Eleven new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Sarawak, Borneo

Abstract

Diverse geological formations resulted in diverse terrains and varied microhabitats in Borneo where over 200 species of Begonia are currently known. The majority of Begonia species in Sarawak have a very narrow to moderately restricted distribution, and are often confined to a particular geology. An overwhelming number of new species were reported recently from Borneo. It was estimated that more than 600 species of Begonia occur in Borneo, which means that many more species are yet to be discovered and scientifically named. In continuation of our research on Sarawak Begonia, we discovered a number of unknown species of Begonia from southwestern Sarawak. Consultation of the literature, herbarium specimens and detailed morphological examination of plants in cultivation supports the recognition of eleven new species. Herein we name them as B. aiensis, B. dinosauria, B. hirsuticarpa, B. iridifolia, B. lawii, B. lichenora, B. magnicarpa, B. metallicolor, B. nix, B. superciliaris and B. wallacei, all of which belonging to sect. Petermannia. They are fully described and illustrated in this article.