B. rubiteae

Culture

Endangered Status

EN B2a,b(iii)

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 10–20 cm high. Stem c.5 mm diameter when dry, maroon to brown in life, internodes usually compressed but may reach up to 9 cm, with scattered brown 3 mm long hairs. Stipules ovate-lanceolate, maroon to light brown, 20 x 7 mm, apex acuminate, margin ciliate, with brown hairs (2 mm) along the keel. Leaves: petiole 7–15 cm long, with fairly dense fine hairs c.2 mm long when young, becoming sparse with age, the junction of petiole and lamina with ring of abundant maroon hairs (2–4 mm); lamina green, basifixed, base cordate, orbicular-ovate, total dimensions 6–9 x 9–13 cm, basal lobes rounded and overlapping slightly in life; apex acute, upper surface glabrous, green with white to light green dots; lower surface maroon with brown 2–3 mm long hairs on the veins. Inflorescence primary peduncle maroon in life, 13–30 cm long, erect, glabrous; bracts green, ovate, 6 x 5 mm, becoming smaller towards the apex, glabrous, caducous. Male flower: pedicel red, c.10 mm long; tepals 4, outer pair orbicular, 10 3 9 mm, dorsal side red, ventral side white, inner pair obovate, white, retuse, 8 3 4 mm; stamens 50–60, yellow, filament c.0.5 mm long, on a short column; anther oval-oblong, c.0.5 mm long. Female flower: pedicel green, 10 mm; tepals 4, outer pair orbicular, 7 3 7 mm, dorsal side red, ventral side pale pink to white; inner pair obovate, white, retuse, 7 3 4 mm; stigmas 3, 2 mm long, stigmas in spiral band. Fruit: pedicel 10 mm; capsule glabrous, brown, pendulous, 8 3 14 mm in total, apex acute and base retuse, wings 3, subequal, rounded, 4 mm wide; locules 3, placentae bifid. Habitat and ecology. Endemic to Busuanga Island, at streamsides at altitudes of c.100 m. Proposed IUCN category. EN B2a,b(iii). Mabentangen Forest Park is the sole drinking water catchment for Busuanga Island, and is a protected area. However, the park is being encroached by small settlements which are impacting the habitat of Begonia rubiteae. During the period May 2007 to September 2008 the populations of this species had decreased significantly, necessitating a further 800 m walk upstream from previously recorded plants to locate a healthy population (R. Rubite, pers. obs.). We recommend that the park management needs to reconcile the needs of local people and the protection of the forest if this species is to survive.”