Introduction
Casimir de Candolle (Reference de Candolle and Huber1906) described Begonia albomaculata based on a single collection, Huber 1518, from the Pampa del Sacramento Range in northern Peru. In their account of the Begoniaceae for the Flora of Peru, Smith & Schubert (Reference Smith, Schubert and Macbride1941) excluded the species as a nomen subnudum because they considered its original description “insufficient for identification”. Smith & Schubert (Reference Smith and Schubert1952) cite the collection Camp E-618 from Ecuador as representing Begonia albomaculata C.DC. Later, in a preliminary revision of Begonia published in preparation for the Flora of Ecuador, Smith & Wasshausen (Reference Smith and Wasshausen1979) categorised the original description as “legal but useless”. They stated that they had not seen the type and were identifying the species based on a photograph of Sodiro 590a (G; photograph F) from the Ecuadorian province of Pichincha determined as Begonia albomaculata by Casimir de Candolle. Smith & Wasshausen (Reference Smith and Wasshausen1984) used three collections (Camp E-618 [NY, US]; Harling, Eliasson & Andersson 15551 [S, US]; and Dodson, Gentry & Shupp 8914 [SEL, US]), all from the Ecuadorian province of El Oro, to publish an emended description of Begonia albomaculata. A similar description was included in the Flora of Ecuador (Smith & Wasshausen, Reference Smith, Wasshausen, Harling and Andersson1986), based on the same three specimens and Sodiro 590a. Our herbarium- and field-based studies indicate that Begonia albomaculata C.DC. is actually a close relative of Begonia maynensis A.DC. (Moonlight et al., Reference Moonlight, Hughes and Tebbitt2017), whereas B. albomaculata sensu Smith & Schubert (Reference Smith and Schubert1952) and Smith & Wasshausen (Reference Smith and Wasshausen1979, Reference Smith and Wasshausen1984, Reference Smith, Wasshausen, Harling and Andersson1986) represents an undescribed species that is a close relative of Begonia tiliifolia C.DC. and Begonia harlingii L.B.Sm. & Wassh., sharing with these two species a unique inflorescence structure. This taxon is described here as Begonia botryoides Moonlight & Tebbitt sp. nov. The distribution of this species includes the Ecuadorian provinces of Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Napo, Cotopaxi, Azuay and El Oro, as well as the Colombian departments of Antioquia and Chocó, and excludes Peru.
Begonia tiliifolia was originally described from material collected in Ecuador. Since then, material from Colombia (Smith & Schubert, Reference Smith and Schubert1946), Costa Rica and Panama (Burt-Utley, Reference Burt-Utley, Davidse, Sousa Sánchez, Knapp and Chiang Cabrera2015) has also been recognised as belonging to this species. Although the collections from Colombia match the type of Begonia tiliifolia, the Central American material differs in several respects and requires recognition as a distinct taxon. This new species is described as Begonia boreoharlingii Tebbitt & Moonlight sp. nov. The distribution of this species includes the Costa Rican province of Limón, and the Panamanian provinces of Bocas del Toro and Coclé.
Begonia botryoides and B. boreoharlingii are obviously closely related to B. tiliifolia and B. harlingii, but the sectional classification of these four species requires amending. Doorenbos et al. (Reference Doorenbos, Sosef and de Wilde1998) classified Begonia harlingii in Begonia sect. Begonia and tentatively placed B. tiliifolia in the same section. However, they classify Begonia albomaculata sensu Smith & Wasshausen in Begonia sect. Cyathocnemis (Klotzsch) A.DC. Ongoing phylogenetic work based on chloroplast DNA sequences (Moonlight et al., unpublished data) indicates that the Begonia tiliifolia group is monophyletic and is nested within one of two clades of species classified by Doorenbos et al. (Reference Doorenbos, Sosef and de Wilde1998) within Begonia sect. Ruizopavonia A.DC. This group of species shares elliptic or oblong anthers longer than the filaments, fewer than five tepals in female flowers (except Begonia tiliifolia, B. harlingii and B. boreoharlingii), and primary and secondary veins prominently raised on the undersides of the leaves. These characteristics are shared with Begonia alnifolia A.DC., the type of Begonia sect. Ruizopavonia. A second group of species currently classified within Begonia sect. Ruizopavonia forms a separate clade including Begonia foliosa Kunth, the type species of Begonia sect. Lepsia (Klotzsch) A.DC. These species share five tepals in female flowers, globose or subglobose anthers shorter than the filaments (except Begonia foliosa), and smooth leaf undersurfaces with indistinct primary and secondary veins. Further work is ongoing to recircumscribe Begonia sect. Lepsia and Begonia sect. Ruizopavonia (Moonlight et al., in preparation). We classify all species in the Begonia tiliifolia group within Begonia sect. Ruizopavonia according to our insights from phylogenetic and morphological data.
Key to the Begonia tiliifolia Group
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1a. Stem and petioles glabrous; apex of leaf blade apiculate; stamens c.20; pistillate tepals 3; ovary wings rounded and following contour of ovary body 1. B. botryoides
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1b. Stem and petioles villous; apex of leaf blade acuminate; stamens 6–20; pistillate tepals 5; ovary wings triangular _______________________________________ 2
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2a. Leaf lamina oblong-elliptic; longest side of leaf blade more or less straight; leaf base subequal; leaf margin usually with a few small irregular lobe-like projections; bract margin fimbriate __________________________ 4. B. harlingii
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2b. Leaf lamina usually ovate to broadly ovate, occasionally elliptic to oblong; longest side of leaf blade markedly convex; leaf base equal; leaf margin lacking small irregular lobe-like projections; bract margin entire __________________ 3
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3a. Stipules 1.2–2.5 cm long; peduncles 2–7 mm long; outer male tepals elliptic, 5–6 × 2–3 mm; ovary wings triangular with longest portion located halfway along ovary body, 1–2 mm broad _________________________________ 3. B. tiliifolia
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3b. Stipules 0.5–1.2 cm long; peduncles 10–20 mm long; outer male tepals ovate, 8–9 × 4–5 mm; ovary wings deltate with longest portion located at apex of ovary body, 6–8 mm broad _________________________________ 2. B. boreoharlingii
Taxonomic Treatment
1. Begonia botryoides Moonlight & Tebbitt, sp. nov. § Ruizopavonia – Type: ECUADOR. El Oro. Road Piñas – Santa Rosa, above El Placer, partly primary mountain rain forest, alt. 800–1000 m, 15 x 1977, G. Harling, U. Eliasson & L. Andersson 15551 (holo GB; iso MO [MO-2271386], US [US00221535], S). Figs 1 , 4 A.
Begonia botryoides Moonlight & Tebbitt sp. nov. A, Habit; B, female flower (side view); C, branch of inflorescence; D, stigma (back and front views); E, stamen (front and side views); F, male flower (front view); G, fruit. Scale bars: A, 5 cm; B and F, 4 mm; C, 1 cm; D and E, 1 mm; G, 5 mm. A, C, E, F and G drawn from isotype G. Harling, U. Eliasson, & L. Andersson 15551 (MO); and B and D drawn from B. Sparre 13804 (MO).
Begonia albomaculata auct. non. C.DC., L.B.Sm. & B. G. Schub., Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 8(1): 37, Reference Smith and Schubert1952.
Begonia albomaculata auct. non. C.DC., L.B.Sm. & Wassh. Phytologia 44(4): 246, Reference Smith and Wasshausen1979; Phytologia 54(7): 465, pl. 1, Reference Smith and Wasshausen1984; Flora of Ecuador 25: 46–48, 1986.
Begonia botryoides is most closely related to B. tiliifolia and B. harlingii, sharing with both these Andean species leaf blades with deeply impressed veins above, short almost umbellate axillary inflorescences and subsessile stamens. Begonia botryoides differs from both species in its glabrous stems and petioles (those of B. tiliifolia and B. harlingii are villous), and its markedly asymmetrical leaf bases (those of B. tiliifolia are symmetrical, whereas those of B. harlingii are subsymmetrical), its more numerous stamens (c.20 versus 6–16), and its 3 pistillate tepals (B. tiliifolia and B. harlingii have 5 pistillate tepals).
Caulescent herb; glabrous throughout, 0.5–1 m tall; stem erect, succulent, straight to flexuous, unbranched or branching near base; internodes to 15 cm long, lime-green to red; stipules deciduous, narrowly lanceolate to lanceolate, 2–2.7 × 0.2–1.3 cm, apex acute, margins entire. Leaves alternate, spaced evenly along the stem, basifixed; petioles 2–7 cm long; lamina asymmetrical, usually elliptic, occasionally oblong-elliptic or ovate, 11–18.5 × 4–11 cm, base shallowly cordate, basal lobes unequal, apex apiculate, margins serrulate to dentate or irregularly double-dentate, teeth 0.25–2 mm long with a short hair at tip of and between each tooth, upper surface green, lower surface pale green; veins pinnately nerved, with 9–13 lateral veins on wider side of lamina, and 6–10 lateral veins on narrower side, in dried specimens the primary vein uniformly curving towards leaf apex and more prominent than secondary veins. Inflorescences: axillary, arising from the axil of most mature leaves, held at right angles to stem or slightly pendulous, a dichotomous cyme branching to 3 times, protandrous; peduncle 2–5 mm long, secondary and tertiary branches 1–2 mm long and so dense as to appear superficially umbellate, succulent; bracts deciduous, elliptic, light green, 5–10 × 3–6 mm, apex obtuse to acute, margin entire. Male flowers: pedicels 1–9 mm long; tepals 4, white, margins entire, outer 2 broadly ovate to broadly elliptic-ovate, 5–9 × 2–7 mm, apex obtuse, inner 2 oblong, 2–4 × c.1 mm, apex obtuse; stamens, c.20, projecting upwards; filaments < 0.5 mm, anthers ellipsoid, 1.5–2 mm, connective projecting, dehiscing by lateral slits. Female flowers: pedicels 1–2 mm long; bracteoles deciduous, lanceolate, light green, 5–6 × 2–3 mm, apex acute, margins ciliate-dentate in the upper half and entire in the lower half; tepals 3, deciduous in fruit, white, margins entire, outer 2 elliptic, 5–8 × 2–6 mm, apex obtuse to rounded or occasionally emarginate, inner oblong, 2–4 × 1–1.25 mm, apex obtuse; ovary body ellipsoid, 4–6 × 2–4 mm, subequally 3-winged, the wings rounded and following contour of ovary body, 4–7 mm tall × 1–2 mm broad, equally broad along length of ovary, base rounded, apex truncate to emarginate, margins entire; placentae axile, bilamellate, ovuliferous all over; styles 3, 2–3 mm long, bifid 1–1.5 mm from base, the branches erect, twice spirally twisted. Fruiting pedicel stout, elongating to 4 mm long. Fruit ellipsoid, to 10 × 6 mm, wings same shape as in ovary, enlarging to 12 mm long × 4 mm broad. Seeds globose, c.0.2 × 0.2 mm.
Phenology
Begonia botryoides has been collected flowering and fruiting from January to October and likely does so year-round.
Distribution
Begonia botryoides has been recorded from the Colombian departments of Antioquia and Chocó and the Ecuadorian provinces of Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Cotopaxi, Azuay and El Oro. It has also been observed in Napo Province, near Sarayacu, 00°39′S, 77°45′W, 20 i 2014 (M. C. Tebbitt, personal observation).
Habitat
Begonia botryoides typically grows in wet soil or on large moss-covered rocks in or by the sides of small streams or secondary roads within dense, premontane to montane forest, at 300–1280 m altitude.
IUCN conservation category
Although we have not had the opportunity to observe Begonia botryoides in the field in Colombia, our fieldwork in Ecuador has shown this species to be widespread and locally common throughout the region from which it has been recorded. Accordingly, we assess Begonia botryoides as Least Concern (LC), according to IUCN criteria (2015).
Etymology
The name ‘botryoides’ emphasises the unusual clusters of fruit found in this species, as in a bunch of grapes.
Additional specimens examined. COLOMBIA. Antioquia: Municipio de Frontino, Km 27 of road Nutibara-Murrí, 6°40′N, 76°26′W, 21 ix 1987, J.L. Zarucchi, A.E. Brant & C.J. Castaño 5526 (MO). – Chocó: Municipio de San José del Palmar, hoya del río Torito (afluente del río Habita), 8 iii 1980, E. Forero, R. Jaramillo, J.A. Espina & P.H. Palacios 6875 (COL, MO); Municipio de San José del Palmar, hoya del río Torito (afluente del río Habita), 10 iii 1980, E. Forero, R. Jaramillo, J.A. Espina & P.H. Palacios 6978 (MO); 7570 (COL).
ECUADOR. Pichincha: Mashpi Reserve, along San Vicente River, near road between entrance to reserve and hotel, 0°09′N, 78°52′W, 3 vi 2016, M. C. Tebbitt 877 (QCA); Quito Cantón, Parroquia Pacto, Reserva Mashpi, 736904N, 0018812W, 7 v 2007, E. Freire 7833 (QCNE); 4 km past bridge at bottom of old road to Quito, 29 i 1984, W.S. Hoover 488 (GH, MO); río Pilatón, Sodiro 590a (G, [photograph, F, K, MO]). – Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas: Road Aloag – Santo Domingo, Toáchi, at the confluence between río Pilatón and río Toáchi, 3 i 1967, B. Sparre 13804 (MO, S, US). – Cotopaxi: Tenefuerte, km 55 Quevedo-Latacunga, 24 vii 1984, C. Dodson, A. Gentry, W. Palacios & J. Zaruma 14420 (QCNE, GH). – Azuay: Cuenca Cantón. Bosque protector Molleturo Pullopungo. Collections made near the village, Mantareal, and forest c.2 km E, 13 iv 1996, J.L. Clark, K. Berg & R.W. Dunn 2515 (QCNE, US); Cuenca Cantón, Parroquia Molleturo, Coop. Luchadores del Litoral Propiedad del Sr. Juan Villa, camino desde la propiedad hasta la Unión, 02°50′S, 79°20′W, A. Castellanos 255 (QCA, QCNE). – El Oro: Hacienda Duacay. Bosque del perezoso, 03°29′S, 79°45′W, 13 x 1993, X. Cornejo & C. Bonifaz 501 (QCNE, US); Balsas Cantón, old road from Balsas to Piñas, shady, 03°44′S, 79°48′W, 25 v 2016, M.C. Tebbitt 862 (QCA); Piñas Cantón, Road to Piñas, 03°39′S, 79°45′W, 16 i 2014, M.C. Tebbitt 777 (QCA, QCNE); Above Piedras towards Piñas, 14 x 1955, E. Asplund 18175 (S); Creek bed, road from Piñas to Santa Rosa, 7 x 1979, C.H. Dodson, A.H. Gentry & G. Shupp 8914 (MO, US, SEL); Moro-Moro region, c.30 km W of Portovelo, 1 x 1944, W.H. Camp E-618, (NY, US).
2. Begonia boreoharlingii Tebbitt & Moonlight, sp. nov. § Ruizopavonia – Type: PANAMA. Bocas del Toro, along road between Fortuna and Chiriqui Grande, 1.2 mi N of Continental Divide, 5.3 mi N of bridge over Fortuna Dam, 08°44′N, 82°17′W, 910 m, 12 March 1985, T.B. Croat & M.H. Grayum 60417 (holo MO [MO-2172301]). Figs 2 , 4 B.
Begonia boreoharlingii Tebbitt & Moonlight sp. nov. A, Habit; B, male flower (front view); C, stamen (front view); D, stamen (side view); E, female flower (front view); F, female flower (side view); G, styles and stigma (side view). A, B, E and F, 1 cm; C and D, 5 mm; G, 1 mm. A drawn from B. Hammel 3596 (MO); and B–G drawn from holo T.B. Croat & M.H. Grayum 60417 (MO).
Begonia tiliifolia auct. non. C.DC., Burt-Utley, Fl. Mesoamericana 2(3): cviii, 206, Reference Burt-Utley, Davidse, Sousa Sánchez, Knapp and Chiang Cabrera2015.
Begonia boreoharlingii is most closely related to B. harlingii L.B.Sm. & Wassh. and B. tiliifolia C.DC., sharing with both these Andean species short almost umbellate axillary inflorescences and subsessile stamens. Begonia boreoharlingii is most similar to B. harlingii, differing principally in the shape of its leaf blades (ovate to broadly ovate with usually serrate to occasionally almost entire margins in B. boreoharlingii versus oblong-elliptic with irregularly dentate to irregularly double-dentate margins that usually also have a few small irregular lobe-like projections in B. harlingii) and by its bracts with entire margins (versus fimbriate in B. harlingii). From Begonia tiliifolia differing by its smaller stipules (0.5–1.5 cm long in B. boreoharlingii versus 1.2–2.5 cm long in B. tiliifolia), its longer peduncles (10–20 mm long in B. boreoharlingii versus 2–5(–7) mm long in B. tiliifolia), its longer male pedicels (6–9 mm long in B. boreoharlingii versus 1–2(–5) mm long in B. tiliifolia), the shape and size of its outer male tepals (ovate and 0.8–0.9 × 0.4–0.5 cm in B. boreoharlingii versus narrowly elliptic and 5–6 × 2–3 mm in B. tiliifolia), and the shape and size of its ovary wings (deltate triangular and 6–8 mm broad in B. boreoharlingii versus triangular and 1–2 mm broad in B. tiliifolia).
Caulescent herb, 10–40 cm tall; stem erect, succulent, flexuous, unbranched or branching near the base; internodes to 4 cm long, sparsely to densely villous; stipules deciduous, lanceolate, 0.5–1.2 × 0.2–0.5 cm, apex acute to mucronate, margins entire. Leaves alternate, spaced evenly along stem, basifixed; petioles 1–5 cm long, densely villous; lamina more or less symmetrical, ovate to broadly ovate, 4–9 × 3.5–7.5 cm, base shallowly cordate, basal lobes equal, not overlapping, apex acuminate, margins usually serrulate, occasionally almost entire, teeth 0.25–2 mm, eciliate to sparsely ciliate, upper surface green, sparsely villous on the lamina and minor veins, densely villous on major veins towards petiolar insertion, lower surface densely villous on major veins and sparsely to densely villous on lamina; veins palmate-pinnately nerved, 6- or 7-veined from base, with 6–7 lateral veins on wider side of lamina, and 5–6 lateral veins on narrower side. Inflorescences: axillary, arising from the axil of every mature leaf, a cyme branching once or rarely twice, protandrous; peduncle 1–2 cm long, succulent, villous; bracts deciduous, ovate, light green, 3.5–10 × 2.5–5 mm, apex acute, margin entire. Male flowers: pedicels 6–9 mm long, puberulent; tepals 4, white, margins entire, the outer ovate, 0.8–0.9 × 0.4–0.5 cm, apex obtuse, the inner narrowly elliptic, c.0.7 × 1 mm, apex obtuse; stamens, 10–20, projecting upwards; filaments 0.4–1 mm, anthers ellipsoid, 1–1.5 mm, connective projecting, dehiscing by lateral slits. Female flowers: pedicels c.1 mm long, puberulent; bracteoles 2, like the bracts; tepals 5, deciduous in fruit, white, elliptic, 5–7 × 2–4 mm, apex obtuse, margins entire, subequal; ovary body narrowly ellipsoid, 6–8 × 2–4 mm, subequally or unequally 3-winged, the wings deltate triangular, the largest to 6–8 mm long × 6–8 mm broad, broadest point at apex of ovary, base rounded, apex truncate, margins entire; placentae axile, bilamellate, ovuliferous all over; styles 3, c.2 mm long, bifid c.1 mm from base, branches erect, spirally twisted. Fruiting pedicel stout, elongating to 1.5 cm long. Fruit ellipsoid, to 1.3 × 0.5 cm, wings same shape as in ovary, enlarging to 9 mm long × 13 mm broad. Seeds broadly ellipsoid, c.0.2 × 0.15 mm.
Phenology
Begonia boreoharlingii has been collected flowering and fruiting year-round.
Distribution
Begonia boreoharlingii has been recorded along the eastern side of the Cordillera Central from the Costa Rican province of Limón and the Panamanian provinces of Bocas del Toro and Coclé.
Habitat
Begonia boreoharlingii grows on moist earth slopes and on rocks along stream-sides within rain forest, at 300–1089 m altitude.
IUCN conservation category
This species is a narrow endemic recorded from just seven localities along a narrow strip of land measuring approximately 300 km long. Within this area, the species occurs within multiple protected areas. Accordingly, we assess Begonia boreoharlingii as Vulnerable (VU D2), according to IUCN criteria (2015).
Additional specimens examined. COSTA RICA. Limón: Cantón de Limón, Along río Segundo (upper tributary of río Banano), Atlantic slope of Cordillera de Talamanca, 9°53′N, 83°12′W, 10 ii 1990, M.H. Grayum, G. Herrera & R. Warner 9653 (MO); Cantón de Limón, Z.P. río Branco, Cuenca del banano, Valle de la Estrella, faldas de Fila Matama, cerca de 9 km NW del pueblo de Aguas Zarcas, sitio “El Hotel”, 9°49′26′′N, 83°9′42′′W, 2 xi 2007, D. Santamaría 6792 (MO); ibid., 2 xi 2007, D. Solano, A. Rodríguez, B. Gamboa, D. Santamaría, E. Boza, M. Hernández et al. 4917 (MO); Cantón de Limón, El Progreso, entre Cerro Muchilla y Cerro Avioneta, cabeceras de río Suruy, Fila Matama, Valle de la Estrella, 9°47′25′′N, 83°6′30′′W, 16 iv 1989, G. Herrera & A. Chacón 2637 (MO).
PANAMA. Bocas del Toro: Changuinola, Parque Internacional La Amistad, region Caribe, Punto 13, ± 4 km del Campamento de Cerro Frio, 4 horas del río Tskui, 9°25′54′′N, 82°50′54′′W, 23 x 2008, A. De Sedas, D. Solano & F. González 861 (MO); Changuinola, Parque Internacional La Amistad, Punto 16, 9°25′43′′N, 82°50′43′′W, 24 xi 2008, D. Solano, F. González & A. De Sedas 5773 (MO); Bosque Protector Palo Seco, Sendero El Verrugoso, 8°46′55′′N, 82°20′31′′W, 6 ii 2013, O.O. Ortiz, A. Zapata, A. Guevara & F. Miranda 1262 (MO). – Coclé: New works 7 km north of El Copé, area around the Rivera Sawmill, Alto Calvario, 5 vii 1977, J.P. Folsom 4129 (MO); El Copé, on Pacific side, ½ hour walk from sawmill, 16 x 1979, T. Antonio 2087 (MO); Along road from La Pindeda to El Copé by way of Piedras Gordas, Sawmill above El Copé, 20 iv 1978, B. Hammel 2573 (MO); East of El Copé sawmill along small stream, 21 vi 1978, B. Hammel 3596 (MO).
3. Begonia tiliifolia C.DC. § Ruizopavonia, Bull. Herb. Boissier ser. 2, 8: 324, 1908; L.B. Smith & D.C. Wasshausen (Reference Smith, Wasshausen, Harling and Andersson1986), Flora of Ecuador 25 (133): 46; Caldasia 4(17): 99–100, fig. 12, 1946. – Type: ECUADOR. in regione tropicali et subtropicale, locis opacis udis, Sodiro 584bis (lecto G, designated by Smith & Wasshausen, Reference Smith and Wasshausen1979). Fig. 4 C.
Caulescent herb; covered with villous hairs, 0.3–1 m tall; stem erect, succulent, flexuous, unbranched or rarely branching near the base, covered with villous hairs; internodes to 10 cm long, lime green to vivid red; stipules deciduous, narrowly lanceolate, 1.2–2.5 × 0.2–0.4 cm, apex acute, margins entire. Leaves alternate, spaced evenly along stem, basifixed; petioles 2–7(–8.5) cm long, covered with villous hairs; lamina asymmetrical, ovate, occasionally elliptic to oblong, 6–18 × 4–11 cm, base shallowly cordate, basal lobes equal, not overlapping, apex acuminate, margins serrulate to dentate or irregularly double-dentate, teeth 0.25–1(–2) mm long with a short hair at tip of and between each tooth, upper surface green, lower surface pale green; veins pinnately nerved, with 10–12 lateral veins on the wider side of lamina, and 8–10 lateral veins on narrower side. Inflorescences: axillary, arising from the axil of every mature leaf, held at right angles to stem or slightly pendulous, a dichotomous cyme branching up to 3 times, protandrous; peduncle 2–5(–7) mm long, secondary and tertiary branches c.2 mm long and so dense as to appear superficially umbellate, succulent; bracts deciduous, elliptic, membranous, light green or red (e.g. Clark 6160 [MO]), 5–13 × 3–5 mm, apex obtuse to acute, margin entire. Male flowers: pedicels 1–2(–5) mm long; tepals 4, white to pale pink, margins entire, the outer narrowly elliptic, 5–6 × 2–3 mm, apex obtuse, the inner narrowly oblong, 2–4 × 1 mm, apex acute; stamens, 8–12, projecting upwards; filaments < 0.5 mm, anthers ellipsoid, 1.5–2 mm, obtuse, connective projecting, dehiscing by lateral slits. Female flowers: pedicels 1–2 mm long; bracteoles deciduous, lanceolate, membranous, light green, 5–6 × 2–3 mm, apex acute, margins entire to lacerate towards apex; tepals 5, deciduous in fruit, same colour as males, margins entire, outer 2 elliptic, 5–7 × 2–3 mm, apex obtuse to rounded or occasionally emarginate, inner oblong, c.2 × 1 mm, apex acute; ovary body ellipsoid, 4–6 × 2–4 mm, subequally 3-winged, wings triangular, 4–6 mm long × 1–2 mm broad, broadest point halfway along ovary; placentae axile, bilamellate, ovuliferous all over; styles 3, c.2 mm long, bifid c.0.5 mm from base, branches erect, twice spirally twisted. Fruiting pedicel stout, elongating to 6 mm long. Fruit ellipsoid, to 12 × 6 mm, wings same shape as in ovary, enlarging to 12 mm long × 4 mm broad. Seeds globose, c.0.2 × 0.2 mm.
Phenology
Begonia tiliifolia has been collected flowering and fruiting year-round.
Distribution
Begonia tiliifolia has been recorded from the Colombian departments of Antioquia, Cauca and Nariño and the Ecuadorian provinces of Carchi, Imbabura, Esmeraldas, Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Napo, Cotopaxi, Morona-Santiago and Cañar.
Habitat
Begonia tiliifolia grows on moist slopes and stream-sides within primary or disturbed wet premontane to montane forest, at 400–2300 m altitude.
IUCN conservation category
This species is widespread and locally common throughout the region from which it has been recorded. Accordingly, we assess Begonia tiliifolia as Least Concern (LC), according to IUCN criteria (2015).
Additional specimens examined. COLOMBIA. Antioquia: Municipio de Frontino, corregimiento Nutibara, cuenca de río Cuevas, 13 iv 1987, D. Sánchez et al. 1116 MO [2]; de Frontino Mpio., road between Nutibara and La Blanquita, region of lower Murrí, quebrada c.17 km below and W of high point of road, c.28 km from Nutibara, 06°40′N, 76°27′W, 7 ii 1989, J.M. MacDougal, D. Restrepo & D.S. Sylva 3696 (MO, US); de Frontino Mpio, Vereda Venados, Parque Nacional Natural Las Orquídeas Quebrada La Manzanares, 06°31′N, 76°18′W, 1 ii 1995, J. Pipoly et al. 18216 (K, MO, NY, US). – Cauca: Mpio. El Tambo, Parque Nacional Munchique, via La Romelia a la Galera, 13 iv 1994, C. Acevedo, F. González & J. Alvarez 12 (COL); Parque Nacional Munchique, El Tambo, vereda La Romelia, camino a Nueva Granada, 28 vii 1993, M. Velayos et al. MV7041 (COL); Parque Nacional Munchique, El Tambo, vereda La Romelia, La Gallera, C. Barbosa et al. CB8675 (COL); “La Gallera”, Micay Valley, 29–30 vi 1922, E.P. Killip 7697 (US); km 54 of road from Timbío to Veinte de Julio, 15 x 1974, P.J.M. Maas & T. Plowman 2133 (COL); near Veinte de Julio, 21 vii 1973, W.S. Hoover 14 (COL, MO, US [2]); near top of trail from Veinte de Julio to Huizito, 19 i 1984, W.S. Hoover 469 (COL, GH, MO); west slope of Cordillera Occidentalis, W of Tambo, 6 xi 1946, O. Haught 5194 (COL, US); ad pag. El Tambo, ad La Costa, 3 vii 1935, K. von Sneidern 439 (COL, MO, US). – Nariño: Barbacoas Mpio, Corregimiento Altaquer, Vereda El Barro, Reserva Natural río Ñambi, vertiente occidental andina, 1°18′N, 78°08′W, 6 xii 1993, J. Betancur, A. Guzmán, R. López & S. Vargas 4653 (MO, US), 4886 (COL, US); La Planada Biological Reserve, c.7 km S of Chucunez, forest trail to El Hondón, 1°10′N, 77°55′W, 13 viii 1990, J.L. Luteyn & D.S. Sylva S. 14016 (MO, US); Reserva La Planada, Quebradas, El Mar – La Calladita, 1°10′N, 77°58′W, 30 iv 1988, O. de Benavides 9684 (MO, US); Reserva La Planada, a 7 km de Chucunés, 13 xii 1987, O. de Benavides 9048 (MO); ibid., 10 vi 1989, B.R. Ramírez P. 1619 (MO); Ricaurte, Reserva Natural La Planada, 5 ix 1999, H. Mendoza, G. Oliva, L. Ortiz & M. Vallejo 8530 (COL); Reserva Natural La Planada, 7 km above Chucunés (along road between Tuquerres and Ricaurte) along trail to El Hondón, beginning at Quebrada Tejón and for 0.5 km beyond, 1°8′N, 77°54′W, 15 iii 1990, T.B. Croat 71479 (MO); La Planada, Salazar Finca 7 km above Ricaurte, 1°8′N, 77°58′W, 28 xi 1981, A.H. Gentry et al. 35141 (COL, MO [2]); Reserva Natural La Planada, 7 km above Chucunés (on road between Tuquerres and Ricaurte), along Sendero Vieja, along ridge top in direction of La Pina, 1°06′N, 77°54′W, 9 iii 1990, T.B. Croat 71222 (MO, US). Mpio. Ricaurte, La Planada Reserve, near Ricaurte, 1°5′N, 78°1′W, 21 xii 1987, A.H. Gentry, O. de Benavides & P. Keating 59670 (MO); Mpio. Ricaurte, La Planada, trail to El Hondón, 6–12 km SW of La Planada, 1°4′N, 78°2′W, 5 i 1988, A.H. Gentry, O. de Benavides & P. Keating 60393 (MO).
ECUADOR. Carchi: trail from Paílon to Gualpi Chico area of Awá Reservation, 1.5 km past río Blanco, 14 i 1988, W.S. Hoover, P. Gelpi, R.A. Lorentzen & A. Arguello 2431 (MO, QCA); Tulcán Cantón, Parroquia Chical, path from village of Chical towards an area known locally as “Crystal”, walked along río Blanco via the Cordillera Gualchan (c.6–8 km SW of Chical), 7 xii 2001, J.L. Clark 6344 (QCA, QCNE, US); 20 km east of Maldonaldo, 25 ix 1985, L. Besse, H. Luther, A. Besse & J. Halton 2275 (US); Trail to Pailon encampament, Gualpi Chico area of Awá Reserve, 0°58′N, 78°16′W, 21 i 1988, W.S. Hoover, A. Arguello, P. Gelpi & R.A. Lorentzen 3639 (MO); Trail from Rafael Quindís Finca back towards Untal to stream, c.0.5 km from finca, 0°53′N, 78°9′W, 25 xi 1987, W.S. Hoover & S. Wormley 1613 (MO, QCA); stream by Rafael Quindís Finca flowing into río Verde, above Untal (along road to Chical), 0°53′N, 78°8′W, 25 xi 1987, W.S. Hoover & S. Wormley 1530 (MO, QCA); Ridge to Rafael Quindís mountain finca, 0°52′N, 78°8′W, 27 xi 1968, W.S. Hoover 1841 (MO); ibid., 28 xi 1987, W.S. Hoover & S. Wormley 1768 (MO); ibid., 29 xi 1987, W.S. Hoover 2029 (MO); Reserva Golondrinas, El Corazón, Sendero a río El Corazón, 00°50′N, 78°08′W, 24 i 2004, H. Vargas, E. Narváez, W. Torres & P. Escobar 4412 (MO, QCNE); Espejo, Bosque Protector Mirador de Golondrinas, between the village, Las Juntas, and La Cabaña del Corazón, 00°49′N, 78°01′W, 10 iv 1996, J.L. Clark & R.W. Dunn 2453 (MO, QCNE, US), 2454 (QCNE, US). – Imbabura: Cotacachi Cantón, Parroquia Garcia Moreno, Cordillera de Toisán, Cerro de la Plata, Bosque Protector Los Cedros, Sendero de las Cascadas, (1–2 km west of Lodge), 00°18′N, 78°46′W, 20 iii 2003, J.L. Clark 7456 (QCNE, US). – Esmeraldas: San Lorenzo Cantón, Awá Indigenous Territory, río Bogotá community, 2 km S of Lita-San Lorenzo road, near Quebrada Pambilar, below waterfall, 00°59′N, 78°35′W, 12 vi 2002, D. Neill, A. Diaz, G. Zapata, J. Murtaugh, D. Pay & S. Casaluzan 13985 (MO, QCNE). – Pichincha: Mashpi Reserve, small stream by waterfall between entrance to reserve and hotel, 00°09′455′′N, 78°49′606′′W, 3 vi 2016, M.C. Tebbitt 872 (QCA); along road between Pacto to San Miguel de los Bancos, between La Delicia and Cielo Verde (Imbabura), 11.3–11.8 km east of central plaza in Pacto, 5.1–5.6 km east of La Delicia, 0°09′27′′N–00°49′30′′N, 78°49′44′′W–78°49′46′′W, 9 ix 2007, T.B. Croat & G. Ferry 98445 (MO, US); Maquipucuna, 5 km E of Nanegal, 0°7′N, 78°37′W, 11 ii 1991, A.H. Gentry & R. Valencia 73248 (MO); Quito Cantón, Parroquia Nanegal, Reserva Maquipucuna, Cerro Sosa, c.5 km airline SE of Nanegal, 00°07′N, 78°38′W, 14 vii 1990, G.L. Webster 28218 (MO, QCA, QCNE, US); Quito Cantón, Parroquia Nanegal, Montañas de Maquipucuna, Cerro Sosa, 00°05–5.5′N, 78°37′W, 3 vii 1991, G.L. Webster 28690 (QCNE); Quito Cantón, Bosque Protector Maquipucuna, Quebrada Santa Rosa, c.10 km airline WNW of Calacalí, 0°05′N, 78°36′W, 27 vi 1997, G.L. Webster 32437 (QCNE); Quito Cantón, Parroquia Nanegal, Bosque Protector Maquipucuna, Montañas de Maquipucuna, main ridge of Cerro Sosa, c.7 km airline SE of Nanegal, 00°04.5′N, 78°36.5′W, 8 vii 1991, G.L. Webster 29200 (QCNE); Quito Cantón, Bosque Protector Maquipucuna, above río Pichán, 7.5 km airline SE of Nanegalito, 0°02.5′N, 78°37′W, 1 ix 1993, G.L. Webster 30149 (QCNE); San Miquel de los Bancos Cantón, Nanegalito-Mindo Road, 16.5 km SSW of Nanegalito, 0°01′14′′N, 78°24′23′′W, 21 vii 1998, T.B. Croat 82770 (MO, QCNE); vicinity of Bellavista km 12 on road from Tandayapa to Mindo, 00°01′02′′N, 78°44′49′′W, 14 ii 2005, T.B. Croat 94576 (MO, QCNE, US); Quito Cantón, along road between Calacalí and Nanegalito, 24.6 km W of Mital del Mundo, 16.8 km W of Calacalí, 0°01′N, 78°34′W, 11 iii 1992, T.B. Croat 72884 (QCNE); Bellavista Reserve, 10 km SE of Nanegalito, 00°01′S, 78°41′W, 18 i 1997, P.J.M. Maas, L.W. Chatrou, C.P. Repetur & J.L. Clark 8540 (K, US); Quito Cantón, Parque Orchideológica El Pahuma, carretera Calacalí-Nanagalito, km 30, Sendero hacia la cascada, 00°01′N, 78°38′W, E. Freire, M. Reina & M. Andi 1496 (QCNE); Quito Cantón, Reserva Orchideológica El Pahuma, carretera Calacalí-Los Bancos, km 22, 00°01′42′′N, 78°37′50′′W, M. Mantuano & Grupo Post-Grado MO-QCNE 23 (MO, QCNE); San Miquel de los Bancos Cantón, El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, Sendero El Refugio Guarida del Oso, 00°01′523′′N, 78°38′057′′W, 18 v 2016, M.C. Tebbitt 851 (QCA); Nono-Nanegalito road, 0°02′S, 78°35′W, 12 km from Nono, B.A. Stein 2864 (MO, QCNE); Nanegalito, 00°04′S, 78°41′W, 16 iii 1967, B. Sparre 14887 (US); Reserva Las Tangaras, a dos horas y media de Quito, 0°4′59.2S, 78°46′10.45′′W, 20 ii 2010, E. Veloz 2 (QCA); Saloya, descenso W. de la Cord. Occ., 9 ix 1943, M. Acosta S 5824 (F); Quito Cantón, Chiriboga, en la carretera vieja Quito-Sto. Domingo Reserva Forestal “La Favorita”, Minist. de Agricultura, 0°12′S, 78°47′W, 5 xii 1989, C.E. Cerón, G. Benavides & E. Guzmán 7915 (MO, QCNE), 7964 (MO, QCNE). – Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas: km 59 de la carretera Antigua Quito-Santo Domingo de los Colorados, a 3 km al NE de la carretera, estribaciones occidentales del Volcán Pichincha, 0°13′53S, 78°48′10′′W, 28 vi 1991, J. Jaramillo & E. Grijalva 13628 (QCA); in silvis tropic reg. Angamarca, xi 1900, Sodiro 554e (syn G; isosyn F); Las Palmeras, old road Quito-Sto. Domingo, km 59, trail leaving to the South, just opposite sign saying “Estación Científica río Guajalíto”, 0°16′S, 78°50′W, 27 x 1989, F. Borchsenius 91415 (QCA, QCNE). – Napo: El Chaco Cantón, Proyecto Hidroelectrico Coca, Punte ST3, Márgen derecho del río Quijos, c.10 km al sur de Reventador 0°11′S, 77°39′W, 3–5 ix 1990, W. Palacios 5899 (MO, QCNE); El Chaco Cantón, Márgen derecho del río Quijos, Finca “La Ave Brava: de Segundo Pacheco”, 0°12′S, 77°39′W, 7–10 ix 1990, W. Palacios 5299 (QCNE). – Cotopaxi: Sigchos Cant ón, Parroquia San Francisco de las Pampas, Bosque Integral Otonga, 27 i 2001, J.L. Clark 6160 (MO, QCNE, US); Reserva Otonga, entre Quito y Sto. Domingo, cerca de San Francisco de las Pampas, vi 1997, C. Nowicki & J. Mutke 1208 (QCA); Maná Cantón, Reserva Ecológica Los Ilinizas, Sector Brasil, acceso desde La Carmela, Cordillera Occidental, vertiente occidental, 0°40′28′′S, 79°05′03′′W, 17 vii 2003, P. Silverstone-Sopkin, N. Paz, A. Giraldo & M. Cerna 9255 (MO, QCNE, US); La Maná Cantón, Reserva Ecológica Los Ilinizas, Sector Brasil, acceso desde La Carmela, Cordillera Occidental, vertiente occidental, 0°40′37′′S, 79°05′09′′W, 13 vii 2003, P. Silverstone-Sopkin, N. Paz, A. Giraldo & M. Cerna 9143 (MO, QCNE, US); La Maná Cantón, Reserva Ecológica Los Ilinizas, Cerro Tilipulo, vertiente norte, Cordillera Tilinche, 0°45′46′′S, 79°06′14′′W, 24 vii 2003, P. Silverstone-Sopkin, N. Paz, A. Giraldo & M. Cerna 9452 (QCNE); La Maná Cantón, Reserva Ecológica Los Ilinizas, Sector II (Sector Sur), sector Chuapitambo, al occidente de Choasillí, Cordillera Occidental, vertiente occidental, 0°58′42′′S, 79°06′22′′W, 6 viii 2003, P. Silverstone-Sopkin, N. Paz, A. Giraldo & M. Cerna 9882 (QCNE, US). – Morona-Santiago: Parque Nacional Sangay, Lagunas de Sardinayacu, colecciones a los alrededores del refugio 3, 2°04′26′′S, 78°13′06′′W, 21 i 2015, A. J. Pérez, N. Zapata, W. Santillán & D. Uwijint 7991 (QCA). – Cañar: km 9 vía Cochaancay-Cuenca, 02°28′S, 79°17′W, 10 vii 2000, X. Cornejo & C. Bonifaz 7078 (QCNE).
4. Begonia harlingii L.B.Sm. & Wassh., Phytologia 44(4): 246, Reference Smith and Wasshausen1979; Flora of Ecuador 25 (133): 50–52, Reference Smith, Wasshausen, Harling and Andersson1986. – Type: ECUADOR. Los Ríos. Hacienda Clementina, virgin forest Samama, 750 m, 18 iii 1947, G. Harling 487 (holo S [S04-729], photo US). Figs 3 , 4 D.
Begonia harlingii L.B.Sm. & Wassh. A, Habit; B, inflorescence; C, fruit (side view); D, style. Reproduced from Smith & Wasshausen (Reference Smith and Wasshausen1979), with the permission of Phytologia.
Distribution of species of the Begonia tiliifolia group of Begonia sect. Ruizopavonia A.DC. A, Begonia botryoides Moonlight & Tebbitt; B, B. boreoharlingii Tebbitt & Moonlight; C, B. tiliifolia C.DC.; D, B. harlingii L.B.Sm. & Wassh.
Caulescent herb, 30–60 cm tall; stem erect, succulent, gently curved, unbranched or branching, covered with villous hairs; internodes to 5 cm long, dull yellowish green; stipules deciduous, lanceolate, 0.6–1.2 × 0.4–0.7 cm, apex acute and apiculate to 6 mm long, margins entire. Leaves alternate, spaced evenly along stem, basifixed; petioles 2.5–7.5 cm long, covered with villous hairs; lamina asymmetrical, oblong-elliptic, with longer side almost straight and shorter side convex, 5–15.5 × 3–6 cm, base shallowly cordate, basal lobes subequal, not overlapping, apex acuminate, margins irregularly dentate to irregularly double-dentate, usually also with a few small irregular lobe-like projections, lobe-like projections 0.4–1.5 cm long, teeth 0.5–2 mm long with ends of veins shortly projecting to form a point, upper surface dark green, lower surface pale green with reddish brown primary, secondary and tertiary veins; veins pinnately nerved, with 9–13 lateral veins on wider side of lamina, and 9–13 lateral veins on narrower side. Inflorescences: axillary, arising from the axil of most mature leaves, held at right angles to the stem or slightly pendulous, a cyme composed of one male and one female flower or two male flowers and one female; peduncle 1.2–2.7 cm long, succulent, moderately covered with villous hairs; bracts deciduous, ovate, light green, 4–6 × 1.5–3.5 mm, apex acute, margin fimbriate. Male flowers: pedicels 0.5–1.5 cm long, moderately covered with villous hairs; tepals 4, white to roseate, margins entire, the outer ovate to elliptic, 0.5–1 × c.0.5 cm, apex obtuse, the inner narrowly elliptic to narrowly obovate, 0.5–0.8 × c.2 mm, apex obtuse; stamens, 6–16, projecting upwards; filaments < 0.5 mm, anthers ellipsoid, 1.5–2 mm, connective projecting, dehiscing by lateral slits. Female flowers: pedicels c.1 mm long, moderately covered with villous hairs; bracteoles 2, like the bracts; tepals 5, deciduous in fruit, white to roseate, margins entire, subequal, narrowly elliptic to elliptic, 6–10.5 × 2–4 mm, apex obtuse; ovary body narrowly ellipsoid, c.8 × 2.3–3 mm, subequally 3-winged, wings deltate triangular, 6–11 mm long × 6–8 mm broad, broadest point at apex of ovary, base rounded, apex truncate and narrowing and projecting upwards for 1–2 mm, margins entire to fimbriate; placentae axile, bilamellate, ovuliferous all over; styles 3, 4–5.5 mm long, bifid 0.5–0.75 mm from base, branches erect, twice spirally twisted. Fruiting pedicel stout, elongating to 3.5 cm long. Fruit ellipsoid, to 1.5 × 0.5 cm, wings same shape as in ovary, enlarging to 15 mm long × 8 mm broad. Seeds globose, c.0.2 × 0.2 mm.
Phenology
Begonia harlingii has been collected flowering and fruiting year-round.
Distribution
Begonia harlingii has been recorded from the Ecuadorian provinces of Esmeraldas, Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Los Ríos, Bolívar and Cañar.
Habitat
Begonia harlingii grows on moist earth slopes and stream-sides within primary or disturbed wet premontane forest, at 400–1400 m altitude.
IUCN conservation categry
Begonia harlingii appears to have a scattered distribution within an area measuring approximately 325 × 100 km, and is known only from six localities. Accordingly, we assess B. harlingii as Vulnerable (VU D2), according to IUCN criteria (2015).
Additional specimens examined. ECUADOR. Esmeraldas: Quininde Cantón, Sector Cristóbal Colón, Terrenos de la Sra. Emma Revilla, a 10 km de Cristóbal Colón, 0°30′N, 79°10′W, 15 iii 2004, H. Vargas, E. Narváez, A. Moreira, J. Celi & L. Lewinsohn 4629 (MO, QCNE); Quininde Cantón, Bilsa Biological Station, Montañas de Mache, 35 km W of Quinindé, 5 km W of Santa Isabel, Manuel Tapia's cacao plantation, 00°21′N, 79°44′W, 17 ix 1994, N. Pitman 969 (MO, QCNE); Quininde Cantón, Bilsa Biological Station, Montañas de Mache, 35 km W of Quinindé, 5 km W of Santa Isabel, southeast ridge trail, 00°21′N, 79°44′W, 22 ix 1994, N. Pitman, J. Clark, B. Adnepos & L. Kueppers 701 (MO, QCNE); Quininde Cantón, Bilsa Biological Station, Montañas de Mache, 35 km W of Quinindé, 5 km W of Santa Isabel, 3rd lot W of Station following road towards Piedrita, 00°21′N, 79°44′W, 12 v 1995, J.L. Clark & C. Watt 866 (MO, QCNE); Quininde Cantón, Bilsa Biological Station, Montañas de Mache, 35 km W of Quinindé, 5 km W of Santa Isabel, along ridge of La Loma de los Guerrilleros, 00°21′N, 79°44′W, 27 ix 1996, J.L. Clark 2915 (MO, QCNE); Quininde Cantón, The Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve, Bilsa Biological Station, Mache Mountains, 35 km W of Quinindé, 00°21′N, 79°44′W, 1–10 i 1997, J.L. Clark, E. Austen, S. Bennett & D. Kapan 3697 (MO, QCNE); Quininde Cantón, Bilsa Biological Station, Montañas de Mache, 35 km W of Quinindé, 5 km W of Santa Isabel, large waterfall SE of Station, upstream of station shower, 00°21′N, 79°44′W, 12 v 1995, M.S. Bass & J.R. Abbott 51 (MO, QCNE). – Pichincha: Quito Cantón, Mashpi Reserve, along San Vicente River, near road between entrance to reserve and hotel, 0°09′N, 78°52′W, 14 ix 2014, A.J. Pérez, N. Zapata, C. Morochz & J.C. Narváez 7547 (QCA); Quito Cantón, Mashpi Reserve, along San Vicente River, near road between entrance to reserve and hotel, 0°09′N, 78°52′W, 3 vi 2016, M.C. Tebbitt 876 (QCA). – Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas: c. km 36 along road to the SE from la Aurora (km 7 on Sto. Domingo-Quevedo road), passing through La Reforma, 0°28′S, 79°08′W, B. Øllgaard 90464 (QCNE), 98064 (MO, QCA). – Los Ríos: Hacienda Clementina, virgin forest Samama, 25 iii 1947, G. Harling 521 (S); Hacienda Clementina, cerro Samana, 1°40′S, 79°21′W, 5 iv 1996, X. Cornejo, C. Cornejo & C. Bonifaz 4959 (K). – Bolívar: Guaranda. Parroquia San Luis de Pambil, Bosque Cerro Piedras Blancas, a 9 km al sur este del centro poblado, cerca del río Blanco parcela permanente 01, 1°16′S, 79°13′W, 5 i 2004, N. Saltos 241 (QCNE); Caluma Cantón, Monte Grande, 1°32′S, 79°00′W, 24 xi 1991, C.E. Cerón 17576 (MO); Hacienda Changuil, La 16, 2°6′S, 79°10′W, 18 viii 1995, X. Cornejo & C. Bonifaz 4354 (K). – Cañar: Cañar Cantón, Parroquia Chontamarca, comunidad Yanayacu, base occidental de los Andes, 02°26′05′′S, 79°13′53′′W, 2 viii 2005, H. Vargas & W. Defas 6168 (MO, QCNE).
Smith & Wasshausen (Reference Smith and Wasshausen1979) describe and illustrate Begonia harlingii as having four pistillate tepals and four styles. This appears to be a mistake, because all of the material we examined, including the holotype, has five pistillate tepals and three styles.
Acknowledgements
We thank the curators of AAU, B, BKL, BM, BR, BRIT, C, CAS, CGE, COL, CPUN, CUZ, E, E-GL, F, G, GB, G-BOISS, G-DC, GH, GOET, HOXA, HUT, K, LIL, LPB, MEDEL, MO, MOL, MOL-WEB, NY, OXF, P, QCA, QCNE, QPLS, S, SEL, TEX, UC, US, USM, USZ, W and Z for loaning material or allowing us to work in their herbaria. We thank Jacky Duruisseau for providing us with photographs of Begonia botryoides taken in Buenaventura Reserve, Ecuador. We thank the Ecuadorian Ministerio del Ambiente for granting A.P. and M.T. permission to conduct the fieldwork and collect specimens (001-14 IC-FLO-DNB/MA and 006–2016 IC-FLO-DNB/MA) and the American Begonia Society for funding the fieldwork. We thank Claire Banks for providing the artwork of Begonia botryoides and the James and Eve Bennett Trust for funding it. We also thank the M.L. MacIntyre Begonia Trust for scholarship support to P.M. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is supported by the Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division.
