Begonia lophoptera Rolfe, 1941

Moonlight, Peter & Fuentes, Alfredo F., 2022, AN UPDATED CHECKLIST AND KEY TO THE SPECIES OF BOLIVIAN BEGONIA, INCLUDING ONE NEW SPECIES, Edinburgh Journal of Botany 79 (407), pp. 1-66 : 22

2.15. Begonia lophoptera Rolfe , Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1941(1): 28 (1914).

– Type: Peru, Pasco Region, Prov. Oxapampa, Pozuzo, [10°4′S, 75°33′W], R. Pearce 556 (lectotype K [ K000536718 ] designated by Moonlight, P. W. & Reynel, C. 2017) .

D.C. Wasshausen et al. in P.M. JØrgensen et al. (eds), Cat. Bolivia, Monogr. Syst. Bot. Missouri Bot. Gard. 129: 385 (2013).

Distribution. Peru and Bolivia.

Additional specimen examined. BOLIVIA. La Paz Department. Nor Yungas Province: Serranía de Bella Vista, 16 km al N of Carrasco (37 km N of Caranavi) on road to Palos Blancos, 15°35′S, 67°34′W, 1500 m, J.C. Solomon & M. Nee 12673 (MO).

Notes. Moonlight & Reynel (2017) reviewed Begonia lophoptera and related species but did not report it from Bolivia. This was an omission, because Begonia lophoptera had previously been reported from Bolivia ( Wasshausen et al., 2013). We have not seen the specimen on which this report is based (S.G. Beck 17813) but confirm that Begonia lophoptera does occur in Bolivia, based on J.C. Solomon & M. Nee 12673.

Identification notes. Begonia lophoptera is distinct among Bolivian Begonia as a short (up to 1 m), succulent herb with cuspidate leaves with no single, distinct apex. Unlike other members of Begonia sect. Cyathocnemis or members of Begonia sect. Hydristyles , this species has no primary vein but several, equally prominent veins. It is also unique in its nodding fruits with a notched largest fruit wing. This species may occasionally be confused with young individuals of Begonia parviflora Poepp. & Endl. , but it has a soft indumentum rather than the abrasive indumentum of B. parviflora .