Begonia taliensis Gagnepain, Bull. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 15: 279, 1919

Tian, Dai-Ke, Xiao, Yan, Li, Yan-Ci & Yan, Ke-Jian, 2020, Several new records, synonyms, and hybrid-origin of Chinese begonias, PhytoKeys 153, pp. 13-35 : 13

Begonia taliensis Gagnepain, Bull. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 15: 279, 1919 Fig. 8

- Begonia muliensis T.T.Yu, Bull. Fan. Mem. Inst. Biol., 1:119, 1948 ( Yu 1948). syn. nov. Type: China, Sichuan: no locality data, no date, T.T. Yü, 14024 (A!)

Type.

China,Yunnan: Tali (Dali), 4 Sept. 1883, J.M. Delavay 220 (Lectotype, P!, designated here).

Note.

Begonia taliensis is relatively widely distributed in many counties from Yunnan Province to Sichuan Province in China (Fig. 9 ). It exhibits considerable variation in size of plant, leaf and inflorescence, shape of lobes, leaf colour and blade variegation patterns (Fig. 8 ). However, its net-like pattern of red lines on the fruits is a stable character (Fig. 10F , left corner). There is no distinction in distribution and morphology between it and B. muliensis (isotype, Fig. 10D ) (HU). In addition, when B. taliensis was described and published, the author ( Gagnepain 1919) cited three collections of specimens: Ducloux 5184 (B), Delavay 220 (P), and Henry 8946 (P) (Fig. 10 ). Unfortunately, he did not assign a type specimen. Of these, Ducloux 5184 and Delavay 220 were collected from Dali in Yunnan Province and both are significantly different only in plant size. However, Henry 8946 was collected from somewhere (possibly near Kangding County) in Sichuan Province. Dali and Kangding are at least 600 km apart. In fact, Henry 8946 is a specimen of B. imitans Irmsch. (1939: 51) (Fig. 10C ) (lobed over 2/3). The relationship between B. taliensis and B. imitans remains unknown and further study is undergoing. Based on our literature review, field survey and type specimens, Delavay 220 is designated here as the lectotype of B. taliensis and Dulcoux 5184 as its syntype. The syntype Henry 8946 belongs to another species and should not be considered for future nomenclatural decisions.

Distribution and phenology.

China: Sichuan (Daocheng, Dechang, Luding, Meigu, Mianning, Muli, Panzhihua, Shimian, Tianquan, Yanbian, Xide); Yunnan (Dali, Eyuan, Heqing, Lijiang, Yangbi, Yongsheng, Zhongdian) (Fig. 9 ). Alt. 1000-3200 m. Flowering July to October, fruiting August to November.

Conservation status.

Begonia taliensis has a relatively-wide distribution (recorded or observed in nearly 20 counties of two provinces in China, Fig. 8 ), but the size of most populations is usually small. In addition, many of its distribution sites are near roadsides; therefore, the habitats could be easily disturbed by human activities. Additionally, this species is used as an ornamental due to its beautiful foliage and flowers or as a vegetable by local residents ( Yang et al. 2018). Continuous human collection for different purposes may cause a decrease in population size and individual numbers. Therefore, its conservation status should be currently considered Near Threatened (NT).

Remarks.

The leaf colour of B. taliensis varies amongst populations and occasionally even amongst the individuals of a small population. The plants usually have leaves with abaxially purple-red blotches. Sometimes, a few plants or even all individuals of a small population are pure green in leaf colour. The leaf could be shallowly to 1/2 deeply lobed (vs. over 2/3 deeply lobed for B. imitans ) depending on plant size or distribution site. The flower number ranges from around 10 for a small flowering individual to over 100 for a large one.

Figures

Figure 8. Habitat and morphology of B. taliensis (Photos by Daike Tian) A habitat B population with pure-green leaves C, D blooming individuals with variegated leaves E comparison of variegated and solid green-leaved individuals (adaxially and abaxially views) F-H inflorescence of large individuals and young fruits with red lines (G) I underground tubers (usually 2 - 3 connected) with numerous roots.

Figure 9. Distribution map of Begonia taliensis (syn. B. muliensis) Triangles show distribution sites, based on specimens and field surveys and red triangles indicate type locality of B. muliensis (Muli of Sichuan) and B. taliensis (Dali of Yunnan), respectively.

Figure 10. Comparison of types of Begonia taliensis (A-C) and B. muliensis (D) A Ducloux No. 5184 (Yunnan) B Delavay No. 220 (Yunnan) C Henry 8946 (Sichuan) D T. T. Yue 14024 (Sichuan) (A accessed JSTOR and imaged by Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem B, C. Photos by Daike Tian at Herbarium Museum of Paris D accessed JSTOR, Imaged by Herbarium of the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University).