Begonia abdullahpieei is one of many begonias in Peninsular Malaysia that are threatened and have a conservation status of Critically Endangered. It is endemic to a single locality in Lata Hijau, Bukit Bintang. In this area, B. abdullahpieei grows on slippery rocks of swift and fast-flowing waterfalls. It was published by Ruth Kiew, Begonias of Peninsular Malaysia, Natural History Publications, Borneo, 2005.
B. abdullahpieei has a compact growth. Its leaves are emerald green, growing from 3 to 9 inches long, and have minute spike-like hairs. Beneath, the leaf vein is red and hairy. The flower is either white or pinkish bearing yellow stamen or stigma. The male flower will open first, followed by the female flower.
This vulnerable Begonia species is grown by the ABS Seeds for Conservation Committee. A committee member who grows it reports, “I have been able to propagate leaves using wet paper towels. Roots and tiny leaves formed within 35 days of putting a leaf on a piece of paper towel that was moistened with distilled water, and placing it into a clear plastic bag that sat by a window.”
B. abdullahpieei is named for Abdullah Piee, an experienced and dedicated forest guide who has made great contributions to the research of Malaysian begonias. This Begonia is known as “Piee’s Begonia.”
Begonia abdullahpieei | Photo: Harmony Begonias
