B. coronensis

Culture

Endangered Status

VU D2

Original Botanical Description or Link to

A Revision of Begonia section Diploclinium (BEGONIACEAE) on the Philippine Island of Palawan, incluing 5 new species - M. Hughes, C. Coyle & R. R. Rubite “Rhizomatous herb, 10–25 cm high. Stem c.5 mm wide when dry, appearing quite woody and usually quite short, internodes very compressed. Stipules lanceolate, small, 6–9 mm long, 2–3 mm wide, glabrous, tip with one or more filiform extensions, persistent but becoming tattered quickly. Leaves: petiole 6–15 cm long, with scattered short simple hairs; lamina membranaceous, pale green and translucent when dry, cordiform, symmetric to asymmetric, basifixed, base cordate with basal lobes overlapping or not overlapping, total length 6–18 cm, width 8–15 cm, midrib 6–15 cm long, venation palmate, upper surface with short hairs scattered between the veins, underside with short hairs scattered along the veins, margin erose, apex broadly triangular to rounded. Inflorescence cymose, often appearing monochasial during fructescence, primary peduncle c.13–15 cm; bracts triangular, very small, c.2 mm long, glabrous, margin fimbriate, persistent. Male flower: pedicel length c.8 mm; outer tepals 2, white, orbicular, with short hairs on the reverse, rounded at the base, 6 3 6 mm1, margin briefly ciliate; inner tepals 2, white, broadly obovate, glabrous; androecium symmetric; stamens 25–30; filaments equal, , 1 mm long; anther c.0.5 mm long, cordiform, dehiscing through slits almost the full length of the anther, tip retuse when dry. Female flower unknown. Fruit: pedicel c.10 mm long, hair-like; fruit pendent, drying pale brown, wings equal to subequal, broadly triangular with a rounded tip; capsule circular, c.5 mm diameter, with 3 locules, placentae entire. Habitat and ecology. Endemic to Coron and Culion Islands in the north of Palawan, on rocks and ledges along small streams at c.20 m altitude, on limestone. Proposed IUCN category. VU D2. Although this species will undoubtedly have undergone a historic reduction in area of occupancy due to deforestation on Coron Island, it currently occurs within the protected area around Lake Danao. As we are aware of no continuing decline being observed, this species does not meet the criteria for the Endangered category. However, given the low number of localities Begonia coronensis must be considered Vulnerable. Any ongoing degradation of habitat for this species surrounding Lake Danao will immediately lead to a category of Endangered or even Critically Endangered.”