Morphological Characterization of Three Begonia species in Mt. Polis, Ifugao

Abstract

Begonia is recognized as having palmately or pinnately veined asymmetric leaves and having winged inferior ovaries of female flowers. Begonia, which grows in pristine forests, develops in Philippine rainforests with 121 species described, recorded and divided amongst the sections Petermannia and Baryandra. This research studied, collected, and recorded Begonia species existing on the Ifugao side of Mt. Polis. The study characterized the morphology of three Begonia species in the area. The three collected Begonia species were studied by comparing them with protologues and herbarium specimens. The researchers found suspected B. oxysperma, B. megalantha, and a new species of Begonia endemic to the area which was proposed to be named Begonia polisiana as it was found in Mt Polis, Ifugao. The recorded endemic Begonia sp. of Mt. Polis, B. alba, was not found. The decline in their population might be caused by the cutting of trees, landslides, and other natural and man-made disturbances on the mountain.