New begonia species found in Indonesia
Discovered during an expedition to Manusela National Park, the rare, newly named species Begonia nephrophylla is believed to be native to the island of Seram.
“We had to traverse steep cliffs and follow a river system, documenting a variety of plant species in the forest before we finally found this begonia,” said lead researcher Erosi Undaharta from the Bali Botanic Gardens, who cooperated with co-author Wisnu Ardi from the Bogor Botanic Gardens and was in consultation with foreign experts.
The Begonia nephrophylla, said Erosi, may only exist in the Manusela National Park, making it one of the seven endemic begonia species on the island, which has a total of nine begonia species. The flower has the potential to serve ornamental purposes as it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor displays.
Read more at The Jakarta Post