Begonia hirta (Klotzsch) L.B.Sm. & B.G.Schub.

Moonlight, Peter. W., Jara-Muñoz, Orlando A., Purvis, David A., Delves, Jay, Allen, Josh P. & Reynel, Carlos, 2023, The genus Begonia (Begoniaceae) in Peru, European Journal of Taxonomy 881, pp. 1-334 : 54-58

7. Begonia hirta (Klotzsch) L.B.Sm. & B.G.Schub.

Figs 21A , 22

Publications of the Field Museum of Natural History, Botanical Series 13 (4/1): 197 ( Smith & Schubert 1941a). – Casparya hirta Klotzsch, Gattungen und Arten 1854: 247 ( Klotzsch 1855) . – Casparya cordifolia var. hirta (Klotzsch) A.DC., Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis 15 (1): 273 ( de Candolle 1864).

– Type: PERU – [Huánuco Region: Prov. Huánuco] • in Muña; [9°40′ S, 75°49′ W]; 1784, H. Ruiz s.n.; lectotype: B [ B101068571 , F neg. 20854], designated here .

Walpers (1858: 934); Smith & Schubert (1941a: 192); Brako & Zarucchi (1993: 193); León & Monsalve (2006: 166).

Casparya columnaris Klotzsch, Gattungen und Arten 1854: 247 ( Klotzsch 1855) .

– Type: PERU – [Huánuco Region: Prov. Huánuco] • in Muña; [9°40′ S, 75°49′ W]; H. Ruiz s.n.; lectotype: B [ F neg. 20853], designated here; isolectotype: HAL ex B [ HAL0121732 ] .

de Candolle (1864: 274); Smith & Schubert (1941a: 192).

Casparya grewiifolia var. pavoniana A.DC., Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis 15 (1): 272 ( de Candolle 1864).

– Type: [ Peru]; 1777–1788; J.A. s.n.; lectotype: G-BOIS ex B ex herb. Lamberti, designated here. Syn. nov.

Smith & Wasshausen (1979: 242).

Casparya cordifolia A.DC., Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis 15 (1): 273 ( de Candolle 1864) . – Begonia cordifolia (A.DC.) Warb. , nom. illeg.; later homonym non (Wight) Thwaites), Naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien 3 (6A): 146 ( Warburg 1894). – Begonia hirta var. cordifolia (A.DC.) L.B.Sm. & B.G. Schub., Publications of the Field Museum of Natural History, Botanical Series 13 (4/1): 192 ( Smith & Schubert 1941a).

– Type: PERU • J.A. Pavón s.n.; lectotype: G-BOIS, designated here • J.A. Pavón s.n.; syntype: G-DC ex G-BOIS [F neg. 7315] • H. Ruiz L. s.n.; 1777–1788; syntype: B [F neg. 20853] • H. Ruiz L. s.n.; 1777–1788; syntype: HAL ex B ex herb. Lamberti [ HAL0121732 ] • H. Ruiz L. s.n.; 1777–1788; syntype: B [F neg. 20854]. Syn. nov.

Walpers (1858: 875); Smith & Schubert (1941a: 192); Brako & Zarucchi (1993: 193); Vásquez et al. (2005: 112–125).

Begonia raimondii Irmsch., Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie 74 (4): 629 ( Irmscher 1949).

– Type: PERU – Junín Region: Prov. Jauja • Valle del río Masamerich , entre Costambos Atac y Calabaza; [11°32′ S, 74°48′ W]; 3100 m a.s.l.; 23 Apr. 1913; A. Weberbauer 6639; lectotype: US [ US00115437 ], designated here; isolectotypes: B, MOL [ MOL00003002 , MOL0003003 , MOL0003004 ], US [ US00222277 ] ) • Junín Region: Entre Santiago y Llalla ; A. Raimondi 2982; syntype: B [n.v.] .

Brako & Zarucchi (1993: 194); León & Monsalve (2006: 168); Jara-Muñoz et al. (2019: 63).

Begonia columnaris Ruiz ex Klotzsch (nom. inval.; nom. rej. pro syn. Casparya columnaris Klotzsch (nom. inval.; nom. nud.)), Bericht über die zur Bekanntmachung geeigneten Verhandlungen der Königl. Preuss. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1854: 127 ( Klotzsch 1854).

Casparya columnaris Klotzsch (nom. inval.; nom. nud.), Bericht über die zur Bekanntmachung geeigneten Verhandlungen der Königl. Preuss. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1854: 127 ( Klotzsch 1854).

Casparya hirta Klotzsch (nom. inval.; nom. nud.), Bericht über die zur Bekanntmachung geeigneten Verhandlungen der Königl. Preuss. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1854: 127 ( Klotzsch 1854).

Begonia coccinea Pav. ex A.DC. (nom. inval.; nom. rej. pro syn. Casparya cordifolia A.DC. ), Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabili 15 (1): 273 ( de Candolle 1864).

Begonia columnaris Pav. ex A.DC. (nom. inval.; nom. rej. pro syn. Casparya cordifolia A.DC. ), Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabili 15 (1): 273 ( de Candolle 1864).

Begonia incarnata Pav. ex A.DC. (nom. inval.; nom. rej. pro syn. Casparya cordifolia A.DC. ), Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabili 15 (1): 273 ( de Candolle 1864).

Begonia hirsuta Pav. ex A.DC. (nom. inval.; nom. rej. pro syn. Casparya cordifolia A.DC. ), Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabili 15 (1): 273 ( de Candolle 1864).

Begonia rosea Pav. ex A.DC. (nom. inval.; nom. rej. pro syn. Casparya cordifolia A.DC. ), Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabili 15 (1): 273 ( de Candolle 1864).

Etymology

The epithet derives from the Latin word ‘ hirtus ’, meaning ‘hairy’, and refers to the indumentum of the species.

Selected specimens examined

PERU • J.A. Pavón 322; G • ibid.; J.A. Pavón s.n.; G-BOIS [2], OXF • ibid.; H. Ruiz & J.A. Pavón s.n.; 1778–1788; MA [ MA813506 ] • ibid.; 1778–1788; H. Ruiz & J.A. Pavón s.n.; MA [ MA813498 ]. – San Martín Region: Prov. Mariscal Cáceres • entre Puerta de Monte y Playa Colorado, Parque Nacional río Abiseo ; [7°40′ S, 77°28′ W]; 3050–3350 m a.s.l.; 30 Jul. 2000; J. Roque, K. Young, A. Cano & B. León 1667; USM . – La Libertad Region: Prov. Pataz • Dist. Buldibuyo, La Montañita ; 8°06′ S, 77°14′ W; 3000 m a.s.l.; 15 Mar. 2001; A. Sagástegui A., M. Zapata & G. Palacios 16316; F [ V0410368F ], US [ US00673155 ]. – Huánuco Region: Prov. Huánuco • Pillao ; [9°47′ S, 76°00′ W]; 2700 m a.s.l.; 27 Feb. 1946; F. Woytkowski 34160; G, MO [ MO-2264387 ], US [ US00222361 ] • Chinchao, Caserío de Huanacaure, sendero terminal Vista Alegre Huanchac ; [9°46′ S, 75°54′ W]; 14 Oct. 2011; W. Mendoza, D. Sasaki & D. Trujillo 6314; USM • in Muña; [9°40′ S, 75°49′ W]; J.A. Pavón s.n.; G-BOIS . – Pasco Region: Prov. Oxapampa • Dist. Huancabamba, Oso Playa ; 10°17′58″ S, 75°36′36″ W; 2300 m a.s.l.; 18 Oct. 2009; L. Valenzuela, A. Monteagudo, M. Cueva, A. Peña, J. Mateo & R. Rivera 13646; HOXA, MO [ MO-2240414 ] • Dist. Huancabamba, Localidad de Lanturachi, sector Santa Bárbara , alrededor del campamento en Milpo; 10°23′ S, 75°37′ W; 2862 m a.s.l.; 20 Oct. 2003; J. Perea, R. Francis, C. Mateo & G. Ortiz 813; COL, HOXA, F, MO [ MO-1102976 ], NY, US [ US00843959 ] • Oxapampa– Cerro de Pasco Road , 20–30 km W of Oxapampa; 10°40′ S, 75°55′ W; 2000–2500 m a.s.l.; 3 Feb. 1983; A.H. Gentry, D. Smith, R. Vasquiez & B. León 40026; MO [ MO-2180427 ], US [ US00672861 ]. – Junín Region • Concepcion to Satipo , km 140 ; [74°52′ S, 11°29′ W]; 22 Jan. 1946; R.J. Seibert 2385; MO [ MO-2264408 ], US [2: US00424984 , US00222153 ].

Description

Caulescent herb, to 50 cm high. Stem erect, rarely branching; internodes to 9 cm long, to 6 mm thick, succulent, pale green to red, hispid. Stipules deciduous, triangular, 6–15 × 3–10 mm, apex acute, translucent, pale green, glabrous, margin entire, aciliate. Leaves> 5, alternate, basifixed; petiole 1–2.5 cm long, red, hispid; blade asymmetrical, lanceolate, to 13 × 5 cm, membranceous, apex attenuate, base dimidiate, the larger side rounded, the narrow side cuneate, margin serrate, ciliate, upper surface green, the veins red, glabrous, lower surface pale green, sparsely villous on the main vain, pilose on the lamina, veins pinnate, with 6–8 secondary veins on the larger side, 4–6 secondary veins on the smaller side. Inflorescences 1–3, bisexual, axillary, erect, cymose, with up to 16 branches, bearing up to 8 staminate flowers and 8 pistillate flowers, protandrous; peduncle to 8 cm long, red, sparsely villous, bracts deciduous, elliptic to ovate, 8–15 × 3–5 mm, translucent, white flushed red, glabrous, apex rounded, margin entire, aciliate. Staminate flowers: pedicels to 25 mm long, glabrous; tepals 4, spreading, outer 2 ovate, 25–35 × 10–15 mm, apex obtuse, scarlet, glabrous, margin entire, aciliate, inner 2 ovate, ca 20 × ca 8 mm, apex obtuse, scarlet, glabrous, margin entire, aciliate; stamens 12–18, projecting, pale yellow, filaments 2–4 mm long, free, anthers linear, 5–6 × 0.5 mm long, dehiscing via lateral slits, connectives extended to 0.5 mm, symmetrically basifixed. Pistillate flowers: pedicels to 10 mm long; bracteoles lacking; tepals 5, subequal, deciduous in fruit, spreading, elliptic, 12–15 × 3–8 mm, apex obtuse, scarlet, glabrous, margin entire, aciliate; ovary body ovoid, ca 4 × 2.5 mm, green, flushed red at the apex of the wings, glabrous, equally 3-winged, wings horn-shaped, ascending, ca 4 × 7 mm; 3-locular, placentae branches divided, bearing ovules on both surfaces; styles 3, pink, free, 6–10 mm long, 4–6 times divided, stigmatic papillae in a spirally twisted band. Fruiting pedicel to 15 mm long. Fruit body ovoid, to 6 × 6 mm, drying light brown, wings same shape as in ovary, expanding to 12 × 15 mm, column at the apex of the ovary elongating to 15 mm.

Proposed conservation assessment

Previously assessed as Data Deficient (DD) by León & Monsalve (2006). Endemic to upper montane forests, which are highly threatened, but with an EOO of> 25 000 km 2 and a range that includes several national parks and areas of remote primary forest. We assess B. hirta as least concern (LC), which replaces the existing DD assessment of B. raimondii Irmsch. ( León & Monsalve 2006).

Synonymy notes

Previous authors have included Casparya grewiifolia var. pavoniana A.DC. as a synonym of B. longirostris Benth. This is likely because both C. grewiifolia A.DC. and C. grewiifolia var. jamesoniana A.DC. are both synonyms of B. longirostris ( Smith & Wasshausen 1979) . However, B. longirostris is not found in Peru and the type specimen of C. grewiifolia var. pavoniana was collected in Peru by J.A. Pavón. This material has the horned fruits characteristic of members of B. sect. Casparya but unlike B. longirostris has staminate flowers with free tepals. In all respects, this material falls within our circumscription of B. hirta . This includes the transversely ovate leaf blades and relatively large staminate flowers with red, projecting tepals We therefore transfer C. grewiifolia var. pavoniana into the synonymy of B. hirta .

Typification notes

Jara-Muñoz et al. (2019) attempted to lectotypify C. hirta Klotzsch and its homonyms based upon a photograph of H. Ruiz s.n. in Berlin (B101068571) housed in F (F neg. 20854). The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature does not allow the designation of a photograph as a lectotype ( Turland et al. 2018: Article 9.3). The authors chose a photograph as a lectotype as they believed the specimen housed in B was destroyed in WWII. Berlin’s Begonia collections escaped destruction as they were at that time on loan to Edgar Irmscher. The sheet of H. Ruiz s.n. cited by Irmscher in the protologue for C. hirta still exists in Berlin herbarium (B101068571), thus we designate this as the lectotype of C. hirta herein.

The protologue of C. columnaris Klotzsch cited material collected by H. Ruiz & J.A. Pavón in Muña and identified as B. columnaris ( Klotzsch 1855: 247) . We know of two sheets that match this description, one in Berlin herbarium (F neg. 20853) and a second in the herbarium of the University of Halle but formerly of Berlin (HAL0121732). We designate the specimen in Berlin as the lectotype of C. columnaris .

Alphonse Pyramus de Candolle cited material collected by J.A. Pavón and deposited in G-BOIS in the protologue of C. grewiifolia var. pavoniana ( de Candolle 1864: 272) . There are two sheets filed under this name in G-BOIS, which may be syntypes. The first of these states it was collected by H. Ruiz rather than J.A. Pavón and was formerly in Lambert’s herbarium and then Berlin herbarium. This sheet does however have a determination slip written by de Candolle, demonstrating he considered this sheet part to be this taxon. The second sheet has two plants on it, each with a slip that just says “herb. Pavón” in Pavón’s handwriting. This sheet is likely one bought by de Candolle directly from the Pavón herbarium. We designate the first sheet as the lectotype of C. grewiifolia var. pavoniana because of the determination slip.

The protologue of C. cordifolia A.DC. cites several sheets collected by H. Ruiz and J.A. Pavón in Peru ( de Candolle 1864: 273), which are all syntypes. De Candolle also cited C. columnaris Klotzsch nom. nud. in synonymy, but as he cited Klotzsch’s 1854 nom. nud. rather than his 1855 legitimate name, C. cordifolia may still be a superfluous name. The specimens cited by de Candolle are as follows: (i) specimens collected near Muña and deposited in G-BOIS and Berlin herbarium. This includes the sheets discussed in ii and iii, a sheet in Berlin (F neg. 20584), and a sheet in G-DC herbarium that was taken from G-BOIS (F neg. 7315); (ii) specimens in Berlin herbarium identified as B. columnaris . This includes a sheet in B (F neg. 20853) was collected near Muña that we have designated as the lectotype of C. columnaris , and a sheet in HAL but that used to be in Berlin, that we treat as an isolectotype of C. columnaris (HAL0121732); (iii) specimens identified as B. hirsuta Pav. ex A.DC. , B. columnaris Pav. ex A.DC. , B. incarnata Pav. ex A.DC. , B. rosea Pav. ex A.DC. , or B. coccinea Pav. ex A.DC. in G-BOIS. This citation refers to a single sheet from Pavón’s personal herbarium that includes all five of these names and was also collected near Muña. We designate the specimen discussed in iii as the lectotype of C. cordifolia and its homonyms, because this citation is completely unambiguous and refers to a high-quality specimen. We note that de Candolle cited all the syntypes of C. columnaris that we know of, so it would be reasonable to consider C. cordifolia a superfluous name ( Turland et al. 2018: Article 52.2). However, de Candolle cited specific herbaria whereas Klotzsch cited gatherings with no herbarium citations. If there are further duplicates in other herbaria, these would have been syntypes at the time of publication ( Turland et al. 2018: Article 9.6) so de Candolle would not have cited all syntypes. We therefore treat C. cordifolia as a legitimate name.

Jara-Muñoz et al. (2019) synonymised B. raimondii with B. hirta and attempted to designate a lectotype in the process. Irmscher cited two collections in the protologue of B. raimondii: A. Weberbauer 6639 (B, US) and A. Raimondi 2982 (B; Irmscher 1949: 629). Jara et al. cited a A. Weberbauer 6639 as the “(holotype: US here designated)”. It is not possible to designate a holotype after a name is published and since 2001 a lectotypification has not been affected unless the word “ lectotypus ” or equivalent is used ( Turland et al. 2018: Article 9.23). We agree with Jara et al. that the most suitable material for lectotypification is in the US herbarium and select the sheet US 00115437 as the lectotype.

H. Ruiz and J.A. Pavón collected several specimens of B. hirta including the type and it appears from three unpublished illustration of this species housed in Madrid (MA-AJB04-D-1394, Fig. 22 ; MA-AJB04-D-1403; MA-AJB04-D-1399) that they intended to publish at least some of this material as B. incarnata , B. hirsuta or B. cucullata . Ruiz and Pavón never completed an account of the Begoniaceae for their Flora Peruviana et Chilensis so these remain unpublished names.

Identification notes

Begonia hirta is best recognised as the Peruvian member of B. sect. Casparya with the largest tepals; for example, its staminate tepals are at least 20 mm long whereas those of other species reach only 15 mm long. Begonia urticae is the only other Peruvian member of the section that sometimes has red flowers, but this species differs in its much smaller flowers with spreading rather than projecting tepals.

Distribution and ecology

Endemic to Peru and known from collections made in San Martín, La Libertad, Huánuco, Pasco, Junín Regions ( Fig. 21A ). Found in middle and upper montane forest at an elevation of 2000–3300 m a.s.l. Begonia hirta has also been identified from photographs taken at Catarata Yumbilla (5°55′09″ S, 77°54′08″ W; [2500 m a.s.l.]) and above Catarata Gocta (5°05′53″ S, 77°05′29″ W; 2730 m a.s.l.) in Amazonas Region by Wenbo Chen and Josh Allen respectively.

Figures

Fig. 21. Distribution of Begonia sect. Casparya (Klotzsch) Warb. in Peru and surrounding countries. A. B. condorensis Jara & Moonlight sp. nov. (red) and B. hirta (Klotzsch) L.B.Sm. & B.G.Schub. (blue). B. B. urticae L.f. (red). Black lines indicate country borders, grey lines indicate major administrative divisions, blue lines indicate rivers, and shading indicates elevation.

Fig. 22. Begonia hirta (Klotzsch) L.B.Sm. & B.G.Schub., habit. a. Staminate flower, front view. b. Pistillate flower, front/side view. Illustration by Franco Pulgar from material collected by H. Ruiz & J.A. Pavón during their Peruvian expedition. Reproduced with the permission of MA herbarium (MA- AJB04-D-1394), where it is filed as Begonia hirsuta.