THE IDENTITY AND TYPIFICATION OF THE BEGONIAS FROM VELLOZO’S FLORA FLUMINENSIS

Abstract

We review the 22 names in the genus Begonia (Begoniaceae) from J. M. da C. Vellozo’s Flora Fluminensis, taking advantage of recent advances in the understanding of Vellozo’s collecting itinerary and the Begonia flora of southern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. We unambiguously match 18 of Vellozo’s names to current species concepts in the genus Begonia, resulting in 10 new synonyms. We provide lectotypifications and epitypifications and accepted names for all taxa. The widespread and common species currently known as Begonia radicans Vell. is shown to be a misapplication of the name, and we reinstate the name B. limmingheiana É.Morren for this taxon. We report the rediscovery of Begonia acetosa Vell., which was last collected approximately 250 years ago by Vellozo, and provide an emended description and IUCN conservation assessment for this species. We are unable to match four of Vellozo’s names to current species concepts and propose that they are rejected.