Seven new species and seven new records of Begonia L. (Begoniaceae) in the flora of Laos

A comprehensive botanical survey of Laos, conducted between 2012 and 2019, has uncovered seven new species of Begonia L. (Begoniaceae) and seven previously unrecorded species for the country's flora. The newly described species—B. glabritepala, B. heterocantha, B. lanxangensis, B. parviglandulosa, B. pseudobrandisiana, B. tripartifolia, and B. viriditenebris—were identified through extensive fieldwork in protected areas such as Hin Nam No National Park, Nam Phouy National Protected Area, Khammouane Karst Forest, and Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area. These discoveries were supported by critical analysis of herbarium specimens, living plants, and preserved material from multiple institutions. The study also documented the first records of B. hatacoa, B. hemsleyana, B. labordei, B. longifolia, B. minuscula, B. parvula, and B. subperfoliata in Laos, expanding the country's known biodiversity. Detailed descriptions, line drawings, photographs, and ecological data for all species were provided, contributing significantly to the understanding of Begonia diversity in Southeast Asia.

Souvannakhoummane, K., Lanorsavanh, S., & Averyanov, L. V. (2021). Seven new species and seven new records of Begonia L. (Begoniaceae) in the flora of Laos. Turczaninowia, 24(2), 99–119. https://doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.24.2.12