Begonia larorum Rediscovered After 100 Years on Alcatrazes Island: Unicamp Botanical Breakthrough

The Thrilling Rediscovery of Begonia larorum

In a remarkable tale of persistence and scientific detective work, researchers have rediscovered Begonia larorum, a delicate flowering plant endemic to Brazil's Alcatrazes Archipelago, after more than a century without sightings. This narrow endemic species, last documented in the 1920s, reemerged during intensive field expeditions led by experts from the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) and the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. The breakthrough not only revives hope for this critically endangered begonia but also underscores the vital role of Brazilian higher education institutions in safeguarding the nation's rich biodiversity.

The story unfolded in February 2024 when a team spotted a single sterile individual nestled in the shaded forest understory of Alcatrazes Island, a rugged outcrop 35 kilometers off São Paulo's northern coast. This chance encounter sparked a chain of events, including successful ex situ propagation and the subsequent discovery of 19 more plants, 17 of which were reproductive. These findings, detailed in a peer-reviewed publication, highlight how targeted botanical surveys can unearth 'lost' species and inform urgent conservation strategies.

Historical Background: From 1920s Collection to Presumed Extinction

The saga of Begonia larorum begins in the early 20th century. German zoologist Hermann Luederwaldt first collected specimens during expeditions to Alcatrazes in the 1920s. Initially described as Begonia simulans by Irmgard Irmsch in 1953, the name was later changed to B. larorum (L.B. Smith & Wasshausen, 1983) due to nomenclatural conflicts. For decades, no further records surfaced, leading to its classification as possibly extinct in management plans for the archipelago's protected areas.

Brazil hosts around 229 begonia species, predominantly in the Atlantic Forest biome, where habitat fragmentation and human pressures have pushed nearly half toward threat status. Alcatrazes, once dubbed the 'Brazilian Galápagos' for its evolutionary uniqueness, served as a military training ground until 2016, when it transitioned to full protection under the Refúgio de Vida Silvestre de Alcatrazes (REVIS Alcatrazes) and Estação Ecológica Tupinambás, managed by ICMBio.

The Research Team: Unicamp's Plant Biology Expertise at the Forefront

Leading the charge was a multidisciplinary team from Unicamp's Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology. Corresponding author Gabriel Sabino, alongside Vitor Kamimura, Ingrid Koch, Gustavo Shimizu, and Associate Professor Fábio Pinheiro—a specialist in biogeography and evolutionary ecology—collaborated with Gabriel Marcusso from the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro's research institute. Funded by FAPESP, their work exemplifies how Brazilian universities drive flora inventories and rediscoveries.

Prof. Pinheiro's lab at Unicamp focuses on evolutionary patterns in island ecosystems, making Alcatrazes an ideal study site. This rediscovery builds on Unicamp's legacy in botany, where graduate students like Sabino contribute to national biodiversity assessments. For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in higher ed research jobs at institutions like Unicamp, blending fieldwork with lab analysis.

Expedition Methods: 14 Grueling Trips Across Rugged Terrain

Between March 2022 and September 2024, the team conducted 14 expeditions, navigating Alcatrazes' steep cliffs, dense forests, exposed slopes, and fire-scarred zones. These surveys targeted potential habitats: rocky outcrops with thin soils and Atlantic Forest remnants. The February 2024 find—a lone sterile plant—prompted immediate action: tip cuttings rooted in water produced five clones, two of which flowered after 7.5 months in a 25°C greenhouse with daily watering.

• Georeferencing collection sites for precise mapping.
• Herbarium vouchers (e.g., Sabino et al. 1000, UEC 214737) deposited at Unicamp.
• Photographic documentation, including first color images of inflorescences.
• Observation of pollinators like Allograpta exotica (Diptera) on male flowers.

This methodical approach, rooted in rigorous botanical protocols, ensured verifiable data for publication and conservation advocacy.

Morphology and Habitat: Adaptations of an Island Specialist

Begonia larorum is a monoecious perennial herb, featuring smooth adaxial leaves, robust roots for drought tolerance, and inflorescences with male and female flowers. It thrives in two habitats: shaded forest understory and open, herbaceous-shrubby areas on granitic substrates. The latter exposes it to risks but also showcases adaptive traits honed by isolation.

Alcatrazes' flora reflects insular evolution: high endemism amid granitic inselbergs and coastal influences. The species' estimated area of occupancy (4 km²) qualifies it as Critically Endangered per IUCN criteria B2.

Alcatrazes Archipelago: A Biodiversity Hotspot Under Protection

Spanning 106 hectares, Alcatrazes hosts over 40 endemic terrestrial vertebrates and a marine protected area rivaling Fernando de Noronha. University-led studies, including macroalgae invertebrates and reef diversity, reveal its ecological complexity. Unicamp's contributions extend beyond begonias, cataloging hidden riches in this 'Galápagos brasileiro.'

Post-2016 federal decree ended military use, enabling recovery. Yet, visitation and research demand balanced management to preserve intact ecosystems.

Key Threats: Fires, Invasives, and Climate Pressures

Historical disturbances—farming, guano extraction, lighthouse operations, and naval fires (e.g., 2004 blaze scorching 20 ha)—scarred the island. Today, invasive grasses like Melinis minutiflora and bracken fern (Pteridium esculentum) fuel recurrent fires, outcompeting natives. Isolation stifles gene flow, amplifying inbreeding risks in self-incompatible begonias. Rising seas and extreme weather from climate change loom large for low-lying endemics.

• Invasive management via manual removal and monitoring.
• Fire prevention through controlled burns or barriers.
• Climate modeling for habitat shifts.

Conservation Successes: Propagation and Policy Advocacy

Ex situ triumphs include thriving clones, safeguarding genetic material. Recommendations urge IUCN Red List uplisting, military exclusion enforcement, invasive eradication, and multi-site cultivation in botanical gardens. Partnerships with ICMBio position universities as conservation leaders.

Brazil's flora lists, coordinated by Jardim Botânico do RJ, benefit from such data. Explore higher ed career advice for roles in conservation biology.

The Oryx Publication: Elevating Brazilian Research Globally

Published October 2025 in Oryx (DOI: 10.1017/S0030605325000419), the open-access paper details rediscovery, threats, and actions. As a short communication, it rapidly disseminates findings, influencing policy. Unicamp's output exemplifies Brazil's rising profile in pantropical botany, where 2,144 begonia species face parallel perils.

Implications for Brazilian Higher Education and Botany

This breakthrough spotlights Unicamp's prowess in field ecology, training PhDs who bridge academia and policy. Amid Brazil's 1338 universities, plant biology programs foster endemism research crucial for the Atlantic Forest hotspot. It inspires funding for island surveys, vital as 50% of Brazilian begonias teeter on extinction's edge.

Stakeholders—from ICMBio to FAPESP—gain actionable insights, while students eye university jobs in burgeoning fields like evolutionary biogeography.

Photo by Suri Huang on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Sustaining Momentum in Island Conservation

Prospects include genetic studies, reproductive ecology probes, and expanded surveys. Broader lessons apply to Brazil's 8,000+ islands, many understudied. Collaborative networks, bolstered by higher ed, promise resilience against invasions and warming oceans.

For professionals, Brazil higher ed opportunities abound in research and administration. Engage via Rate My Professor or pursue higher ed jobs.