Phylogeography of Begonia luzhaiensis suggests both natural and anthropogenic causes for the marked population genetic structure.

Background: Sino-Vietnamese limestone karsts (SVLK) are a biodiversity hotspot rich in endemic plant species associated with caves and cave-like microhabitats. Based on phylogenetic studies of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum, a species-rich and characteristic SVLK clade, geographic isolation caused by extensive and continuous karstification was proposed as the major driving force triggering population diversification and geographic speciation.

Development and characterization of EST-SSR markers for (Begoniaceae).

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite primers were developed for (Begoniaceae) to assess genetic diversity and population genetic structure.

Methods And Results: Based on the transcriptome data of , 60 primer pairs were selected for initial validation, of which 16 yielded polymorphic microsatellite loci in 57 individuals. The number of alleles observed for these 16 loci ranged from one to nine.

Begonia wuzhishanensis (sect. Diploclinium, Begoniaceae), a new species from Hainan Island, China.

Background: Hainan is the largest island of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and has the best preserved and most extensive tropical forests in China. A recent study on distribution of endangered species in China identifies southern Hainan as one of eight hotspots for plant conservation in the country. In continuation of our studies of Asian Begonia, we report the discovery of an attractive undescribed species, B.