Begonia gironellae

Begonia gironellae is an endemic species of "Begonia" discovered in Tanabag, Puerto Princesa, in northern Palawan, Philippines. The species resembled "Begonia cleopatrae", in that both species have widely ovate, variegated leaves, and fleshy hairs fused into a ring at the base of the leaf petiole. However, "Begonia gironellae" differed from "B. cleopatrae" due to its rosette habit with rhizome shorter to 5 cm long, with very congested internodes, widely triangular stipules, differently-sized lamina and bracts, and capsule with wider abaxial wing. Additionally, "B. gironellae" is a lowland species occurring in broadleaved seaside forests, while "B. cleopatrae" grows on hill forest at ca. 400m.
Etymology.
The species is named in honor of Prof. Elizabeth P. Gironella of the Palawan State University.