Begonia yenyeniae (Begoniaceae), a new species from Endau Rompin National Park, Johor, Malaysia

By

Tan, Joanne
Tam, Sheh May
Kiew, Ruth

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2018

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

110

Pages

23-37

Subjects

Begonia rajah , Begonia reginula , Begonia yenyeniae , Conservation , new species , ornamental

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.110.25846

 

Abstract

Begoniayenyeniae is a new species of horticultural value known only from the Endau Rompin National Park, Peninsular Malaysia. It is similar to Begoniarajah with which it had previously been confused in the number of tepals and leaf characters. The new species is compared with three similar species, B.foxworthyi, B.rajah and B.reginula and photographs of all four species and descriptions of B.yenyeniae and B.rajah are provided. Molecular analysis using the ndhF-rpl132 chloroplast marker confirms the four species as distinct. Amongst native species, the three variegated species, B.yenyeniae, B.rajah and B.reginula, are some of the most popular Malaysian begonias in cultivation. Based on its restricted distribution, Begoniayenyeniae, under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, is assessed as Critically Endangered.