Begonia lophoptera Rolfe, 1941

2.15. Begonia lophoptera Rolfe View in CoL , Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1941(1): 28 (1914).

– Type: Peru, Pasco Region, Prov. Oxapampa, Pozuzo, [ 10°4′S, 75°33′W], R. Pearce 556 ( lectotype K [ K000536718 ] designated by Moonlight, P. W. & Reynel, C. 2017) GoogleMaps .

D.C. Wasshausen et al. in P.M. JØrgensen et al. (eds), Cat. Bolivia, Monogr. Syst. Bot. Missouri Bot. Gard. 129: 385 (2013).

Distribution. Peru and Bolivia.

Additional specimen examined. BOLIVIA. La Paz Department. Nor Yungas Province: Serranía de Bella Vista, 16 km al N of Carrasco ( 37 km N of Caranavi) on road to Palos Blancos, 15°35′S, 67°34′W, 1500 m, J.C. Solomon & M. Nee 12673 (MO).

Notes. Moonlight & Reynel (2017) reviewed Begonia lophoptera and related species but did not report it from Bolivia. This was an omission, because Begonia lophoptera had previously been reported from Bolivia ( Wasshausen et al., 2013). We have not seen the specimen on which this report is based ( S.G. Beck 17813) but confirm that Begonia lophoptera does occur in Bolivia, based on J.C. Solomon & M. Nee 12673.

Identification notes. Begonia lophoptera is distinct among Bolivian Begonia as a short (up to 1 m), succulent herb with cuspidate leaves with no single, distinct apex. Unlike other members of Begonia sect. Cyathocnemis or members of Begonia sect. Hydristyles , this species has no primary vein but several, equally prominent veins. It is also unique in its nodding fruits with a notched largest fruit wing. This species may occasionally be confused with young individuals of Begonia parviflora Poepp. & Endl. , but it has a soft indumentum rather than the abrasive indumentum of B. parviflora .