Begonia mariachristinae
| Species | mariachristinae (aka chenii) |
|---|---|
| Region | Southeast Asia |
| Country | Myanmar |
| Year published | 2018 |
| Date of Origin | |
| Plant Type | Shrub |
| Section | Platycentrum |
| Chr 2n |
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia mariachristinae, endemic to Kachin, northern Myanmar, is a dioecious perennial evergreen herb. It is distinguished by its four perianth segments in the female flower, two ovary wings, two locules, two styles, and a dioecious breeding system.
Synonym
This Begonia was originally classified as mariachristinae by Eric Wahlsteen in 2018 and later classified as Begonia chenii by Y.H.Tan, M.B.Maw & H.B.Ding in 2020. However it is agreed that the two Begonia are synonymous with only slight differences grown in different areas of Putao District, Kachin State, Myanmar.
Habitat
The species is found in the shaded understorey of evergreen rain forests in the mountains north of Putao, at altitudes of 500–1625 meters.
Characteristics
Begonia mariachristinae is a single- or few-stemmed plant, 40–60 cm in height, with a dark red to maroon stem. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate-ovate, dark green with large silver-white patches, and the lower surface is deep red to maroon.
Flower Details
Details about the flowers include four perianth segments in the female flowers and solitary or simple cyme inflorescences in male flowers.
Etymology
Begonia mariachristinae is named in honor of the wife of the species' describer, recognizing her patience and understanding.
Begonia chenii is named after Professor Chen Jin of the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Comparison to Similar Species
Begonia mariachristinae is differentiated from Begonia longifolia by its flower structure and from Begonia acetosella by its size and fruit characteristics.
References
Begonia mariachristinae (Begoniaceae) a new species from northern Myanmar. Edinburgh Journal of Botany, February 2018.
https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/38721/element/7/0/Begonia%20chenii/
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77204214-1
Photos
External Links
- Research article on Begonia mariachristinae.
