Begonia collisiae

Begonia collisiae

Family: Begoniaceae

Description: Ground herb with prostrate rhizomes. Leaves are long-petioled, broad ovate, shining on upper surface, brownish on lower surface, with sunken veins, outline is inequilateral, conspicously lobed, the lobes differing in size from each other. Inflorescence branched at the apex. Staminate flowers pink to white.

Distribution in the Philippines: Panay Is. (Aklan:Libacao and Capiz: Jamindan). Endemic.

Habitat: On stream banks in Libacao and soil packets on limestone hills in Jamindan.

Economic uses: This species is highly ornamental although at this time it is not yet cultivated in gardens.

Conservation status: Due to its limited distribution this endemic species is considered critically endangered.

Conservation Notes: This species was first described by Merrill from a collection in Libacao, Aklan in May 1918. A small population of this species was recently found in Jamindan, Capiz where it is confined to the ground near a limestone hill. The population is threatened by habitat destruction and although there is no record of the species being cultivated for ornamental purposes it may become so in the near future. 

For further information write to Domingo A. Madulid, email: d.madulid@ yahoo.com.

Photo by John Rey Callado