Two new Begonia species discovered in Kalimantan: Ministry

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Forestry Ministry announced the discovery of two new species of Begonia plants native to Kalimantan Island, named Begonia bukitrayaensis and Begonia kalimantana.

Satyawan Pudyatmoko, the ministry's director general for natural resources and ecosystem conservation, stated that the discovery was made during a biodiversity expedition in June 2024 and was recognized by the systematic botany journal "Phytotaxa" on June 6.

"We laud the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park Office for its initiative and dedication, through collaboration with Indonesian researchers, on the expedition that resulted in the discovery of the new species," Pudyatmoko noted in his written statement, on Monday.

He noted that Begonia bukitrayaensis was found in the highlands of Bukit Raya, one of the highest peaks in the Indonesian part of Kalimantan Island.

According to the ministry's official, one unique feature of Begonia bukitrayaensis that sets it apart from other Begonia species is the presence of a cat claw-like thorn on its leaf surface.

Meanwhile, Begonia kalimantana was discovered in a valley within the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park area and the Tumbang Habangoi Village Forest, both located in Central Kalimantan.

He stated that the newly identified species has a "beautiful and distinctive" leaf pattern, making it stand out among the flora species in Kalimantan's tropical rainforest landscape.

Following the discovery, Pudyatmoko said that the Forestry Ministry is committed to supporting further scientific research in conservation areas to help preserve and uncover more of Indonesia's biodiversity.

"Such collaboration is a real example of synergy among the government, researchers, and the people in preserving nature," he remarked, adding that "more species waiting to be discovered" in Indonesia.