Abstract
A new species, Begonia yapenensis M.Hughes, in Begonia section Symbegonia (Begoniaceae) is described and diagnosed against Begonia sympapuana. The new species is endemic to Yapen Island, Papua, Indonesia, and is currently known from a single collection.
Highlights
Begonia section Symbegonia (Warburg 1894: 149; Forrest & Hollingsworth 2003: 208) is endemic to the island of New Guinea and comprises 13 species (Sands 2009)
The section was recognised at the genus level prior to a molecular phylogenetic study (Forrest & Hollingsworth 2003) which found it to be nested within Begonia section Petermannia (Klotzsch 1854: 124; de Candolle 1859: 128)
It is tempting to speculate that the large amount of highly dissected yet fairly continuous montane habitat on New Guinea has promoted rapid yet incomplete diversification in this group, leading to difficult species complexes
Summary
Begonia section Symbegonia (Warburg 1894: 149; Forrest & Hollingsworth 2003: 208) is endemic to the island of New Guinea and comprises 13 species (Sands 2009). Possibly mediated by bird pollination, may contribute to the persistence of widespread species complexes, which would otherwise fragment into different taxa in the absence of gene flow (Hughes & Hollingsworth 2008). In addition to this biological complexity, the diversity in Begonia sect. During preparation for a taxonomic revision of the section by two of the authors, it became clear that
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
