Langbao, L. M. Camangeg, E. D. Jose, J. M. L. Diego, and M. N. Tamayo.

Origin

The species is native to the Philippines, specifically Palawan Island.

Growth Type

It is a rhizomatous herb. The rhizome is green to brown, 4–5 mm thick, up to roughly 12 cm long, and white-pilose with internodes 3–5 mm long.

Section

Baryandra

Description

Distribution

The species is known only from its type locality on Mount Capoas within the Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape in northwestern Palawan.

Habitat

Begonia matillanoae grows in deeply shaded lowland forests, specifically on large granite boulders along streams. It has been observed at an elevation of approximately 560 m a.s.l.. The surrounding forest includes tree species such as Dipterocarpus gracilis, Pterospermum diversifolium, and Syzygium copelandii.

Flower

Etymology

The species is named in honor of the late Ms. Ma. Victoria D. Matillano. She was a former member of the World Wide Fund for Nature, noted for her contributions to environmental conservation, community education, and the protection of Irrawaddy dolphins and coral reefs in Palawan, particularly within the MSPLS.

Synonyms

No synonyms

Comparison to Similar Species

Begonia matillanoae most closely resembles Begonia cabanillasii.

Photos

Hybrids

Conservation status

The authors propose a conservation status of Critically Endangered (CR) based on IUCN guidelines. The species is known from a single location with an estimated population of fewer than 100 mature individuals. Threats include timber extraction and a decline in tree cover in the surrounding forest.

External Links

Official Publication DOI

References

Ang, Y. P., Marcos-Langbao, A. B., Camangeg, L. M., Jose, E. D., Diego, J. M. L., & Tamayo, M. N. (2026). Begonia matillanoae (Begoniaceae), a new species from Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape, Palawan Island, Philippines. Edinburgh Journal of Botany, 83, Article 2102, 1-10.