Begonia rhoephila
| Begonia rhoephila | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Begoniaceae |
| Genus: | Begonia |
| Species: | B. rhoephila
|
| Binomial name | |
| Begonia rhoephila | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Begonia rhoephila, the stream begonia, or jungle stream begonia is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, endemic to Peninsular Malaya. [1]
As the name suggests, B. rheophila is rheophytic, growing on rocks and boulders along the banks of stream and rivers. The leaves are thick, elongated, and (unlike most begonia species) symmetrical. These characteristics help it withstand strong currents during flooding. It grows primarily upstream, where there is less human pollution and habitat destruction. B. rheophila disperses seeds using a splash-cup; when water droplets land on the cup-shaped fruit, seeds are ejected and then distributed by the stream's current. [2]
Etymology
In Greek, rhoe means "stream," and philos means "love." Like the common name, this species' binomial name refers to it's habitat. [3]
References
- ^ "Begonia rhoephila Ridl". Plants of the World Online. Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ Yu-Zhang, Siaw. "The Stream Begonia (Begonia rhoephila) - Begonias of Peninsular Malaysia" (Video). Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ "Begonia rhoephila". Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS). Malaysia Biodiversity Centre (MBC). Retrieved 1 December 2025.