Morphological characterization of a novel species, Begonia caramoanensis, in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Abstract

To date, there has been no taxonomic account of any Begonia species in the municipality of Caramoan, province of Camarines Sur. Recently, however, hobbyists posted photographs of suspected Begonia species located from karst forests in the area. To investigate and prepare a taxonomic account of Begonia in Caramoan, a fieldwork in selected habitats was conducted in five barangays of the municipality and in the nearby Barangay Baliguian of the municipality of Presentacion. Two species of Begonia were found, one of which is novel, and hereby reported as Begonia caramoanensis, while the identity of the other species is not confirmed since the only reproductive part available for characterization is the fruit. Begonia caramoanensis is extensively distributed throughout the municipality of Caramoan, has distinct maroon to green leaves, triangular hairy stipules with prominent pink to red keel, unequal wings, and staminate and pistillate flowers with hairy pedicel. After detailed examination of protologues, herbarium specimens, and living collection, both species were classified under section Baryandra. Information from this study may be applied to promote effective conservation measures of Begonia in the area.