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Issue: Vol. 749 No. 1: 25 Mar. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-03-25
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7
Page range: 95-102
Abstract views: 0
PDF downloaded: 0

Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra), a new species from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines with notes on B. copelandii

Center for Integrative Conservation and Yunnan Key Laboratory for Conservation of Tropical Rainforests & Asian Elephants, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University, H.T. Feliciano St. Aguada, Ozamiz City, Philippines
Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University, H.T. Feliciano St. Aguada, Ozamiz City, Philippines
Human Resources for Health – National Health Workforce Support System, Department of Health Center for Health Development – Northern Mindanao, J.V. Seriña Street, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
Biodiversity Cucurbitales endemic typification Zamboanga peninsula Eudicots

Abstract

Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, is a center of plant endemism shaped by its complex geology, varied topography, and high habitat heterogeneity. Continued botanical explorations in the region have led to the discovery of Begonia occidentalis, which is herein described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles B. copelandii in its persistent stipules and capsule with strongly unequal wings, but can be readily distinguished by its arachnoid petiole, ovate leaf lamina with slightly overlapping cordate base and acuminate apex, a weakly serrate margin with densely conspicuous maroon hairs, and dorsally glandular floral bracts. A comprehensive taxonomic account is presented, including detailed morphological description, geographical distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status and a discussion on its taxonomic affinities. Furthermore, we lectotypify the name B. copelandii in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (Madrid Code).

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How to Cite

Naive, M.A.K., Alaman, B.B., Villanueva, G.V., Baul, M.J.G. & Ancheta, D.J. (2026) Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra), a new species from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines with notes on B. copelandii. Phytotaxa 749 (1): 95–102. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7