Begonia kayinensis

**Quick Species Info**
Species	kayinensis
Region	South East Asia
Country	Myanmar
Year published	2023
Date of Origin
Plant Type	Tuberous
Section	Monophyllon
Chr 2n

Species Information[edit]

Classification and Origin[edit]

Begonia kayinensis is a newly discovered species of Begonia in the section Monophyllon found in Myanmar.

Habitat[edit]

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

Characteristics[edit]

- 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[edit]

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

Distribution and Habitat[edit]

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[edit]

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

Comparison to Similar Species[edit]

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

References[edit]

Taiwania - 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.

Photos[edit]

External Links[edit]

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