The slow-growing Begonia adamsensis

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I first saw this peltate-leaved Begonia back on May 24, 2015 when it was a still undescribed species. Populations were observed growing on steep rocks along riverbanks in the municipality of Adams in Ilocos Norte, but in quite remote reaches. I was able to collect a few seeds from a spent capsule, and of the meager number I had, was able to germinate three. One, however, did not last long, and the other one turned into mush about two years ago. The last remaining individual is quite healthy, but very slow-growing, going something like one new leaf every three months on average despite regular fertilizing. And mind you, very negligible increase in size for every new leaf. But... this morning I found a teeny-weeny leaf prostrate on the soil mix- after almost four years, the plant seems like it's about to have its rhizome branch out! I know it's pathetic, but I really can't complain 😅


Tadaaa! I know it doesn't look much, but good things also come in small packages, right? 

The leaves may be unremarkable (at least for many growers), but I am enamored by the undersides that are suffused with red, and dark red veining that simply stands out. Another peltate-leaved Philippine species, B. tayabensis, can have leaves that are also red underneath, but these examples are rare, and most often the species is seen in its plain green form.




Like I mentioned above, I found these plants in 2015, or three years before these were properly described, and would like to show you a couple of photos I took from that 2015 expedition; plants were either clinging on bare rock or rooted on thin layers of mosses or humus, and always growing in a vertical orientation. You may also note that these plants are apt to have only a few leaves at a time. In so many cases, the most vigorous ones only have three large leaves at the most:





If you look at the lowermost right-hand corner of the last photo, you will see another Begonia, with clearly non-peltate leaves. Yes, I have photos of those too (they still have no name to this day), but that is another story.

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