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Issue: Vol. 758 No. 3: 26 May 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-05-26
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.758.3.7
Page range: 285-292
Abstract views: 0
PDF downloaded: 0

Begonia mishmiorum (Sect. Platycentrum), a remarkable new species from the Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Biological Science and Technology Division; CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST); Jorhat; Assam-785006; India
Biological Science and Technology Division; CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST); Jorhat; Assam-785006; India; Department of Botany; Bholanath College (Autonomous); Dhubri-783324; Assam; India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR); Ghaziabad-201002; India
Biological Science and Technology Division; CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST); Jorhat; Assam-785006; India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR); Ghaziabad-201002; India
Eudicots Begoniaceae Cucurbitales Eastern Himalaya Anjaw endemic new taxon

Abstract

A remarkable new species, Begonia mishmiorum sp. nov. (sect. Platycentrum), from Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is described and illustrated. The species is allied to Begonia persistens Y.H.Tan, M.B.Maw & H.B.Ding and Begonia dicressine Wahlsteen but is readily distinguished by a unique combination of characters, notably its conspicuous, persistent bracteoles that are pinkish-white, deltoid to broadly ovate, sparsely hairy, and completely enclosing the ovary, a feature rarely observed within the section. It further differs in having glabrous, terete petioles, asymmetric cordate leaves with a variegated adaxial surface. A detailed taxonomic description, colour photographs, and a comparison table with allied species are provided. The species is currently known only from a single locality Mithumna in Anjaw district, where its habitat is fragmented and declining due to road construction and landslides. Owing to insufficient data on its population size and distribution, it is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN criteria. Further field studies are needed to clarify its conservation status.

References

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How to Cite

Chowdhury, S., Hajong, B. & Bharali, P. (2026) Begonia mishmiorum (Sect. Platycentrum), a remarkable new species from the Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Phytotaxa 758 (3): 285–292. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.758.3.7