Rediscovery of Begonia species in Mountain Province

Abstract

Mountain Province boasts of limestone forests and a cool weather that provide a suitable home for some Begonia species. To date however, the last taxonomic account of Begonia species in the said province is more than a hundred years old. These plants are often perennial succulent herbs with distinctly asymmetrical leaves. For this study, Sabangan and Sagada were visited by the researchers in order to collect herbarium specimens and update the taxonomic record of the species in Mountain Province. Two species, namely Begonia vanoverberghii in Barangay Bun-ayan, Sabangan and Begonia klemmei in Barangay Patay, Sagada were found. Previously missing characteristics in the protologue, especially that of the pistillate flowers of B. vanoverberghii and B. klemmei as well as some vegetative parts, were filled in through this research. The information the researchers obtained can be utilized in further studies about these species as well as maintaining conservation measures in Mountain Province.