JENIS-JENIS Begonia DI KAWASAN HUTAN KECAMATAN ENTIKONG, KABUPATEN SANGGAU, KALIMANTAN BARAT

Abstract

Begonias are tropical plants, and can be found in habitats that are generally shaded in both lowland and upland areas. This research was conducted in five locations in the forest area of Entikong sub-district. Each location represents one village in Entikong Sub-district. Observations and sampling of Begonia were carried out using the cruising method along the forest path in each village with an observation area of 5 metres to the left and right of the path. Each Begonia found was recorded morphological characters include plant height, leaf colour, leaf shape, modification on leaves, stem shape, stem colour, modification on stem, flower type, flower colour, flower shape and fruit Field data recorded such as substrate type, coordinate points, elevation, air environmental parameters (temperature and humidity), soil environmental parameters (pH) and light intensity. The results showed that the forest area in Entikong District has five species of Begonia, namely, Begonia congesta, Begonia calcarea, Begonia paoana, Begonia kipandiensis, and Begonia lailana. The specimens found grew in environmental conditions with light intensity of 0.527-2.425 cd^.sr/m², temperature of 25.1-28.2°C, and soil pH of 5.1-6.2. Begonias grow terrestrially or lithophytically at an altitude of 142-473m above sea level with a shaded habitat.