Begonia lophoptera Rolfe, 1914

Moonlight, P. W. & Reynel, C., 2018, Two new species of Begonia from Andean Peru, Phytotaxa 381 (1), pp. 116-126 : 122-125

3. Begonia lophoptera Rolfe ( Figs. 4 , 5 ) § Cyathocnemis

Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew, 1914 (1): 28. (1914). Type: PERU. Department of Pasco: Prov. Oxapampa: Pozuzo, K.G. Pearce 556 (Lectotype K [K000536718], designated here).

Plants a caulescent herb, 40–100 cm high; stem erect, occasionally branching; internodes to 8.5 cm long, to 8 mm thick, succulent, red, glabrous to sparsely pilose; stipules persistent, reniform to ovate or rarely broadly lanceolate, [6–] 10–19 × 6–14 mm, green, glabrous, base surrounded by pilose hairs, cordate, apex rounded to acute, margin entire, aciliate. Leaves alternate, spread evenly along stem, more than 5, basifixed; petiole 1.5–9 cm long, sparsely to densely pilose; lamina asymmetric, transverse, ovate, 4.5–11 × 6–12, apex acute to acuminate, base cordate, to 1.5 cm deep, lobes not overlapping, acuspidate or with up to 4 cusps along broad side of the lamina, margin irregularly double-dentate, ciliate, upper surface even, glaucous to vivid green, sometimes with red veins towards petiole insertion, glabrous to densely pilose, denser on major veins, lower surface even, pale green with red veins, sparsely to densely pilose; venation palmate, 6–9 veins from base. Inflorescence protanderous, axillary, erect, cymose, branching to 3 times, sparsely to densely pilose; peduncle to 8 cm long, internodes to 1.8 cm long; bracts deciduous, lanceolate, 7–25 × 4–7 mm, translucent to white, glabrous to sparsely pilose, apex acute, margin aciliate to ciliate. Staminate flower: pedicel 5–15 mm long; tepals 2, spreading, membranaceous, ovate, 6–19 × 6–17 mm, apex acute, base cordate, margin entire to irregularly serrate, ciliate, white, pink or red, upper surface glabrous, lower surface pilose; stamens 25–35, free, spreading, yellow, filaments 1.5–2 mm, anthers linear, 1.5– 0.5 mm, obtuse, dehiscing through lateral slits, connective projecting to 0.5 mm. Pistillate flower: pedicel 5–12 mm long; bracteoles lacking; tepals 2, spreading, deciduous in fruit, membranaceous, ovate, 11–21 × 4.5–17 apex acute, base rounded, margin entire, aciliate, white, pink or red, upper surface glabrous, lower surface glabrous to sparsely pilose; ovary body ovoid, 4–6 × 2.5–3.5 mm, sparsely pilose, white, pink or red, unequally 3-winged, wings glabrous, white, pink or red, the largest wing triangular, 5–8 × 3.5–10 mm, apex truncate and notched, ciliate, margin entire, aciliate, the smallest 2 wings oblong, 5–8 × 1–4 mm, margin entire, aciliate; placentae axile, bilamellate, ovuliferous all over; styles 3, deciduous in fruit, 3–5 mm long, bifid 1.5 mm from base, branches erect, spirally twisted. Fruiting pedicel extending to 2.5 cm. Fruit pendulous, ovate, light brown, enlarging to 11 × 6 mm, the largest wing the same shape as in the ovary, enlarging to 13 × 15 mm, the smallest enlarging to a triangular wing 10 × 6 mm.

Distribution and habitat:— Peru. Known from montane forests on the humid eastern slope of the Andes from the Department of Amazonas to Cuzco at an altitude of 700–2700 m. Begonia lophoptera is locally common around montane forest streams and on cliff faces and found at lower densities in the understory of montane forest.

Taxonomic Comments:— A number of specimens of Begonia lophoptera have erroneously been determined as B. microcarpa A.DC. (1864: 311) . The range of these species does not overlap, and they can be distinguished readily by their habit ( B. microcarpa is decumbent and roots at the nodes) and the number of tepals in both the male and female flowers (4 and 5 respectively in B. microcarpa ; 2 and 2 respectively in B. lophoptera ).

Photographs of the specimens M. C. Tebbitt & A. Daza 807 and 821; P.W. Moonlight & A. Daza 231; A. Orejuela, J. Castillo & M. Suarez 2856 and 2861 are available on the Begonia Resource Centre ( Hughes et al. 2015 –).

Etymology:— The specific epithet is derived from the Greek words lophos (ridge or tuft) and pteron (wing), and refers to the unusual projections found on the largest fruit wing of the species and its closest relatives.

IUCN Redlist Assessment:— Begonia lophoptera is widespread and locally common throughout its range, in which it has been collected in Parque Nacional Yanachaga-Chemillén, Parque Nacional Manu, and Área de Conservación Privada Bosque Berlin. While the species requires primary montane forest habitat, which is generally threatened in Peru, it is still relatively undisturbed within the species’ range. We assess B. lophoptera as Least Concern (LC) under IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria ( IUCN, 2012).

Additional specimens examined:— PERU: Department of Amazonas: Prov. Bagua: Dist. Yambrasbamba : Área de Conservación Privada Bosque Berlin cerca Santa Clara , trilha das cascadas, 5˚53’56” S, 78˚23’38” W, 1958 m, P. W. Moonlight 1273 ; ibid, 5˚54’3” S, 78˚25’46” W, 1993 m, P. W. Moonlight 1274 ; ibid, 5˚54’8” S, 78˚24’55” W, 2064 m, P. W. Moonlight 1275 ; Department of Pasco: Prov. Oxapampa: Dist. Oxapampa : río San Alberto , abra Esperanza , alt. 2400–2700 m, 28 June 1985, R. B. Foster, B. d’Achille & A. Brack 10289 ( MOL, USM) ; Parque Nacional Yanachaga-Chemillén, quebrada Yanachaga , alt. 2370 m, 10˚23’31” S, 75˚28’29” W, 10 June 2003, R. Vasquez, A. Monteagudo et al. 28093 ( HOXA, MO) ; Dist. Chontabamba: Headwaters of río Tunqui , trail to Chuchurras-Palcazu , 10˚14’ S, 75˚28’ W, 2 January 1984, R. B. Foster, M. Chanco, J. Albán & D. N. Smith 7751 ( MO) ; Dist. Pozuzo: Sector Tunqui, camino al valle del Palcazú , alt. 2006 m, 10˚16’24” S, 75˚30’37” W, 15 September 2007, L. Hernani, M. Corrales M., G. Castillo P. & V. Flores M. 336 ( HOXA, E, MO, USM) ; Dist. Huancabamba: Parque Nacional Yanachaga-Chemillén, parte media de la quebrada Muchuy Mayo , sector Tunqui , alt. 1800 m, 10˚17’30” S, 75˚31’5” W, 29 October 2007, A. Monteagudo, D. Rodriguez, J. Mateo & V. Flores 15718 ( HOXA, E, MO, USM) ; Sector Oso Playa , camino hacia el campamento, alt. 2478 m, 10˚18’52” S, 75˚34’31” W, 22 October 2009, L. Valenzuela, A. Monteagudo, M. Cueva, A. Peña, J. Mateo & R. Rivera 13875 ( HOXA, E, MO) ; Zona de amortiguamiento del Parque Nacional Yanachaga-Chemillén, Sector Oso Playa , camino a la parcela Oso Playa , alt. 2400 m, 10˚19’20” S, 75˚36’6” W, 17 June 2006, A. Monteagudo, L. Cardenas, A. Peña, J. L. Mateo & R. Francis 12003 ( HOXA, USM) ; Puromayo , alt. 2287 m, 10˚23’2” S, 75˚30’6” W, 30 September 2009, R. Vásquez & L. Valenzuela 36360 ( HOXA, E, MO, USM) ; Sector Grapanazu, límite Parque Nacional Yanachaga-Chemillén , alt. 2210m, 10˚26’12” S, 75˚23’13” W, 15 October 2003, R. Rojas, K. Meza, J. Lingan, E. Camavilea & M. Villarán 1777 ( HOXA, MO) ; Department of Junín: Prov. Satipo: route from Comas to Satipo , ca. Km 145, alt. 2810 m, 75˚51’48” S, 11˚30’7” S, 13 February 2016, P. W. Moonlight & A. Daza 231 ( MOL, E) ; Department of Ayacucho: Prov. La Mar: Dist. Anco : camino de Chinquintirca a Toccate , altura de los km 206–207 del gaseoducto, alt. 2300–2400 m, 24 March 2005, J. Roque 4476 ( USM) ; Department of Madre de Dios: Prov. Manu: Cerro de Pantiacolla , río Paltoa 10–15 km NNW of Shintuya, transect to ridgetop, alt. 700–1300 m, 71˚17’ W, 12˚35’ S, 14 December 1985, R. B. Foster, R. Fernández & E. Vivar 10844 ( USM) ; Department of Madre de Dios-Cusco: Road Puerto Maldonado-Urcos , between Quince Mil and Marcapata, alt. ca. 800 m, 6 October 1987, F. Kahn & J. A. Llosa 2253 ( NY) ; Department of Cusco: Near río Yanamayo , below “Pillahuata”, alt. 2000–2300 m, 4–5 May 1925, F. W. Pennell 14069 ( F, NY) ; Prov. Calca: Dist. Yanatile: Camino hacia Lacco Yavero , alt. 1567 m, 12˚15’ S, 72˚18’ W, 27 February 2005, L. Valenzuela, E. Suclli & J. Farfán 5310 ( MO) ; Estrella , alt. 1567 m, 12˚26’50” S, 72˚30’5” W, E. Suclli, C. Astete, A. Carazas & J. Torre 2592 ( MO, USM) ; Prov. La Convención: Along río Mapituriana , a tributary of the río Apurimac, alt. 1000 m, 21 September 1976, D. C. Wasshausen & F. Encarnación 683 ( K) ; Dist. Echarati: Kapiromashi , alt. 750 m, 12˚9’48” S, 72˚34’31” W, 26–30 April 2004, N. Salinas, H. Beltran, R. Foster & C. Vriesendorm 6584 ( USM) ; Dist. Ocobamba: Versalles, Santa Elena , alt. 1917 m, 12˚46’29” S, 72˚17’8” W, 20 November 2007, L. Valenzuela, C. Astete, F. Zamora, N. Suzres & M. Atausupa 10305 ( MO) ; Dist. Santa Ana : “Quillabamba”, alt. 2009 m, 12˚50’4.5” S, 72˚47’20.8” W, 16 March 2017, A. Orejuela, J. Castillo & M. Suarez 2861 ( E) ; Prov. Paucartambo: Suecia , alt. 1900 m, 24 December 1952, F. Woytkowski 161 ( MOL, USM) ; Pavayoc , alt. 2600 m, 11 February 1953, F. Woytkowski 510 ( USM) ; Dist. Kosñipata: [Dist. Marachea], Achirani , alt. 2700 m, 29 July 1939, C. Vargas 11113 ( K) ; ibim, alt. 2650 m, 30 July 1934, C. Vargas 1566 ( CUZ [photo MO]) ; Abajo de Buenos aires, km 133 de la carretera Paucartambo-Pilcopata , alt. 2000 m, 16 February 1990, A. Cano & K. Young 2968 ( HUT, USM) ; ibid, 18 February 1990, A. Cano & K. Young 3044 ( HUT, USM) ; 14 miles from Pilcopata along road to Cuzco, quebrada de Pillahuata, 28 September 1968, B. Maguire & C. Maguire 61581 ( MO, NY) ; road from Paucartambo to Manu National Park , alt. 1857 m, 13˚5’ S, 71˚33’ W, 13 January 2015, M. C. Tebbitt & A. Daza 821 ( MOL) ; Dist. Quellouno: Route de Laco , alt. 2167 m, 12˚39.289’ S, 72˚14.977’ W, 23 November 2006, S. France s.n. ( USM) ; Kosñipata Valley, Km 150, San Pedro , Río Unión and Río Kosñipata juction, alt. 1800 m, 20 March 1990, P. Nuñez 11935 ( MO) ; Trocha Unión km 8, 19 L 0220816 , alt. 2500 m, UTM 8551070, 23 July 2003, V. H. Qquellón 4 ( MO) ; Prov. Quispicanchis: Dist. Camanti: Río Araza ( N. E. of Cuzco), alt. 3500 ft., January 1943, C. Sandeman 3665 ( K) ; ibid, ibim, C. Sandeman 3729 ( K, OXF) ; Community of Vitobamba, trocha Huarapascay , 22 March 2011, J. D. Wells 763 ( BRIT, USM) ; Propiedad del sr. Bustamante Camanti esta ubicado en un valle, alt. ca. 800m, 13˚13’55” S, 70˚46’34” W, 19 March 2008, B. R. Chambi 821 ( BRIT) ; Cerro Camanti , alt. 880 m, 13˚17’19” S, 70˚46’27” W, 26 January 2007, L. Valenzuela, E. Suclli, J. Farfán & A. Carazas 8649 ( E) ; Maniri, 8 km oeste de Quincemil, en el camino hacia la represa de la quebrada Yanamayo , alt. 720 m, 13˚17’ S, 70˚48’ W, 22 July 1990, M. Timaná & H. Astete 701 ( MO, USM [2]): Maniri, ascendiendo por la quebrada Chilimayo (Supaycumbre), alt. 720 m, 13˚17’ S, 70˚48’ W, 23 October 1990, M. Timaná 1115 ( MO, USM) ; ibid, 27 August 1990, M. Tinaná 793 ( MO) ; Maniri, vertiente del Yanamayo , alt. 720 m, 13˚17’ S, 70˚45’ W, 1 September 1990, M. Tinaná 814 ( MO, USM) ; Dist. Marcapata: Mandor , alt. 1200 m, 11 December 1945, C. Vargas 3727 ( MO) ; Between San Miquel (a small hamlet formerly known as San Pedro) and Puenti Capiri , alt. 1294 m, 13˚25’ S, 70˚54’ W, 8 January 2015, M. C. Tebbit & A. Daza 807 ( MOL) .

Figures

FIGURE 4. Begonia lophoptera Rolfe A. Habit; B. Branch of inflorescence; C. Developing fruit, side view; D. Staminate flower, front view; E. Upper leaf surface; F.Lower leaf surface; Photographs taken by Peter W. Moonlight from P.W. Moonlight & A. Daza 231 (A, D) and Andres Orejuela from A. Orejuela, J. Castillo & M. Suarez 2856 (E, F) and 2861 (B, D).

FIGURE 5. Distributions of Begonia amoeboides Moonlight (blue), Begonia lamolina Moonlight (red), and Begonia lophoptera Rolfe (green). Shading indicates altitude.