1092. Begonia hongkongensis F.W.Xing: Begoniaceae

Abstract

Begonia hongkongensis F.W.Xing is described and illustrated. Begonia section Platycentrum series Aequilateralibus, to which it belongs, is likely to be an artificial group defined by its symmetrical leaf base, a feature that is atypical for the genus as a whole, but which may have evolved as an adaptation to flash floods since it is associated with rheophytic and streamside species of tropical areas with very high annual rainfall. Variation within the species and relationships with morphologically similar species are discussed.