A new species (Begonia giganticaulis) of Begoniaceae from southern Xizang (Tibet) of China

By

Tian, Daike
Wang, Wen-Guang
Dong, Lina
Xiao, Yan
Zheng, Min-Min
Ge, Bin-Jie

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2021

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

187

Pages

189--205

Subjects

Conservation status , molecular evidence , Morphology , southern Tibet , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.187.75854

 

Abstract

Begonia giganticaulis, a huge new species in Begonia sect. Platycentrum of Begoniaceae from southern Xizang (Tibet) of China, is described. Morphologically, it is mostly similar to B. longifolia and B. acetosella, but clearly differs from the former mainly by its dioecious and taller plants, sparse hairs on abaxial veins, longer inflorescence, unique shape of fruits, and differs from the latter mainly by its late and longer flowering time, 6-tepals of female flower and 3-loculed ovary. The phylogenetic analyses also support the separation of the new species from other taxa. Based on the current data, its conservation status is assigned to Endangered (B2a) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.