Begonia himalaica: A new species from Indian Eastern Himalayas

Repeated expeditions conducted in Arunachal Pradesh resulted in the
discovery of a unique Begonia, Begonia himalaica D.Borah, Chowlu, A.Shenoy
& Taram, belonging to sect. Platycentrum. It is close to Begonia
rockii Irmsch. in having broadly ovate leaves, hairy petioles, and bearing
inflorescences directly from the rhizome, but differs in having leaves
glabrous adaxially and sparsely setose abaxially, irregular purplish red
patches between veins, 20–40 cm long petiole covered with setose hairs,
large glabrous navicular bracts at the base of the inflorescence, and
glabrous ovary. This species is described here based on collections made
in Chayang Tajo, East Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh. The new
species is assessed as Data Deficient according to IUCN Guidelines for
Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.