Kebun Raya “Eka Karya” Bali dan Begonia Sewindu Perjalanan Konservasi, Penelitian dan Pengembangan Begonia

Begonia collection in Bali Botanical Garden has been established since 2002 through exploration activities throughout several region of eastern Indonesia. The collection was initiated with only four Begonia species recorded. Further attempts were not limited to exploration, but also various aspects of research that support the Begonia collection, for instance plant development, adaptation, cultivation physiology, propagation, phenology to cross breeding, including species selection and development of commercial Begonia. In 2008, Begonia research became separate activity under a subtitle “Domestication and Commercialization of Begonia in Indonesia”. Through this activity, the number of Begonia collection increased up to 294 species in 2009, also a release of new cultivar Begonia “Tuti Siregar” that was already registered at the American Begonia Society USA with registration number 1001 (Salisbury, 2008). On the other hands, the development of exotic Begonia had also improved the Botanical Garden revenue as well as increase in the number of scientific and non-scientific publication, and two books about Begonia were released. Furthermore, four new species were identified (species type in Bali Botanical Garden). This encompasses that Begonia collection of Bali Botanical Garden is the most comprehensive throughout Indonesia. Hence, Bali Botanical Garden has been proposed as the Center for Conservation and Development of Begonia in Indonesia (Hoover et al, 2006). In the future, this can be developed as the flagship collection of the garden and further, to be world’s most comprehensive Begonia collection. This paper will also describe the collection numerous studies have been carried out, propagation of potential Begonia species for ornamental plants, species under conservation at the garden, also a thematic park Begonia’s House establishment and also networks that have been initiated. Prosiding Konservasi Flora Indonesia dalam Mengatasi Dampak Pemanasan Global. Bali, 14 Juli 2009. Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali. hal. 497-504