The mega genus Begonia (Begoniaceae) is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. It is one of the largest plant genera in the world with over 2,100 species. In China, the number of Begonia species has increased to 304 (including subspecies, varieties and natural hybrid species) in recent years.
In a study published in Nordic Journal of Botany, researchers from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported a new species named Begonia chunxiuensis, which was collected in southwestern Guangxi, China.
During their field surveys in 2020 and 2024, researchers collected an unknown Begonia species around Chunxiu Reservior in Longzhou County. Through comparison with morphologically allied species, examination of herbarium specimens and review of relevant literature, they confirmed that it is a new taxon.
Begonia chunxiuensis is a perennial herb, noted for its striking appearance. Its leaves are green to viridian on the upper surface with pinkish-white to white, long, soft hairs, while the underside is a contrasting light green with prominent red veins and red to pinkish-white hairs. It produces delicate white flowers.
The new species is morphologically similar to Begonia sinovietnamica and Begonia aurora, but distinguished from them by having narrowly triangular stipules, smaller male flowers and anthers with a convex apex. It is sporadically distributed around Chunxiu Reservior and was found growing under forests and beside paddy fields at an elevation of 150-300 meters above sea level.
Begonia chunxiuensis is currently known from only two subpopulations in a limited area. "Due to this restricted and poorly known distribution, the species has been provisionally assessed as 'Data Deficient' (DD) according to the IUCN Red List categories," said XI Houcheng from XTBG.
Begonia chunxiuensis (Image by LI Renkun)
