Begonia in Biliran Island: the rediscovery of B. biliranensis, new records for B. colorata, B. contracta, and B. pseudolateralis, and 2 possible new species.

Abstract

Begonia species are considered to be an overall biodiversity indicator of a specific area. Biliran Island, with its undiscovered beauty dwelling within abounding mountains, forests, and abundant waterfalls, is known to house its own biodiversity. In the island, there is one species of Begonia, B. biliranensis. A botanical exploration on these areas was conducted to collect then species, as well as to administer a circumstantial study through morphological characterization and herbarium specimen preparation. B. biliranensis was rediscovered, new records of B. colorata, and B. contracta, and B. pseudolateralis were found. A possible new species, along with another unidentified species, were also discovered at Pondol falls and at the mossy forest of Mount Panamao respectively. Data gathered will be submitted to the local government in the interest of providing measures for its conservation and preservation. Despite its rich biodiversity, Biliran Island remains an unprotected area. Such floristic diversity is vulnerable to the threat of advancing economic development. Results of this study can thus encourage the local public sector to look further into the immediate need for preservation and reinforcement of such bountiful variety of flora, by establishing conservation priorities in light of the present, as well as the forthcoming environmental degradation.