Axonomic account of begonia species in Mt. Bulusan, Sorsogon

Abstract

To this date, Adolf Daniel Edward Elmer’s 1939 publication remains as the sole study that characterizes the begonias of Mt. Bulusan, Sorsogon. This study aimed to reinvestigate and update the taxonomic accounts of Begonia bakeri Elmer, B. purpurea Elmer, and B. sorsogonensis Elmer ex Merr., the three novel Begonia species discovered and published by Elmer. Botanical exploration of Bulusan and Irosin around Mt. Bulusan was conducted to rediscover the said species. Only B. sorsogonensis was rediscovered in the wild. A begonia closely resembling B. bakeri was found but identification was not confirmed due to absence of reproductive parts. The researchers documented Begonia species other than the species of interest. A new record of B. pseudolateralis Warb. and an important rediscovery is B. hemicardia Elmer are hereby reported. After thorough studies of protologues, herbarium specimens and living collection, it is concluded that B. hemicardia is not a synonym of B. binuangensis Merr., and therefore should be resurrected. In this exploration the researchers have witnessed that in the conversion from forest to an ecotourism park, nativespecies are displaced and cleared off to pave way for the exotic flowering species. Responsible ecotourism is therefore strongly recommended.