SEPTEMBER 2023 Begonia 'Midnight Magic' by Jeremy Hutner
Begonia Midnight Magic is a rex begonia cultivar created in La Mesa California by Thelma O'Reilly an
active ABS member and begonia hybridizer. I have seen several dates as to its creation mentioned
from the late 1980’s to late 1990’s, with official registration occurring in 2001.
Its heritage is as follows:
Unknown Female Parent B. ‘rex cv.’
Male Parent B. ‘Manuel’
Progeny Page:
Female Parent Of B. Phantasma
B. Troll
Male Parent Of
B. Awayuki
B. Bronze Magic
B. Brown Magic
B. Nagori-no-Yuki
B. Bob Cochran
B. Deco Darkness
B. Immokalee
The color of the top of the leaf can vary from a reddish new leaf changing to a blend of forest green
and purple in the right light. It can also have an iridescence and luminosity if grown in shadier
conditions. There are hairs on the petiole and on the edges of the leaf which has a swirl or corkscrew
in the center. The leaf is also very textured. The bottom of the leaf is more of a reddish color.
My first purchase was from Logee’s in Connecticut I believe. It’s not frequently available in garden
centers and I searched on-line and then purchased the plant from Farmer Joe’s Plants in Florida. I
enjoy the hairs and texture, the translucence when light shines on it and the swirl of the leaf. Most
accounts seem to say it is a relatively easy begonia to grow.
Height: typically up to 30 cm / 12 inches but can grow to 60 cm / 24 inches
Spread: typically up to 30 cm / 12 inches but can grow to 60 cm / 24 inches
Photo #3 in the international database of the BEGONIACEAE gives a good sense of the plant:
http://ibegonias.filemakerstudio.com.au/browserecord.php?-action=browse&-recid=12192&-recnum=1
The next image is from the Houston ABS Branch This image is from an individual in England:
http://www.johnjearrard.co.uk/plants/begonia/begoniamidnightmagic/species.html
Begonia Midnight Magic is a rex begonia cultivar created in La Mesa California by Thelma O'Reilly an
active ABS member and begonia hybridizer. I have seen several dates as to its creation mentioned
from the late 1980’s to late 1990’s, with official registration occurring in 2001.
Its heritage is as follows:
Unknown Female Parent B. ‘rex cv.’
Male Parent B. ‘Manuel’
Progeny Page:
Female Parent Of B. Phantasma
B. Troll
Male Parent Of
B. Awayuki
B. Bronze Magic
B. Brown Magic
B. Nagori-no-Yuki
B. Bob Cochran
B. Deco Darkness
B. Immokalee
The color of the top of the leaf can vary from a reddish new leaf changing to a blend of forest green
and purple in the right light. It can also have an iridescence and luminosity if grown in shadier
conditions. There are hairs on the petiole and on the edges of the leaf which has a swirl or corkscrew
in the center. The leaf is also very textured. The bottom of the leaf is more of a reddish color.
My first purchase was from Logee’s in Connecticut I believe. It’s not frequently available in garden
centers and I searched on-line and then purchased the plant from Farmer Joe’s Plants in Florida. I
enjoy the hairs and texture, the translucence when light shines on it and the swirl of the leaf. Most
accounts seem to say it is a relatively easy begonia to grow.
Height: typically up to 30 cm / 12 inches but can grow to 60 cm / 24 inches
Spread: typically up to 30 cm / 12 inches but can grow to 60 cm / 24 inches
Photo #3 in the international database of the BEGONIACEAE gives a good sense of the plant:
http://ibegonias.filemakerstudio.com.au/browserecord.php?-action=browse&-recid=12192&-recnum=1
The next image is from the Houston ABS Branch This image is from an individual in England:
http://www.johnjearrard.co.uk/plants/begonia/begoniamidnightmagic/species.html
November 2021 B. abdullahpieei, by Gloria Utzig
”Piee’s Begonia”, is named after Abdullah Piee, a forest guide and explorer that helped Ruth Kiew locate many plants. B. abdullahpeei is pronounced [uhb dull ah pee ī ]. When naming a species begonia after a person’s name, an ‘i’ is added to the end of the name if the person is male, or an ‘ae’ if female.
This begonia was first seen in situ in Peninsular Malaysia, February 17, 2000, where Dr. Kiew collected a specimen that she added to the Kew Botanic Garden Herbarium. It was first published by Kiew, in her book Begonias of Peninsular Malaysia, Natural History Publications, Borneo, 2005. Mark Hughes, et al., acknowledged this begonia in 2008 in his An Annotated Checklist of Southeast Asian Begonias, and in his collaboration in Asian Begonias 2, 2018.
B. abdullahpeei has been classified as Critically Endangered since 2010. This is when Dr. Kiew wrote a paper where she used the IUCN Red List criteria to determine the status of nearly all of the 54 begonias in her book on begonias from Peninsular Malaysia.
Many of the begonias in her book grow in primary forest or on limestone hills. Many exist in extremely local, small populations in very specific habitats that if disrupted, could spell trouble for such small populations. This begonia is known only from the type locality in Perak state of Peninsular Malaysia, growing in deep shade on rocks along a small stream.
This begonia was put in the Platycentrum section which has over 120 begonias that we have run into in our various shows such as B. iridescens, B. koksunii, B. rex, B. decora, B. versicolor, and others. This group, per Mark Tebbitt, is considered polyphyletic. That is, the plants grouped together under it are based on characteristics that do not imply they share a common ancestor that is not also the common ancestor of many other taxa.
Per Dr. Kiew, “[This begonia] belongs to section Platycentrum because it has a rhizome, more or less symmetrical leaves, male flowers with four tepals that open before the female flowers, and pendent fruits with three unequal wings and two locules each with two placentas.”
The plant grows compact. It has emerald green leaves with minute spike-like hairs. Leaves grow from 3 to 9 inches long, and have red veins as are the stems. It is monoecious.
Begonia abdullahpieei is one of the plants I’ve been growing for the Seeds For Conservation effort for ABS. I hope to get it to flower to collect seeds to share with everyone. It has been extremely hands-free, and easy to grow so far. I’ve not seen it melt down or have damage from being in a very humid terrarium. 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.
My Growth Notes:
Here you will find the entire presentation with maps, more information and photos.
”Piee’s Begonia”, is named after Abdullah Piee, a forest guide and explorer that helped Ruth Kiew locate many plants. B. abdullahpeei is pronounced [uhb dull ah pee ī ]. When naming a species begonia after a person’s name, an ‘i’ is added to the end of the name if the person is male, or an ‘ae’ if female.
This begonia was first seen in situ in Peninsular Malaysia, February 17, 2000, where Dr. Kiew collected a specimen that she added to the Kew Botanic Garden Herbarium. It was first published by Kiew, in her book Begonias of Peninsular Malaysia, Natural History Publications, Borneo, 2005. Mark Hughes, et al., acknowledged this begonia in 2008 in his An Annotated Checklist of Southeast Asian Begonias, and in his collaboration in Asian Begonias 2, 2018.
B. abdullahpeei has been classified as Critically Endangered since 2010. This is when Dr. Kiew wrote a paper where she used the IUCN Red List criteria to determine the status of nearly all of the 54 begonias in her book on begonias from Peninsular Malaysia.
Many of the begonias in her book grow in primary forest or on limestone hills. Many exist in extremely local, small populations in very specific habitats that if disrupted, could spell trouble for such small populations. This begonia is known only from the type locality in Perak state of Peninsular Malaysia, growing in deep shade on rocks along a small stream.
This begonia was put in the Platycentrum section which has over 120 begonias that we have run into in our various shows such as B. iridescens, B. koksunii, B. rex, B. decora, B. versicolor, and others. This group, per Mark Tebbitt, is considered polyphyletic. That is, the plants grouped together under it are based on characteristics that do not imply they share a common ancestor that is not also the common ancestor of many other taxa.
Per Dr. Kiew, “[This begonia] belongs to section Platycentrum because it has a rhizome, more or less symmetrical leaves, male flowers with four tepals that open before the female flowers, and pendent fruits with three unequal wings and two locules each with two placentas.”
The plant grows compact. It has emerald green leaves with minute spike-like hairs. Leaves grow from 3 to 9 inches long, and have red veins as are the stems. It is monoecious.
Begonia abdullahpieei is one of the plants I’ve been growing for the Seeds For Conservation effort for ABS. I hope to get it to flower to collect seeds to share with everyone. It has been extremely hands-free, and easy to grow so far. I’ve not seen it melt down or have damage from being in a very humid terrarium. 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.
My Growth Notes:
- Acquired a small rooted cutting in April 2021
- Under two bulb four-foot LED light fixture, placed twelve inches from the plant terrarium top
- Started in glass 8” dia. terrarium layered with pebbles, charcoal, and Pro-Mix H-P medium that was mixed with a tablespoon of ground limestone
- Watered using distilled water, have only watered three times, no fertilizer, so far
- Moved to 16” dia. bowl it is currently in, on June 2021
Here you will find the entire presentation with maps, more information and photos.
February 2021 B. ignita, by Sally Savelle
Begonia ignita is a rhizomatous species endemic to Sulawesi. It is a very attractive orange-
flowered Begonia and relatively recently entered into cultivation inside and outside of
Indonesia. It is described as one of the most distinct and most beautiful Indonesian species in
cultivation, because of its colorful leaves adorned with a silvery green band or running inside
the margin. The specific epithet refers to the flame-colored tepals (Latin: igneus – flame-
colored).
Begonia ignita is a rhizomatous species endemic to Sulawesi. It is a very attractive orange-
flowered Begonia and relatively recently entered into cultivation inside and outside of
Indonesia. It is described as one of the most distinct and most beautiful Indonesian species in
cultivation, because of its colorful leaves adorned with a silvery green band or running inside
the margin. The specific epithet refers to the flame-colored tepals (Latin: igneus – flame-
colored).
B. ignita, grown and photographed
by Irene Ngoo
B. strigillosa, grown and photographed by Jocelyn Sherman
January 2021 - B. strigillosa, by Jocelyn Sherman
Begonia strigillosa is a rhizomatous species native to Mexico and Central America. The dark burgundy lobed leaves have green camouflage-like markings with tiny white eyelash hairs edging the rim. Seven prominent veins radiate out from a vivid, pale green eye, disappearing toward the outer edge. The leaves vary from 7” to 9” in length and attach at the pale green petiole to a camouflaged stem, again covered in more prominent white hairs.
In April of 2018 I rooted a leaf slice in a mix of Vermiculite and Perlite, using a supermarket bakery container as a mini greenhouse. Once new life appeared, approx. a month later, it was placed under grow lights and kept at room temp 65F. Slowly it grew and was transplanted little by little to larger and larger pots, using ProMix. Liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) was applied occasionally and it grew in natural light, receiving some early morning sun. It appears to be pest and virus free. The summer of 2020 was hot and humid and B. strigillosa thrived! It doesn’t go outside during summer but receives excellent air circulation in a bright sunroom with no air conditioning. When totally dry it receives a deep soak.
Now at 2’ across and 18” high it’s a magnificent specimen. More cuttings have been made to share with other begoniacs once we can meet again.
Begonia strigillosa is a rhizomatous species native to Mexico and Central America. The dark burgundy lobed leaves have green camouflage-like markings with tiny white eyelash hairs edging the rim. Seven prominent veins radiate out from a vivid, pale green eye, disappearing toward the outer edge. The leaves vary from 7” to 9” in length and attach at the pale green petiole to a camouflaged stem, again covered in more prominent white hairs.
In April of 2018 I rooted a leaf slice in a mix of Vermiculite and Perlite, using a supermarket bakery container as a mini greenhouse. Once new life appeared, approx. a month later, it was placed under grow lights and kept at room temp 65F. Slowly it grew and was transplanted little by little to larger and larger pots, using ProMix. Liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) was applied occasionally and it grew in natural light, receiving some early morning sun. It appears to be pest and virus free. The summer of 2020 was hot and humid and B. strigillosa thrived! It doesn’t go outside during summer but receives excellent air circulation in a bright sunroom with no air conditioning. When totally dry it receives a deep soak.
Now at 2’ across and 18” high it’s a magnificent specimen. More cuttings have been made to share with other begoniacs once we can meet again.
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December 2020 - Begonia vitifolia by Betsy Szymczak
To access a PDF file of the Powerpoint presentation made on this begonia please click here. Presentation and photos are by Betsy Szymczak. |
November 2020 - Begonia species 'Borneo B' by Bob Stewart
To access a PDF file of the Powerpoint presentation made on this begonia please click here. Presentation and photos are by Bob Stewart.
To access a PDF file of the Powerpoint presentation made on this begonia please click here. Presentation and photos are by Bob Stewart.
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February 2020 - Begonia epipsila by Wendy Fearing
B. epipsila, section Pritzelia, was collected to the north of Rio de Janeiro in 1946 and published in 1948. A non-rhizomatous erect sub-shrub from the Atlantic Coastal Forest zone, epipsila's thick leaves aid survival during swings between a wet growing season (average 5" rain/month) and drier winter (average 2" rain/month) in this tropical savanna climate. Entire, undulate leaves spring from a cordate base to shortly acuminate apex. A halo of fine brown hairs, visible at the edge of the dark green upper surface, hints at the wooley brown leaf underside. Brown petioles also have fine hairs and persistent brown stipules. Young leaves lose their initial glossy appearance as dust-like brown hairs gradually dull the upper leaf surface. B. epipsila grows under standard houseplant conditions with part sun in an east or west exposure. The plant also tolerates temperatures as low as the 40s, as in an enclosed porch or shed setting. Soil should be allowed to dry between waterings, particularly during the winter season. Blossoms are white. Propagation is by stem cutting, division or seed. |
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May 2019 - Begonia segregata by Gloria Utzig
B. segregata is found in Colombia and Ecuador. To view the presentation made at the Buxton Meeting, please view the .PDF document. |
April 2019 - Begonia conchifolia rubrimacula by Judy Gibian
B. conch: Dietrich, Costa Rica; epiphytic; elevation 1000 feet
B. 'Zip': unknown, but first named in 1959, First reported as from Williams, Brazil, later corrected to Mason, Costa Rica
B. conchifolia var. rubrimacula: apparently variant of conch; documented query by Rudy Ziesenhenne as early as 1950's
In 1972: Jack Golding undertook a detailed comparison of flowers of all these types. They appear to be the same species. (see Golding, Begonian, 2005 40:8)
Characteristics
Rhizomatous, creeping
Leaves peltate, concave, obliquely ovate, acuminate, rounded at base, shiny above, whitish below
Male flowers two-tepaled, whitish, small
Red spot on upper surface of leaf, above attachment to petiole
B. conch: Dietrich, Costa Rica; epiphytic; elevation 1000 feet
B. 'Zip': unknown, but first named in 1959, First reported as from Williams, Brazil, later corrected to Mason, Costa Rica
B. conchifolia var. rubrimacula: apparently variant of conch; documented query by Rudy Ziesenhenne as early as 1950's
In 1972: Jack Golding undertook a detailed comparison of flowers of all these types. They appear to be the same species. (see Golding, Begonian, 2005 40:8)
Characteristics
Rhizomatous, creeping
Leaves peltate, concave, obliquely ovate, acuminate, rounded at base, shiny above, whitish below
Male flowers two-tepaled, whitish, small
Red spot on upper surface of leaf, above attachment to petiole
Cultivation
Light shade to part sun
pH 6-7.5
Temperature: greenhouse to room temperature; will grow outdoors in USDA Zone 10B to 11
Water: prefers slightly dry to too wet
Bloom Season: later Winter-Spring
Propagation: leaf, rhizome, seed
Photo: Courtesy of Steve's Leaves
Light shade to part sun
pH 6-7.5
Temperature: greenhouse to room temperature; will grow outdoors in USDA Zone 10B to 11
Water: prefers slightly dry to too wet
Bloom Season: later Winter-Spring
Propagation: leaf, rhizome, seed
Photo: Courtesy of Steve's Leaves
B. conchifolia rubrimacula growing in a 12 inch diameter bowl terrarium by Gloria Utzig
February 2019 - B. kui by Mary Beth Hayes
Begonia kui is a rare treasure related to B. versicolor. It is a nicely compact, clumping begonia that does best is a humid greenhouse or in medium to larger sized terrariums. According to the Mountain Orchids website “the foliage on a well grown Begonia kui commands attention. It is an intriguing blend of green, red-brown margined veins, and a similar texture to that of B. versicolor. The new growths emerge with a paler, almost orangey tint.”
Begonia kui is a rare treasure related to B. versicolor. It is a nicely compact, clumping begonia that does best is a humid greenhouse or in medium to larger sized terrariums. According to the Mountain Orchids website “the foliage on a well grown Begonia kui commands attention. It is an intriguing blend of green, red-brown margined veins, and a similar texture to that of B. versicolor. The new growths emerge with a paler, almost orangey tint.”
Photo: Begonia kui, entered in the 2016 Buxton Plant Show & Sale at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, by grower Darrin Norton of Mountain Orchids. Bowl terrarium the plant is grown in is sixteen inches in diameter.
Discovered by Dr. Ching-I Peng, Botanical Studies (2007) 48:1
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263103726_Begonia_kui_sect_Coelocentrum_Begoniaceae_a_new_species_from_Vietnam
The species name commemorates Mr. Shin-Ming Ku, a botanist, who studied the taxonomy of section Coelocentrum group of plants in the Karst region of southern China during the last several years. He worked with Dr. Ching- I Peng. Section Coelocentrum is adapted to limestone, and highly restricted in distribution, B. kui is a rhizomatous begonia.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263103726_Begonia_kui_sect_Coelocentrum_Begoniaceae_a_new_species_from_Vietnam
The species name commemorates Mr. Shin-Ming Ku, a botanist, who studied the taxonomy of section Coelocentrum group of plants in the Karst region of southern China during the last several years. He worked with Dr. Ching- I Peng. Section Coelocentrum is adapted to limestone, and highly restricted in distribution, B. kui is a rhizomatous begonia.
Leaves
•alternate
•simple
•asymmetric
•unlobed
•suborbicular
•base cordate
•margin denticulate and ciliolate,
•adaxially dark brown with white striped in intercostal area and white
Male Flowers (photo by A. Seringer)
•alternate
•simple
•asymmetric
•unlobed
•suborbicular
•base cordate
•margin denticulate and ciliolate,
•adaxially dark brown with white striped in intercostal area and white
Male Flowers (photo by A. Seringer)
The underside of the leaf (abaxial) is red or reddish; texture is a thickly papery surface, rugose, palmate. Veins are prominently raised, petiole is densely hirsute-villous (!). Grows well in soil mix with added perlite and also seramis (clay granules), it’s good idea to add limestone chips. It is a slow grower. Peng 2007: “The conservation status of this species is not known. However, like most species of begonia, it can be propagated with ease by seeds or leaf cuttings. Not widely available in retail. Mountain Orchids and Taylor Greenhouses are sources at times.
January 2019 - Begonia metallicolor by Sally Savelle
Described in 2017 by botanists Che Wei Lin and Ching-I Peng
Citation: Eleven new species of Begonia from Sarawak, Taiwania Vol. 62, No. 3, September 2017
Section Petermannia
Shrub-like
Publication describes ten additional species, ranging from a larger species, B. dinosauria, to a petite species, B. lichenora
Described in 2017 by botanists Che Wei Lin and Ching-I Peng
Citation: Eleven new species of Begonia from Sarawak, Taiwania Vol. 62, No. 3, September 2017
Section Petermannia
Shrub-like
Publication describes ten additional species, ranging from a larger species, B. dinosauria, to a petite species, B. lichenora
Photo is B. metallicolor, in situ, by Michael Lo
Etymology: Name derived from strongly metallic blue color on upper surface of leaf
Endemic to state of Sarawak, Malaysia, near border of Indonesia
Found at a low elevation in dipterocarp forest, elevation 100-400 m
Photograph by Michael Lo, http://junglemikey.blogspot.com/
Etymology: Name derived from strongly metallic blue color on upper surface of leaf
Endemic to state of Sarawak, Malaysia, near border of Indonesia
Found at a low elevation in dipterocarp forest, elevation 100-400 m
Photograph by Michael Lo, http://junglemikey.blogspot.com/
Leaves oblique, pendant, thinly succulent, strongly glossy, with metallic indigo blue to malachite green iridescence giving a dazzling appearance.
Stem ascending or overhanging, more or less branched, 4-12 inches tall
Photo by Sally Savelle
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November 2018 - Begonia scapigera by Bob Stewart
Begonia scapigera is one of a group of maybe 40 small, yellow-flowered species found in wet parts of lowland African rain forest. Other well-known species in this group include B. prismatocarpa and B. quadrialata var. nimbaensis.
These small, yellow-flowered species are classified into sections Loasibegonia and Scutobegonia; these two sections are separated by details of their ovary shape. Another distinguishing character is that plants in section Scutobegonia have firm and fleshy petioles, while plants in section Loasibegonia have weakly-succulent and juicy petioles. Begonia scapigera is in section Loasibegonia.
All of these small, yellow-flowered species are easy to grow if their simple needs are met (the same can be said of any plant, I suppose). They want high humidity, low light, acidic soil, and not ridiculously cold or dry.
They are adapted to high humidity, so most people grow them in closed containers. Begonia scapigera is a little large, so it is worth trying in less-humid circumstances. The plant here has been growing in my greenhouse. Mike Kartuz grows it in the open in his greenhouse in southern California, which is probably less humid than here. I am told that it can be grown in an eight-inch hanging basket in Orlando FL. It might grow indoors if it were at least partially enclosed.
All of these species expect low light, moderate to deep shade (about 200 times less light than at the canopy top), so they can be kept in less-favored spots on or somewhere near a light stand, or some distance from a window. The plant here was growing on a bottom shelf in the greenhouse, underneath other things. I have another one in a glass container on the floor a couple feet from the end of a light stand. The bullate-leaved yellow-flowered species Begonia microsperma, B. staudtii, and B. lacunosa grow in extremely low light.
All of these species are rhizomatous terrestrials. These species grow in acidic soils (e.g. pH 4.3) of low magnesium content, so growing in sphagnum moss or a peat-containing mix is probably best. High pH or excessive light may cause bleaching of leaves.
In nature, the plants in this group grow in warm wet (e.g. 2500mm per year) locations, often close to streams. B. quadrialata var. nimbaensis is found on Mount Nimba and prefers somewhat drier conditions than the others. Plain B. quadrialata (without dark markings) is found over a wider area.
Begonia scapigera has pointed-oval peltate leaves about 6" long for me (12" long is possible), with red margins, on red stems up to about 10"long (for me, longer is possible). The flowers are bright yellow, with two tepals.
Within the yellow-flowered group, the closest relatives to B. scpagera seem the be B. microsperma and B. staudtii.
There are a few exceptions to the yellow flower color in this group of African plants, one being B. ciliobracteata with pale pink flowers. B. wilksii has white flowers with red makings, and long narrow leaves. B. heterochroma has white flowers. B. hirsutula has yellow flowers, but with extensive red striping.
Attempts have been made to cross plants in this group onto begonias in other sections to get yellow-flowered hybrids, without success; the flowers have been white or pink. Crosses within the group can be made, often requiring many attempts, and generally yield plants with features intermediate between the parents. Self-incompatibility seems to be a feature of this group. Fruits are very slow (months) to ripen. Fruits tend not to split, but rather to deteriorate or rot.
Kew shows this species coming from Nigeria and other countries down the western African coast, such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. (Tebbitt book says East Africa, but most places show western Africa.)
The entire group seems to consist of survivors from a much drier period throughout Africa during the recent glacial period 70,000 to 12,000 years ago. Apparently, these species (or their ancestors) survived in the wettest part of the continent. The refuge areas probably correspond to the present locations of the plants in this group, since these species have very poor seed dispersal.
If you want to know more than you want to know about this group, look online for the paper:
REFUGE BEGONIAS: Taxonomy, phylogeny and historical biogeography of Begonia sect. Loasibegonia and sect. Scutobegonia in relation to glacial rain forest refuges in Africa by M.S.M. Sosef
Begonia scapigera is one of a group of maybe 40 small, yellow-flowered species found in wet parts of lowland African rain forest. Other well-known species in this group include B. prismatocarpa and B. quadrialata var. nimbaensis.
These small, yellow-flowered species are classified into sections Loasibegonia and Scutobegonia; these two sections are separated by details of their ovary shape. Another distinguishing character is that plants in section Scutobegonia have firm and fleshy petioles, while plants in section Loasibegonia have weakly-succulent and juicy petioles. Begonia scapigera is in section Loasibegonia.
All of these small, yellow-flowered species are easy to grow if their simple needs are met (the same can be said of any plant, I suppose). They want high humidity, low light, acidic soil, and not ridiculously cold or dry.
They are adapted to high humidity, so most people grow them in closed containers. Begonia scapigera is a little large, so it is worth trying in less-humid circumstances. The plant here has been growing in my greenhouse. Mike Kartuz grows it in the open in his greenhouse in southern California, which is probably less humid than here. I am told that it can be grown in an eight-inch hanging basket in Orlando FL. It might grow indoors if it were at least partially enclosed.
All of these species expect low light, moderate to deep shade (about 200 times less light than at the canopy top), so they can be kept in less-favored spots on or somewhere near a light stand, or some distance from a window. The plant here was growing on a bottom shelf in the greenhouse, underneath other things. I have another one in a glass container on the floor a couple feet from the end of a light stand. The bullate-leaved yellow-flowered species Begonia microsperma, B. staudtii, and B. lacunosa grow in extremely low light.
All of these species are rhizomatous terrestrials. These species grow in acidic soils (e.g. pH 4.3) of low magnesium content, so growing in sphagnum moss or a peat-containing mix is probably best. High pH or excessive light may cause bleaching of leaves.
In nature, the plants in this group grow in warm wet (e.g. 2500mm per year) locations, often close to streams. B. quadrialata var. nimbaensis is found on Mount Nimba and prefers somewhat drier conditions than the others. Plain B. quadrialata (without dark markings) is found over a wider area.
Begonia scapigera has pointed-oval peltate leaves about 6" long for me (12" long is possible), with red margins, on red stems up to about 10"long (for me, longer is possible). The flowers are bright yellow, with two tepals.
Within the yellow-flowered group, the closest relatives to B. scpagera seem the be B. microsperma and B. staudtii.
There are a few exceptions to the yellow flower color in this group of African plants, one being B. ciliobracteata with pale pink flowers. B. wilksii has white flowers with red makings, and long narrow leaves. B. heterochroma has white flowers. B. hirsutula has yellow flowers, but with extensive red striping.
Attempts have been made to cross plants in this group onto begonias in other sections to get yellow-flowered hybrids, without success; the flowers have been white or pink. Crosses within the group can be made, often requiring many attempts, and generally yield plants with features intermediate between the parents. Self-incompatibility seems to be a feature of this group. Fruits are very slow (months) to ripen. Fruits tend not to split, but rather to deteriorate or rot.
Kew shows this species coming from Nigeria and other countries down the western African coast, such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. (Tebbitt book says East Africa, but most places show western Africa.)
The entire group seems to consist of survivors from a much drier period throughout Africa during the recent glacial period 70,000 to 12,000 years ago. Apparently, these species (or their ancestors) survived in the wettest part of the continent. The refuge areas probably correspond to the present locations of the plants in this group, since these species have very poor seed dispersal.
If you want to know more than you want to know about this group, look online for the paper:
REFUGE BEGONIAS: Taxonomy, phylogeny and historical biogeography of Begonia sect. Loasibegonia and sect. Scutobegonia in relation to glacial rain forest refuges in Africa by M.S.M. Sosef
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March 2018 - Begonia vankerckhovenii (formerly known as B. scutifolia) by Wanda Macnair
This plant is grown in a terrarium under lights. |
Begonia annulata K. Koch
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February 2018 - Begonia annulata by Bob Stewart
The species was named by Karl Heinrich Emil Koch in 1857 (some sources say 1837); it was also named Begonia griffithii slightly later by Hooker, after the person who collected it; that name is reduced to synonymy. Griffith is now honored with a different species, B. griffithiana. This species is in Section Platycentrum, like rex, decora, sizemoreae, limprichtii, cathayana, cathcartii, emeiensis, versicolor, palmata, hatacoa, xanthina, and a very large number of other species. The species in this section hybridize readily with each other, and with other sections. 2n = 22 |
It comes from the eastern Himalayas in NE India, especially Arunachal Pradesh and the Indian states bordering Myanmar (former Burma). It is also found in Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Rekha Morris found it growing at 3000-5000 feet elevation in Arunachal, in clefts and fissures on cliffs and on rocks, usually hidden below other plants.
Begonia burkilii comes from the same general area at 300-1100 meters. B. xanthina also comes from this general area at 3500-5000 feet elevation. There are several other interesting plants in this region.
The region where our begonia grows is mountainous and is dissected by numerous river valleys. The vegetation type is sub-tropical evergreen forest. The climate is humid sub-tropical. This is a monsoon climate region; the area receives two to five meters of rain per year, mostly between May and October.
Access is difficult, both because of the natural problems created by the topography and climate, and for political reasons; the region is also claimed by China as part of Tibet.
Begonia annulata is classified for shows as rhizomatous, distinctive foliage, unusual surface or coloring, large-leaved.
It grows about 15-30 cm tall, with a rhizome about 10 mm wide. The typical leaf is dark green to grey-green with a pale green (can be silver-looking) annulus inset from the edge. The width of the light band is highly variable; in some clones it is very wide, almost reaching to the center. Rekha Morris in “Species Begonias of the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal, India” shows several other forms, including bronze-purple, all-dark green, and all-light green leaves without bands.
The back side is red except for the annulus. This is where the pattern comes from, just as with B. rex. The lighter-green color on top is really the absence of red below. The silver coloring is slightly different. It looks like the silver is trying to be controlled by the same conditions as the missing red, but doesn’t get it exactly matched. One color system is working on the top surface and one on the bottom surface, so some condition is slightly different; I wonder what it is.
The leaf blade shape is obliquely cordate with a deep sinus at the base. The leaves are hairy, with a ciliated margin.
The leaf shape and pattern can look like Begonia rex Putzeys. According to one source, B. annulata is distinguished from B. rex by smaller leaves, with the underside rough due to strigose hairs, rather than glabrous and smooth in B. rex, also by the hairs on the peduncles, flowers, and fruit. Rekha Morris says that they can be distinguished by the greater prevalence and density of red/russet hairs on the petioles of B. annulata. She says that the basic botanical descriptions do not provide reliable ways to separate these species. She also says that the two species have nonoverlapping ranges, with B. rex in the west and B. annulata in the east.
Begonia burkilii comes from the same general area at 300-1100 meters. B. xanthina also comes from this general area at 3500-5000 feet elevation. There are several other interesting plants in this region.
The region where our begonia grows is mountainous and is dissected by numerous river valleys. The vegetation type is sub-tropical evergreen forest. The climate is humid sub-tropical. This is a monsoon climate region; the area receives two to five meters of rain per year, mostly between May and October.
Access is difficult, both because of the natural problems created by the topography and climate, and for political reasons; the region is also claimed by China as part of Tibet.
Begonia annulata is classified for shows as rhizomatous, distinctive foliage, unusual surface or coloring, large-leaved.
It grows about 15-30 cm tall, with a rhizome about 10 mm wide. The typical leaf is dark green to grey-green with a pale green (can be silver-looking) annulus inset from the edge. The width of the light band is highly variable; in some clones it is very wide, almost reaching to the center. Rekha Morris in “Species Begonias of the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal, India” shows several other forms, including bronze-purple, all-dark green, and all-light green leaves without bands.
The back side is red except for the annulus. This is where the pattern comes from, just as with B. rex. The lighter-green color on top is really the absence of red below. The silver coloring is slightly different. It looks like the silver is trying to be controlled by the same conditions as the missing red, but doesn’t get it exactly matched. One color system is working on the top surface and one on the bottom surface, so some condition is slightly different; I wonder what it is.
The leaf blade shape is obliquely cordate with a deep sinus at the base. The leaves are hairy, with a ciliated margin.
The leaf shape and pattern can look like Begonia rex Putzeys. According to one source, B. annulata is distinguished from B. rex by smaller leaves, with the underside rough due to strigose hairs, rather than glabrous and smooth in B. rex, also by the hairs on the peduncles, flowers, and fruit. Rekha Morris says that they can be distinguished by the greater prevalence and density of red/russet hairs on the petioles of B. annulata. She says that the basic botanical descriptions do not provide reliable ways to separate these species. She also says that the two species have nonoverlapping ranges, with B. rex in the west and B. annulata in the east.
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B. annulata, photos by Darrin Norton, Mountain Orchids
The flowers are white, tinted pink; male flowers with 4 tepals, female flowers with 5 tepals. The flowers are slightly fragrant.
Sources disagree about the bloom season. It was said to bloom in winter and spring in a greenhouse, another source says June to August, a scientific paper says January to July, which would cover a period with temperature increasing from low but not freezing to quite warm, and rain increasing from rather dry to ridiculously wet. By “ridiculously wet” I mean maybe 18 inches per month; there is a reason why the leeches wander around in trees rather than sticking to lakes.
There is a report of a medicinal use for Begonia annulata; fresh juice is applied to stop bleeding from leech bites. This styptic effect might be due to the acidity of the juice.
The flowers are white, tinted pink; male flowers with 4 tepals, female flowers with 5 tepals. The flowers are slightly fragrant.
Sources disagree about the bloom season. It was said to bloom in winter and spring in a greenhouse, another source says June to August, a scientific paper says January to July, which would cover a period with temperature increasing from low but not freezing to quite warm, and rain increasing from rather dry to ridiculously wet. By “ridiculously wet” I mean maybe 18 inches per month; there is a reason why the leeches wander around in trees rather than sticking to lakes.
There is a report of a medicinal use for Begonia annulata; fresh juice is applied to stop bleeding from leech bites. This styptic effect might be due to the acidity of the juice.
.There seems to be general agreement Begonia began to diverge in Africa, very roughly 35 Mya. One hypothesis is that they migrated through the Himalayas 7.4 MYA and then into China 5.1 MYA, when the monsoon weather pattern got going.
More recent work suggests that the monsoon started at least 40 million years ago, roughly when the Indian subcontinent, moving northward at a couple inches per year, collided with Asia.
More recent work suggests that the monsoon started at least 40 million years ago, roughly when the Indian subcontinent, moving northward at a couple inches per year, collided with Asia.
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January 2018 - B. leprosa, by Betsy Szymczak All photos by Betsy Szymczak
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November 2017 - Begonia brevirimosa, by Rick Fadden
May 2017 - Begonia velloziana, by Gloria Utzig
Begonia velloziana is a rhizomatous species from Brazil. According to the Thompsons’ book, Begonias, The Complete Reference Guide, it was one of two of the earliest rhizomatous begonias discovered in Brazil and is listed in their book under “Unusual Shape and/or Unusual Habit of Growth”. Plants in this group have leaves that are lanceolate (lance shaped leaves), and are most all epiphytes.
This plant discovery is attributed to Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers, a German botanist. He named the begonia after a very prominent Brazilian botanist, José Mariano de Conceição Vellozo who among many plants, discovered Begonia repens and Begonia acetosa.
Walpers published his finding and name in 1843, but there was more to that naming.
Per Jack Golding’s article on begonia nomenclature, and specifically talking about the French botanist Lanmarck’s discovery of Begonia repens and the Brazilian botanist Vellozo’s Begonia repens, in Phytologia 1978, Vol. 39, Page 125, "Begonia Nomenclature Notes, I, Begonia repens Lanmarck" Golding writes:
Begonia repens Vellozo, Fl. Flum. 10:t.35. 1831.; Arch. Mus. Nan. 5:403. 1881.
= Begonia velloziana Walpers, Rep. 2:216. 1843.
Observation: Walpers renamed Begonia repens Vellozo because he thought the name was preceded by Begonia repens Blume. As noted above, that name by Blume was not valid either and was later found to be a synonym of Begonia mollie A. DC. Nevertheless, in accordance with Article 64 of the ICBN the valid prior use of the name Begonia repens Lanmarck in 1785 (even if the name had later been found illegitimate, which it was not) precludes its use for any other species of the genus Begonia. Hence, Begonia velloziana Walpers is the legitimate name and Begonia repens Vellozo is a synonym.
This plant has lance-shaped leaves that on a mature plant can reach to about 10 inches in length. The new leaves come up a light yellow green color with undulating red edges and then become a bit more smooth (edges and leaf surface). The stems are red, and the leaves start losing the red edges as the leaf overall becomes a Granny Smith apple green then turns a dark grass green with tiny white spots as it reaches maturity.
Begonia velloziana is a rhizomatous species from Brazil. According to the Thompsons’ book, Begonias, The Complete Reference Guide, it was one of two of the earliest rhizomatous begonias discovered in Brazil and is listed in their book under “Unusual Shape and/or Unusual Habit of Growth”. Plants in this group have leaves that are lanceolate (lance shaped leaves), and are most all epiphytes.
This plant discovery is attributed to Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers, a German botanist. He named the begonia after a very prominent Brazilian botanist, José Mariano de Conceição Vellozo who among many plants, discovered Begonia repens and Begonia acetosa.
Walpers published his finding and name in 1843, but there was more to that naming.
Per Jack Golding’s article on begonia nomenclature, and specifically talking about the French botanist Lanmarck’s discovery of Begonia repens and the Brazilian botanist Vellozo’s Begonia repens, in Phytologia 1978, Vol. 39, Page 125, "Begonia Nomenclature Notes, I, Begonia repens Lanmarck" Golding writes:
Begonia repens Vellozo, Fl. Flum. 10:t.35. 1831.; Arch. Mus. Nan. 5:403. 1881.
= Begonia velloziana Walpers, Rep. 2:216. 1843.
Observation: Walpers renamed Begonia repens Vellozo because he thought the name was preceded by Begonia repens Blume. As noted above, that name by Blume was not valid either and was later found to be a synonym of Begonia mollie A. DC. Nevertheless, in accordance with Article 64 of the ICBN the valid prior use of the name Begonia repens Lanmarck in 1785 (even if the name had later been found illegitimate, which it was not) precludes its use for any other species of the genus Begonia. Hence, Begonia velloziana Walpers is the legitimate name and Begonia repens Vellozo is a synonym.
This plant has lance-shaped leaves that on a mature plant can reach to about 10 inches in length. The new leaves come up a light yellow green color with undulating red edges and then become a bit more smooth (edges and leaf surface). The stems are red, and the leaves start losing the red edges as the leaf overall becomes a Granny Smith apple green then turns a dark grass green with tiny white spots as it reaches maturity.
Being an epiphyte, it could be grown on tree fern or moss wrapped in wire on bark, or in containers with long-fiber moss, and must have high humidity. Its flowers are white and as others had mentioned, they tended to stay closer to the stem than most other begonias. The plant creeps out and forms new plants off those new spreading rhizomes.
I grow mine in soilless mix ever since acquiring a rooted cutting back in July 2014, after Wanda Macnair and Charles Jaros suggested I grow it. I have grown it in the same container and have only changed its soil once. It has thrived to the point of one plant simultaneously producing six fully leaved and rooted sprouts and the plant has flowered on and off since it became mature.
The plant is in a covered round glass fish bowl that is 12 inches in diameter. I sandwiched a 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch layer of aquarium rocks at the bottom of the bowl, topped with a 1/4 inch layer of activated charcoal, followed by a 1 and 1/2 inch layer of Pro-Mix HP soilless mix. I use distilled water to water, which I do about once a month to six weeks, adding dry fertilizer 10-10-10 diluted 1/4 strength mixed in the water.
I cover the glass bowl with plastic wrap and make sure it is sealed well so that evaporation is kept to a minimum. I have watch glass covers that fit the glass bowl opening, but many glass bowls do not have a perfectly flat edge so I do not trust the glass covers to keep that bowl perfectly sealed— as I have lost a few plants when I trusted the glass covers. So I place the watch glass cover over the plastic wrap to make sure it weighs down the plastic and that there is a perfect seal.
The bowl sits on one end of a wire shelf that is located up against a white wall. Two T8 four foot long fluorescent GE Starcote ECO bulbs, 32 Watts, with 6500 degrees Kelvin color temperature (daylight), are sitting 21 inches above the bowl top. The light fixture was purchased at Home Depot, a DIY store, and were low cost.
The temperature inside the bowl varied this winter from 67-75 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on when the lights over it were on. In summer, the temperature inside the bowl climbed over 75 degrees for brief periods as the room was warmed up by morning sunlight (no sunlight on the bowl). The lights were on a timer for 6 hours a day. The soil pH is 7.0, humidity in the covered bowl was 57%, and a light meter placed at the top of the bowl read 3,847 lux illuminance (luminous flux, or measure of the total amount of light a lamp puts out, incident on a surface).
I have found that this plant is not particularly fuzzy or demanding and I love how easy it is to care for!!
I grow mine in soilless mix ever since acquiring a rooted cutting back in July 2014, after Wanda Macnair and Charles Jaros suggested I grow it. I have grown it in the same container and have only changed its soil once. It has thrived to the point of one plant simultaneously producing six fully leaved and rooted sprouts and the plant has flowered on and off since it became mature.
The plant is in a covered round glass fish bowl that is 12 inches in diameter. I sandwiched a 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch layer of aquarium rocks at the bottom of the bowl, topped with a 1/4 inch layer of activated charcoal, followed by a 1 and 1/2 inch layer of Pro-Mix HP soilless mix. I use distilled water to water, which I do about once a month to six weeks, adding dry fertilizer 10-10-10 diluted 1/4 strength mixed in the water.
I cover the glass bowl with plastic wrap and make sure it is sealed well so that evaporation is kept to a minimum. I have watch glass covers that fit the glass bowl opening, but many glass bowls do not have a perfectly flat edge so I do not trust the glass covers to keep that bowl perfectly sealed— as I have lost a few plants when I trusted the glass covers. So I place the watch glass cover over the plastic wrap to make sure it weighs down the plastic and that there is a perfect seal.
The bowl sits on one end of a wire shelf that is located up against a white wall. Two T8 four foot long fluorescent GE Starcote ECO bulbs, 32 Watts, with 6500 degrees Kelvin color temperature (daylight), are sitting 21 inches above the bowl top. The light fixture was purchased at Home Depot, a DIY store, and were low cost.
The temperature inside the bowl varied this winter from 67-75 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on when the lights over it were on. In summer, the temperature inside the bowl climbed over 75 degrees for brief periods as the room was warmed up by morning sunlight (no sunlight on the bowl). The lights were on a timer for 6 hours a day. The soil pH is 7.0, humidity in the covered bowl was 57%, and a light meter placed at the top of the bowl read 3,847 lux illuminance (luminous flux, or measure of the total amount of light a lamp puts out, incident on a surface).
I have found that this plant is not particularly fuzzy or demanding and I love how easy it is to care for!!
Photo 3: A mature B. velloziana grown by Andrew Norris, won a Division Award during the 2015 Annual ABS Convention, Natick, MA. He grew this plant outside of a terrarium, as a potted plant. Photo: G. Utzig
B. moyesii, photo by Begonia Society of Western Australia
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April 2017 - B. moyesii, by Priscilla Purinton
Not much is written about Begonia moyesii and it is not often offered for sale. It is a rhizomatous begonia from Brazil, closely related to B. gehrtii. It differs by having (according to Tebbitt) "petiole four-sided in cross section, hairless when young", while B. gehrtii has "petiole circular in cross section, densely hairy when young". Cutting a cross section of a petiole on my plant reveals a somewhat square petiole. Of the two young leaves on my plant, one petiole is densely hairy and the other is hairless. Am growing B. gehrtii or is it truly B. moyesii as it is labeled? I will be purchasing a B. gehrtii so I can grow them side by side and compare. Cultural needs are similar. Needs good humidity but not (for me) an enclosed atmosphere. The sun porch where I keep it has humidity ranging from about 65% in the morning to 45% in late afternoon. Temperatures are in the low 50's at night and into the 70's in the afternoon in the winter months. The plant is set back about 2 feet from the south facing window but there is a planted fish tank with a grow light nearby that gives 12 hours a day of spillover lighting. Well-draining soil mix that is (accidentally) allowed to dry quite a bit between waterings; some of the leaf edges are slightly brown and I attribute that to drying out too much. The large, crinkled looking leaves are easily damaged so I try to give my plant a little extra space and not move it often. Like its close relatives, B. gehrtii, B. crispula and b. paulensis, B. moyesii is a nice addition to any collection and isn't too difficult to grow. |
B. 'Fireflush', photo Logees.com
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February 2017 - Begonia 'Fireflush', by Judy Gibian
Description Chartreuse green and chocolate spiral coloring a dark center and edge; sometimes with an olive-green zone. Distinctive fine, dark red hairs cover leaf, petiole History of B. ‘Fireflush’ Introduced in 1866 in France; hybridizer unknown Once called B. ‘Bettina Rothschild’ Generally considered a Rex (Thompsons, Buxton, Logees) B. ‘Curly Fireflush’ is a sport showing a pronounced double spiral in the leaf, was cultivated and released in 1948 by Leslie Woodriff, from McKinleyville, CA |
B. 'Curly Fireflush'
Growing characteristics of B. ‘Fireflush’
Needs high humidity
Artificial light will suffice, but may get Leggy
Too much light can fade colors out
Does not go dormant
Like most Rex varieties, can be started from leaf cuttings
Needs high humidity
Artificial light will suffice, but may get Leggy
Too much light can fade colors out
Does not go dormant
Like most Rex varieties, can be started from leaf cuttings
Young leaves appear to be crimson plush, so dense are the hairs
Flowers light pink, fragrant
Flowers light pink, fragrant
Note: (The above three photos of B. 'Curly Fireflush' provided courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries who no longer carry this plant.
www.terranovanurseries.com/highres_images/Begonia_Curly_fireflush.html)
(Photos: Rudd de Block, Flicker.com)
February 2017 - B. cubensis by Bob Stewart
As the name suggests, this species comes from Cuba, specifically from the eastern end of the island near Guantánamo. It is found in wet mountains at 400-1200 meters altitude. In summer, I would expect temperatures around 85F days and 70F nights, and in the winter more like 78F days and 63F nights. Humidity will be very high at night, dropping to perhaps 65% at noon. Thunderstorms are common during the warm wet season (May through October), and rain will occur all year, averaging perhaps three to four inches per month in the warm wet season and perhaps one to two inches per month in the cooler drier season. Day length will vary from about 11 hours to about 13 hours. In cultivation, it seems happy to grow in ordinary conditions. I have not tried it in serious cold.
As the name suggests, this species comes from Cuba, specifically from the eastern end of the island near Guantánamo. It is found in wet mountains at 400-1200 meters altitude. In summer, I would expect temperatures around 85F days and 70F nights, and in the winter more like 78F days and 63F nights. Humidity will be very high at night, dropping to perhaps 65% at noon. Thunderstorms are common during the warm wet season (May through October), and rain will occur all year, averaging perhaps three to four inches per month in the warm wet season and perhaps one to two inches per month in the cooler drier season. Day length will vary from about 11 hours to about 13 hours. In cultivation, it seems happy to grow in ordinary conditions. I have not tried it in serious cold.
It can and does grow to about one meter (three feet) tall. The leaf color is blue-green; the shape is a pointed oval, with the petiole continuing straight into the main vein. The flowers are white, with a bit of pink.
By some quirk, it was first described in 1858 by a German botanist, based on material that was in cultivation in Java!
This plant is botanically in section Begonia, along with B. cucullata, B. fischeri, B. rotundifolia, B. venosa, and several other species mostly from the West Indies and Brazil.
It is classified as shrub-like for flower shows. Wikipedia reports that the leaves taste bitter, and are used as a laxative.
By some quirk, it was first described in 1858 by a German botanist, based on material that was in cultivation in Java!
This plant is botanically in section Begonia, along with B. cucullata, B. fischeri, B. rotundifolia, B. venosa, and several other species mostly from the West Indies and Brazil.
It is classified as shrub-like for flower shows. Wikipedia reports that the leaves taste bitter, and are used as a laxative.
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January 2017- Begonia roseopunctata, by Sally Savelle
Information about B. roseopunctata can be found in A Guide to Begonias of Borneo. B. roseopunctata is endemic to Borneo, found only in Sarawak in the Simunjan District. It grows on rocky sandstone slopes in deeply shaded areas in lowland mixed dipterocarp forest below 500-meter elevation. It is a shrub-like begonia, 6- to 12-inches tall, but if its stem contacts a vertical surface such as a vertical rock, it produces roots there and begins to climb. Leaves of young plants are pale green with candy pink spots between the veins, hence its name. Roseo: rose-like, or pink. Punctata: spotted. On older plants, the white spots coalesce, while leaves on flowering stems are plain mid-green and have toothed margins. The male flowers have four pale yellowish green tepals. The female flowers have pale green or yellowish green tepals; its pale green capsules have three wings. There are many forms of B. roseopunctata, including plants with white spots, pink spots, and pink stripes. I have not been successful propagating B. roseopunctata with leaf cuttings, although tip cuttings have survived and rooted successfully. Photos of various forms are below as well as photos of B. roseopunctata growing in the wild. 
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B. melanobullata grown by Darrin Norton, won "People's Choice Award" at the Buxton Begonia Branch of ABS Plant Show and Sale September 2016.
Photo by G. Utzig
Close-up of B. melanobullata's bullae. Photo by G. Utzig
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September 2016- Begonia melanobullata presented by Betsy Szymczak
Distribution and ecology: Endemic to Thach An District, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam, near Vietnam-China border. Grows on semi-shaded wet cliffs on steep limestone slopes in evergreen broad-leaved forest Elevation at 300–400 m. Etymology: Name refers to the color of the bullae on leaf surface. melano = black or dark bullae= blistered or puckered From: Peng et al., Botanical Studies (2015) 56:9 |
B. ‘Boomer’; U003 x vitifolia
Corwin 1979; Thick stem
B. ‘Midnight Sun’; U003 x B. ‘Jill Adair’ B. Martin 1980; Rhizomatous
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February 2016- Begonia soli-mutata by Betsy Szymczak
(Photos courtesy of: http://www.shadeplants.com.au/index.php/igallery/category/view/id/1/#prettyPhoto[gallery]/0/ B. soli-mutata is described as: • Rhizomatous • Creeping, short horizontal spreading stems • Petioles- green with pink tinge, wooly hairs • Blade – dark or brownish green, postulate short hairs, underside is pinkish asymmetric or circular, no apex • Small white flowers • “Sun tan” Begonia o Color changes from green to brownish • Microscopic chloroplasts switch orientation o Reversible; Vertical as sunlight increases and horizontal as sunlight decreases • Native to Brazil • Thompson o U003, Costa Rica, Creeping, 50-60% humidity, for the collector, hybrids: Midnight Sun and Spellbound • Tebbitt o 1989 specimen was sent to the Smithsonian; native to forests in Bahia Brazil o Described as a new species o Was already in the US with ABS U003 • Article about B. soli-mutata in The Begonian – Volume 70 (March/April 2003) • Prefers filtered light, can take some sun in winter o West window or under lights o Mildew is a problem at temperatures under 65° o Likes humidity o Container grown 60-90% humidity o Soil should be moist Propagation: stem or leaf cuttings Hybrids of B. soli-mutata shown at left, B. 'Boomer' and B. 'Midnight Sun' |
January 2016- Begonias from Trachelocarpus section by Bob Stewart
The photograph shows species from Begonia section Trachelocarpus. These are lance-leaved epiphytic plants from the Atlantic Coastal Rain Forest of Brazil. This forest occupies a range of mountains north of Rio de Janeiro, and is quite wet but is not as hot as the Amazon further north.
The plants shown are either B. lanceolata and B. herbacea, or vice-versa, depending on whether you go with the traditional names or the key in the Tebbitt book.
There is a third species out of sight on the right which keys out as B. fulvo-setulosa in the Tebbitt book.
The photograph shows species from Begonia section Trachelocarpus. These are lance-leaved epiphytic plants from the Atlantic Coastal Rain Forest of Brazil. This forest occupies a range of mountains north of Rio de Janeiro, and is quite wet but is not as hot as the Amazon further north.
The plants shown are either B. lanceolata and B. herbacea, or vice-versa, depending on whether you go with the traditional names or the key in the Tebbitt book.
There is a third species out of sight on the right which keys out as B. fulvo-setulosa in the Tebbitt book.
In this section the male flowers are in groups at the ends of stalks, and have two tepals.
The female flowers are single, and are buried right down at the stem with no stalks, and have three tepals.
The growing system I am using is also a bit unusual. I was having trouble with these species in pots so I decided to try them as epiphytes, and it has worked nicely.
Originally I placed them on a ball of long-fiber sphagnum moss on a tree fern plaque and tied the plant down with fishing line. I hung this on a vertical screen in the greenhouse. This worked well except that I sometimes forgot to water for a couple days and the plants got a bit dry.
I got what looks like a cage for a small bird (but is probably actually some strange decorative item) at a yard sale. On the inside I put a layer of black polyester quilt batting; this allows air and water through but confines soil, much like a moss-lined basket, but easier. The black color is less conspicuous than the usual white quilt batting. Using quilt batting is an idea I got from Judy Becker.
I filled the container with soil and then tied the mounted begonias onto the outside with fishing line.
This gives a large moisture reservoir if the plants start to dry out. I suspect that the plant roots go through the batting but I do not actually know because I have not been willing to rip things apart to find out.
The growing system I am using is also a bit unusual. I was having trouble with these species in pots so I decided to try them as epiphytes, and it has worked nicely.
Originally I placed them on a ball of long-fiber sphagnum moss on a tree fern plaque and tied the plant down with fishing line. I hung this on a vertical screen in the greenhouse. This worked well except that I sometimes forgot to water for a couple days and the plants got a bit dry.
I got what looks like a cage for a small bird (but is probably actually some strange decorative item) at a yard sale. On the inside I put a layer of black polyester quilt batting; this allows air and water through but confines soil, much like a moss-lined basket, but easier. The black color is less conspicuous than the usual white quilt batting. Using quilt batting is an idea I got from Judy Becker.
I filled the container with soil and then tied the mounted begonias onto the outside with fishing line.
This gives a large moisture reservoir if the plants start to dry out. I suspect that the plant roots go through the batting but I do not actually know because I have not been willing to rip things apart to find out.
Begonia 'Medora' photo by Sharon Rosenzweig
November 2015- B. ‘Medora’ – interspecific hybrid by Sharon Rosenzweig
Also known as Trout-leaf begonia, Mini Angel wing begonia, it is a shrub begonia. It is used as a bedding plant with an upright spreading growth habit. It can grow to 24 inches tall and have a 20 inch spread. Small elliptical leaves, medium green and covered with silvery spots. Blooms from spring to mid fall with bright pink blossoms.
Grow in partial shade to shade in evenly moist well-drained soil. It will drop leaves if allowed to get dry. Pinch to maintain shape, has a tendency to lose bottom leaves as it gets larger. Can be propagated by cuttings.
Also known as Trout-leaf begonia, Mini Angel wing begonia, it is a shrub begonia. It is used as a bedding plant with an upright spreading growth habit. It can grow to 24 inches tall and have a 20 inch spread. Small elliptical leaves, medium green and covered with silvery spots. Blooms from spring to mid fall with bright pink blossoms.
Grow in partial shade to shade in evenly moist well-drained soil. It will drop leaves if allowed to get dry. Pinch to maintain shape, has a tendency to lose bottom leaves as it gets larger. Can be propagated by cuttings.
B. 'Medora' photo by Sharon Rosenzweig
November 2015 B. convolvulacea – species by Sharon Rosenzweig
Also known as the Morning Glory Begonia, B. convolvulacea is scandent, climbing over rocks and up tree trunks. Native to the extreme southeastern coastal plain of Brazil. Thin, fleshy leaves are glossy bright green and range in shape from circular to kidney-shaped, angular edges and occasional lobes. If growing up a tree or along the ground, roots emerge from leaf nodes on the stem.
Blooms in spring with small ivory male and female flowers. Male flowers are prominent and make the branched over flower stems look like a chandelier and candelabra. Grow in partial sun to partial shade, most well-drained soil. Grow it on a post or hanging basket or rambling ground cover.
Also known as the Morning Glory Begonia, B. convolvulacea is scandent, climbing over rocks and up tree trunks. Native to the extreme southeastern coastal plain of Brazil. Thin, fleshy leaves are glossy bright green and range in shape from circular to kidney-shaped, angular edges and occasional lobes. If growing up a tree or along the ground, roots emerge from leaf nodes on the stem.
Blooms in spring with small ivory male and female flowers. Male flowers are prominent and make the branched over flower stems look like a chandelier and candelabra. Grow in partial sun to partial shade, most well-drained soil. Grow it on a post or hanging basket or rambling ground cover.
B. convolvulacea photos by S. Rosenzweig
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October 2015 B. ‘Millie Thompson’ by Sally Savelle
Hybrid B. ‘Millie Thompson’ is a pretty rex begonia named after Millie Thompson. The originator of ‘Millie Thompson’ was Gordon Lepisto of St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1975. The female parent was B. versicolor, and the male parent was B. ‘John Blais’. The leaves are medium in size. Leaves are green in color with mottled light pink and light green spots. The leaves are edged in dark red. Red hairs ring the edges of the leaves and also sparsely cover the tops of the leaves. Dark red hairs are also found on the underside of the leaves and stems. The flowers are pink. ‘Millie Thompson’ requires an enclosed container. The hybridizer, Gordon Lepisto, hybridized over 40 begonias, mostly rex. In 1976, he received the ABS Herbert P. Dyckman Award, which is presented to a member who has rendered long-term or very outstanding service for the American Begonia Society above and beyond the normal duties of a member or officer. A few years ago, B. ‘Millie Thompson’ won Best in Show at the ABS Convention, entered by Leora Fuentes. Leora came to Buxton’s fall show, and I bought this ‘Millie Thompson’ from her. Photos of B. 'Millie Thompson' by Sally Savelle |
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October 2015 B. iridescens by Sally Savelle
B. iridescens is a beautiful species, native to the Arunachal Pradesh region of northern India, found at about 1500’. Other begonia species found in that area include scintillans, burkillii, and palmata. It is a rhizomatous begonia, with information about iridescens first described in 1912 by Burkill and then little information about it until a 2009 publication in November/December edition of The Begonian by Rekha Morris. Rekha writes that iridescens is generally found in shady but not overly moist habitats. She reports finding two forms of iridescens. One with variegated foliage among leaves with all dark green foliage, and in another colony, a pale creamy-green either with red veins or with the entire leaf flushed carmine. The flowers are white with such prominent and dense red hair on the outside, that they look red. Rekha reports that iridescens does not require the humidity created by enclosed containers and that it needs protection from bright light. The leaf color is green to red flushed to variegated. My iridescens has iridescent silver color, which is very beautiful. The leaves are rimmed with deep red hairs with stems sparsely covered in red hairs. Photos of B. iridescens by Sally Savelle |
May 2015- Begonia floccifera by Betsy Szymczak
In 1864 Begonia floccifera was first described by Richard Henry Bedomme. Bedomme, a British military officer, first served in the East India Company 42nd Madras Native Infantry, as quartermaster. He was appointed to the Madras Forest Department and served as chief conservator for many years. Between 1856 and his retirement in 1892 he characterized over 1000 plants, mammals, reptiles, insects and mollusks indigenous to southern India.
Tebbitt describes B. floccifera as closely related to B. dipetala but largely dissimilar. Thompson categorizes it as rhizomatous, medium-leaved entire/subentire (3-6 inches at maturity). It has thick, fleshy, unincised leaf blades with white wooly hairs that eventually disappear. Blades are alternate, cordate, undulate and petiolate. It bears small white flowers that bloom in the spring. Males have two tepals, females have four tepals. A well-drained potting mix is recommended. B. floccifera is occasionally cultivated.
In Massachusetts, success with B. floccifera requires a contained atmosphere with humidity of 65%-85% and temperature of 60-70°F. Natural light in a West-facing window encourages April flowering, as does watering with a dilute liquid fertilizer when soil is dry.
In 1864 Begonia floccifera was first described by Richard Henry Bedomme. Bedomme, a British military officer, first served in the East India Company 42nd Madras Native Infantry, as quartermaster. He was appointed to the Madras Forest Department and served as chief conservator for many years. Between 1856 and his retirement in 1892 he characterized over 1000 plants, mammals, reptiles, insects and mollusks indigenous to southern India.
Tebbitt describes B. floccifera as closely related to B. dipetala but largely dissimilar. Thompson categorizes it as rhizomatous, medium-leaved entire/subentire (3-6 inches at maturity). It has thick, fleshy, unincised leaf blades with white wooly hairs that eventually disappear. Blades are alternate, cordate, undulate and petiolate. It bears small white flowers that bloom in the spring. Males have two tepals, females have four tepals. A well-drained potting mix is recommended. B. floccifera is occasionally cultivated.
In Massachusetts, success with B. floccifera requires a contained atmosphere with humidity of 65%-85% and temperature of 60-70°F. Natural light in a West-facing window encourages April flowering, as does watering with a dilute liquid fertilizer when soil is dry.
September 2014- Begonia luzonensis by Bonnie Lambert
This begonia requires high humidity and therefore, is grown in an enclosed container or in a humid greenhouse.
This begonia requires high humidity and therefore, is grown in an enclosed container or in a humid greenhouse.
May 2014 Plant of the Month- Begonia carrieae by Norm Dufresne
Begonia carrieae was described in the May 1976 Begonian by Rudy Ziesenhenne. It was named to honor Carrie Karegeannes who was then Nomenclature Director for the American Begonia Society.
Carrie was born September 18, 1928 and died August 1, 2013. She remained active in the society till the spring of 2002 when she started sending all her files on begonias to the Kolz Research Center. Her name appears as one of the authors on this important begonia bible.
B. carrieae is a rhizomatous begonia in the Gireoudia Section classified as lobed large leaved. On this point my leaves don’t measure up. The upper surface of the leaf is dull green and covered with many short white hairs. The veins and veinlets are sunk in the leaf giving the areas in between a puffy effect. This condition is called rugose. The leaf has long drip points. The edge of the leaf is hairy and denticulate.
The underside of the leaf has longer hairs and prominent veins. The stem has a multitude of scale-like hairs on and by the way it is from the state of Chiapas in Mexico.
Propagation is said to be difficult because of the hairs. I use a short section of the stem and shave off the lower portion of the hairs. Of course this weakens the stem so you have to be gentle when you insert it into the medium. It’s easy from seed.
It likes humidity but is not a terrarium plant and it does like it cool.
Begonia carrieae was described in the May 1976 Begonian by Rudy Ziesenhenne. It was named to honor Carrie Karegeannes who was then Nomenclature Director for the American Begonia Society.
Carrie was born September 18, 1928 and died August 1, 2013. She remained active in the society till the spring of 2002 when she started sending all her files on begonias to the Kolz Research Center. Her name appears as one of the authors on this important begonia bible.
B. carrieae is a rhizomatous begonia in the Gireoudia Section classified as lobed large leaved. On this point my leaves don’t measure up. The upper surface of the leaf is dull green and covered with many short white hairs. The veins and veinlets are sunk in the leaf giving the areas in between a puffy effect. This condition is called rugose. The leaf has long drip points. The edge of the leaf is hairy and denticulate.
The underside of the leaf has longer hairs and prominent veins. The stem has a multitude of scale-like hairs on and by the way it is from the state of Chiapas in Mexico.
Propagation is said to be difficult because of the hairs. I use a short section of the stem and shave off the lower portion of the hairs. Of course this weakens the stem so you have to be gentle when you insert it into the medium. It’s easy from seed.
It likes humidity but is not a terrarium plant and it does like it cool.
February 2014 Plant of the Month – Begonia 'Cathedral' by Norm Dufresne
Begonia 'Cathedral' is a small leaved rhizomatous begonia that is mistakenly called B. 'Cathedral Windows'. Introduced in 1966, it was thought to be a species, but is now believed to be a hybrid from an unknown hybridizer and unknown parents. It has shiny irregular glabrous leaves with a red under-surface. It produces pink flowers in the winter and spring and does well in hanging baskets.
It has been described as suitable for advanced growers. It prefers bottom watering and is propagated from rhizome tips. Leaf cuttings produce a different plant called Begonia 'Fiji Island'.
Begonia 'Cathedral' is a small leaved rhizomatous begonia that is mistakenly called B. 'Cathedral Windows'. Introduced in 1966, it was thought to be a species, but is now believed to be a hybrid from an unknown hybridizer and unknown parents. It has shiny irregular glabrous leaves with a red under-surface. It produces pink flowers in the winter and spring and does well in hanging baskets.
It has been described as suitable for advanced growers. It prefers bottom watering and is propagated from rhizome tips. Leaf cuttings produce a different plant called Begonia 'Fiji Island'.
October 2013 Plant of the Month- Begonia amphioxus
Bonnie Lambert showed her Begonia amphioxus and discussed the challenge of growing this unique species, this was her fourth try! Her specimen was in flower and was about 18” tall. She attributes this cultural success to addition of de-salted coral rubble to the planting medium.
Begonia amphioxus occurs only in two small close limestone outcrops in Sabah (Borneo) Malaysia and was named by Martin Sands, of the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew England in 1990.
It is an exotic begonia with a shrub-like growth habit. The leaves are peltate and pointed at both ends; they are covered with wine-red spots and rimmed by a thin line of the same color. The flowers are green and have an unusual shape. This species likes extra humidity and is usually grown in a terrarium. It prefers shade to partial shade, is good under florescent lights, with temperatures between 50 to 85 degrees. Allow it to get slightly dry between watering, likes extra humidity, does best in an enclosed container.
Bonnie Lambert showed her Begonia amphioxus and discussed the challenge of growing this unique species, this was her fourth try! Her specimen was in flower and was about 18” tall. She attributes this cultural success to addition of de-salted coral rubble to the planting medium.
Begonia amphioxus occurs only in two small close limestone outcrops in Sabah (Borneo) Malaysia and was named by Martin Sands, of the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew England in 1990.
It is an exotic begonia with a shrub-like growth habit. The leaves are peltate and pointed at both ends; they are covered with wine-red spots and rimmed by a thin line of the same color. The flowers are green and have an unusual shape. This species likes extra humidity and is usually grown in a terrarium. It prefers shade to partial shade, is good under florescent lights, with temperatures between 50 to 85 degrees. Allow it to get slightly dry between watering, likes extra humidity, does best in an enclosed container.
February 2013 Plant of the Month- Begonia coccinea
If you like canes but don’t like staking, then begonia coccinea is just right for you. It was discovered by William Lobb on the Organ Mountains of Brazil in 1984 and described by William J. Hooker in 1843. In her 1981 complete begonia guide, Millie Thompson listed it as a beginner’s plant.
The stems are on the thin side, a pale reddish brown with small light green spots.
The petiole is light red to yellowish. The leaf is thick and leathery, concave, green on the upper surface, and a much lighter green on the underside. Both sides are glabrous. The edge of the leaf is wavy with a hint of red color. The leaf becomes more succulent with the increased humidity of summer. Begonia coccinea is quite floriferous, especially when the plant is mature. The flowers are small bright red with the male having 4 tepals and the female having 5 or 6 tepals. This begonia does well in a greenhouse but appreciates a little extra humidity. Photo: The Ohio State University, Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center & USDA ARS
If you like canes but don’t like staking, then begonia coccinea is just right for you. It was discovered by William Lobb on the Organ Mountains of Brazil in 1984 and described by William J. Hooker in 1843. In her 1981 complete begonia guide, Millie Thompson listed it as a beginner’s plant.
The stems are on the thin side, a pale reddish brown with small light green spots.
The petiole is light red to yellowish. The leaf is thick and leathery, concave, green on the upper surface, and a much lighter green on the underside. Both sides are glabrous. The edge of the leaf is wavy with a hint of red color. The leaf becomes more succulent with the increased humidity of summer. Begonia coccinea is quite floriferous, especially when the plant is mature. The flowers are small bright red with the male having 4 tepals and the female having 5 or 6 tepals. This begonia does well in a greenhouse but appreciates a little extra humidity. Photo: The Ohio State University, Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center & USDA ARS
November 2012 Plant of the Month- Begonia venosa
Normand Dufresne presented Begonia venosa. The plant is from Brazil, shrub-like, with white flowers in the spring. Keep it dry and place in full sun for part of the day.
Normand Dufresne presented Begonia venosa. The plant is from Brazil, shrub-like, with white flowers in the spring. Keep it dry and place in full sun for part of the day.
October 2012 Plant of the Month- Begonia emeiensis
Normand Dufresne presented begonia emeiensis (em-ee-eye-ensis).
It was found by Dan Hinkley near a stream on Mount Emei, a holy mountain in China’s Sichuan Province and was published in 1995 by C. Y. Wu and T. C. Ku.
B. emeiensis is a rhizomatous begonia which can be propagated in two or three ways: by seed, by the tuber-like growth which occurs on some leaves and forms late summer to fall at the connection of the leaf and petiole. Some have already sprouted at the top. Since it is rhizomatous a leaf should also work.
From some of the pictures I’ve seen on the internet, part of the leaf with the attached tuber and some of the petiole are used in propagation.
Normand Dufresne presented begonia emeiensis (em-ee-eye-ensis).
It was found by Dan Hinkley near a stream on Mount Emei, a holy mountain in China’s Sichuan Province and was published in 1995 by C. Y. Wu and T. C. Ku.
B. emeiensis is a rhizomatous begonia which can be propagated in two or three ways: by seed, by the tuber-like growth which occurs on some leaves and forms late summer to fall at the connection of the leaf and petiole. Some have already sprouted at the top. Since it is rhizomatous a leaf should also work.
From some of the pictures I’ve seen on the internet, part of the leaf with the attached tuber and some of the petiole are used in propagation.
The deep green leaves are quite variable in size, shape, and edges.
The flowers which grow close to the rhizome are described as being pink; mine are white with pink edges. It is not floriferous. The male flower has 4 tepals, the female flower has five or six tepals and three unequal wings.
Since this begonia was found by a stream, it appreciates moist conditions. I grow my plant next to the wall of my lean-to greenhouse, which is on the north side of my house.
Begonia emeiensis is evergreen into the upper 20s and can be grown outdoors in zone 6 with mulch.
The flowers which grow close to the rhizome are described as being pink; mine are white with pink edges. It is not floriferous. The male flower has 4 tepals, the female flower has five or six tepals and three unequal wings.
Since this begonia was found by a stream, it appreciates moist conditions. I grow my plant next to the wall of my lean-to greenhouse, which is on the north side of my house.
Begonia emeiensis is evergreen into the upper 20s and can be grown outdoors in zone 6 with mulch.
September 2012 Plant of the Month- Begonia 'Morocco'
Bonnie Lambert presented Begonia ‘Morocco’ as Plant of the Month.
This variety is a 1998 Kartuz hybrid. It is a cross between B. soli-mutata and B. ulmifolia. It is rhizomatous, shrub-like with pustular leaves that have red hair on the back. The plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed.
Bonnie Lambert presented Begonia ‘Morocco’ as Plant of the Month.
This variety is a 1998 Kartuz hybrid. It is a cross between B. soli-mutata and B. ulmifolia. It is rhizomatous, shrub-like with pustular leaves that have red hair on the back. The plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed.
April 2012 Plant of the Month- Begonia subacida
Normand Dufresne presented Begonia subacida, synonym U304. It is from Brazil and was described by Edgar Irmscher in 1959. It is a rhizomatous begonia in the pritzelia section.
The leaf is 5” by 4” which classifies it as medium leaved, obviously distinctive foliage. The upper surface of the leaf is slightly velvety dark green in color with a prominent white spot at the petiole connection which extend into the start of the veins. The edge of the leaf is entire with many short fine hairs. There is an overlap at the base. The underside is a dark red. The veining is palmate pinnate. The petiole is red and covered with a whitish scale.
The flowers are white with a touch of pink. The male flower has four tepals, two of which are quite tiny. I’m still waiting to see the female flowers so I can try to pollinate them. The peduncle is red and rises well above the foliage. I think the flowering part is what they call dichotomous eymes. They just keep dividing by twos and look like goal posts.
Temperature is not a problem, but more humidity would have made my plant happier.
I was given a leaf a few years ago and got roots but no plantlets. The leaf rotted. When I received a second leaf, I carefully shaved the scale off the portion of the petiole which went into the medium and got a plant. Rhizome cuttings are said to be easy.
I grow my plant in a 10’ by 15’ lean-to greenhouse which is on a raised deck on the north side of the house. It is about five feet from the house wall, so it is always in low light.
Normand Dufresne presented Begonia subacida, synonym U304. It is from Brazil and was described by Edgar Irmscher in 1959. It is a rhizomatous begonia in the pritzelia section.
The leaf is 5” by 4” which classifies it as medium leaved, obviously distinctive foliage. The upper surface of the leaf is slightly velvety dark green in color with a prominent white spot at the petiole connection which extend into the start of the veins. The edge of the leaf is entire with many short fine hairs. There is an overlap at the base. The underside is a dark red. The veining is palmate pinnate. The petiole is red and covered with a whitish scale.
The flowers are white with a touch of pink. The male flower has four tepals, two of which are quite tiny. I’m still waiting to see the female flowers so I can try to pollinate them. The peduncle is red and rises well above the foliage. I think the flowering part is what they call dichotomous eymes. They just keep dividing by twos and look like goal posts.
Temperature is not a problem, but more humidity would have made my plant happier.
I was given a leaf a few years ago and got roots but no plantlets. The leaf rotted. When I received a second leaf, I carefully shaved the scale off the portion of the petiole which went into the medium and got a plant. Rhizome cuttings are said to be easy.
I grow my plant in a 10’ by 15’ lean-to greenhouse which is on a raised deck on the north side of the house. It is about five feet from the house wall, so it is always in low light.
Plant of the Month January 2012- Begonia cathcartii brought in by Bonnie Lambert
Begonia cathcartii has an upright rhizome. The leaves are ovate, about 2 or 3 inches wide and 6 inches long with a prominent drip-tip, mid-green and shiny with cranberry red veins on the back, sparsely haired and slightly dentated. Stems are up to 12 inches in height. Flowering from December on (flowers into March so far) and rather sparse. Pale pink, several male and/or female flowers at a time, but nothing copious. Mine bloomed at the age of 2 years from seed.
Plants need a moist terrarium with moderate heat and light. The seed was collected by Reika Morris in 2000 in the area of Burma (Myanmar) at 4000 ft. Chromosome count is 22n. It is in the section Platycentrum (aka U545 or a hatacoa variant as the old names). Named for the late JF Cathcart of the Bengal Civil Service who did the original drawing around 1855.
Begonia cathcartii has an upright rhizome. The leaves are ovate, about 2 or 3 inches wide and 6 inches long with a prominent drip-tip, mid-green and shiny with cranberry red veins on the back, sparsely haired and slightly dentated. Stems are up to 12 inches in height. Flowering from December on (flowers into March so far) and rather sparse. Pale pink, several male and/or female flowers at a time, but nothing copious. Mine bloomed at the age of 2 years from seed.
Plants need a moist terrarium with moderate heat and light. The seed was collected by Reika Morris in 2000 in the area of Burma (Myanmar) at 4000 ft. Chromosome count is 22n. It is in the section Platycentrum (aka U545 or a hatacoa variant as the old names). Named for the late JF Cathcart of the Bengal Civil Service who did the original drawing around 1855.
Plant of the Month- B. carolinefolia by Normand Dufresne
Begonia carolinefolia is found in Mexico and Guatemala. It was described by Regel in 1852. It belongs in the gireoudia section which has 65 begonias most of which are rhizomatous and have 2 tepals on both male and female flowers.
B. carolinefolia is classified as rhizomatous with upright rhizome and compound leaves, to be more specific palmately compound leaves. I have one small leaf with 5 fingers but for the most part they have 8 fingers. The upper surface is glossy green and glabrous. The underside is pale blood red with pinnate veins which are hairy. Individual parts of the leaf are basifixed. The edge of the leaf is double serrate. The petiole is reddish and slightly hairy since mature leaves exceed 12 inches. It is giant leaved.
The flowers are large pink with dark pink spots. My flowers don’t show dark pink spots so I’ll have to try giving my plant more light. The female flower has three unequal wings. Bloom time is late winter to early spring.
Millie Thompson listed this begonia as being for the collector. Except for the eventual size, which must be quite large, it might be good as a house plant. Moderate humidity and good light might work. I had 2 more big leaves on my plant which I lost during the winter so I don’t think it likes cold weather. It did survive quite a few 45 to 50 degree nights.
Begonia carolinefolia photo by Phyllis Savage
Begonia carolinefolia is found in Mexico and Guatemala. It was described by Regel in 1852. It belongs in the gireoudia section which has 65 begonias most of which are rhizomatous and have 2 tepals on both male and female flowers.
B. carolinefolia is classified as rhizomatous with upright rhizome and compound leaves, to be more specific palmately compound leaves. I have one small leaf with 5 fingers but for the most part they have 8 fingers. The upper surface is glossy green and glabrous. The underside is pale blood red with pinnate veins which are hairy. Individual parts of the leaf are basifixed. The edge of the leaf is double serrate. The petiole is reddish and slightly hairy since mature leaves exceed 12 inches. It is giant leaved.
The flowers are large pink with dark pink spots. My flowers don’t show dark pink spots so I’ll have to try giving my plant more light. The female flower has three unequal wings. Bloom time is late winter to early spring.
Millie Thompson listed this begonia as being for the collector. Except for the eventual size, which must be quite large, it might be good as a house plant. Moderate humidity and good light might work. I had 2 more big leaves on my plant which I lost during the winter so I don’t think it likes cold weather. It did survive quite a few 45 to 50 degree nights.
Begonia carolinefolia photo by Phyllis Savage
Plant of the Month November 2011– Begonia U508
Normand Dufresne presented Begonia U508. It was obtained by Charles Jaros from Cheryl Lenert who purchased it in Lyon, France in November 2005. This upright rhizomatous begonia supposedly originated in Malaysia.
The leaves are large. My largest leaf is 10 in. by 7 in. The surface of the leaf is slightly hairy silvery and maroon/black. The edge is entire, cordate at the base and acuminate at the tip. The veins are palmate pinnate. The underside is burgundy in color and has white hairs along the veins. The petiole is burgundy and covered with white hairs.
The flowers are pinkish white, the male having 4 tepals and the female five. The ovary is green and has 3 unequal wings. The longest wing stands out because of its blood red color. Even with a 7 in. peduncle very few flowers get above the foliage. The male flower produces copious amounts of pollen but was not able to set seed the first time I tried. I hope I succeed this next time. Growing B. U508 from seed would help determine whether or not it is a species.
This plant has been growing next to the wall of my lean-to greenhouse which is on the north side of the house so it grows in deep shade. It has survived temperatures down into the 40’s ºF and over 100 ºF. It gets fertilized with Phostrogen 10-10-27 except at bloom time when I use Schultz 10-54-10, high phosphorus.
Normand Dufresne presented Begonia U508. It was obtained by Charles Jaros from Cheryl Lenert who purchased it in Lyon, France in November 2005. This upright rhizomatous begonia supposedly originated in Malaysia.
The leaves are large. My largest leaf is 10 in. by 7 in. The surface of the leaf is slightly hairy silvery and maroon/black. The edge is entire, cordate at the base and acuminate at the tip. The veins are palmate pinnate. The underside is burgundy in color and has white hairs along the veins. The petiole is burgundy and covered with white hairs.
The flowers are pinkish white, the male having 4 tepals and the female five. The ovary is green and has 3 unequal wings. The longest wing stands out because of its blood red color. Even with a 7 in. peduncle very few flowers get above the foliage. The male flower produces copious amounts of pollen but was not able to set seed the first time I tried. I hope I succeed this next time. Growing B. U508 from seed would help determine whether or not it is a species.
This plant has been growing next to the wall of my lean-to greenhouse which is on the north side of the house so it grows in deep shade. It has survived temperatures down into the 40’s ºF and over 100 ºF. It gets fertilized with Phostrogen 10-10-27 except at bloom time when I use Schultz 10-54-10, high phosphorus.
Plant of the Month October 2011- Begonia versicolor
Bonnie Lambert presented her begonia versicolor. Species from China/Southwest China, grows in higher altitudes around 1280 – 2135 meters in mountain stream areas/damp forests so likes cool and moist. Introduced to the U.S. in 1940s by hybridizer Leslie Woodriff. Prefers Low temps 60-65 degrees, and as noted, high humidity so grow in a terrarium.
Some more information from Mark Tebbitt’s book: Begonias
B. versicolor is a dwarf creeping rhizomatous perennial to about 25 cm tall. Vegetative parts are densely covered with long soft hairs. Its scientific name means “variously colored” which is a reference to the plant’s stunning leaves, which are pale green with white highlights and purplish brown borders to the veins. The leaf margins have red ciliate leaves.
Bonnie Lambert presented her begonia versicolor. Species from China/Southwest China, grows in higher altitudes around 1280 – 2135 meters in mountain stream areas/damp forests so likes cool and moist. Introduced to the U.S. in 1940s by hybridizer Leslie Woodriff. Prefers Low temps 60-65 degrees, and as noted, high humidity so grow in a terrarium.
Some more information from Mark Tebbitt’s book: Begonias
B. versicolor is a dwarf creeping rhizomatous perennial to about 25 cm tall. Vegetative parts are densely covered with long soft hairs. Its scientific name means “variously colored” which is a reference to the plant’s stunning leaves, which are pale green with white highlights and purplish brown borders to the veins. The leaf margins have red ciliate leaves.
Plant of the Month - B. echinosepala var. elongatifolia by Bonnie Lambert
Erect non-rhizomatous, branched, to 1.5 m tall. Stipules deciduous. Blade above green to bronze-green, hairless, beneath paler green with red flushing between veins or red with paler green veins, hairless, asymmetric, ovate. Elongatifolia means long leaves. Echinosepala-prickly sepals, fragrant. Grows in the Brazilian rain forest. Intermittent blooming in the spring and fall, small white flowers. It is easily propagated from cuttings. Requires a lot of humidity.
Erect non-rhizomatous, branched, to 1.5 m tall. Stipules deciduous. Blade above green to bronze-green, hairless, beneath paler green with red flushing between veins or red with paler green veins, hairless, asymmetric, ovate. Elongatifolia means long leaves. Echinosepala-prickly sepals, fragrant. Grows in the Brazilian rain forest. Intermittent blooming in the spring and fall, small white flowers. It is easily propagated from cuttings. Requires a lot of humidity.
Plant of the Month - B. obliqua by Bonnie Lambert
Begonia obliqua was the only begonia species recognized by Carl Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum of 1753. B. obliqua is native to the Caribbean Islands of Dominica, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada and Martinique. This species was one of the first begonias discovered by Europeans.
The stem is green to purplish, covered with wooly white hairs when young and eventually becoming hairless. The stipules are persistent, triangular-ovulate to elliptic. The leaf petioles are the same color as the stems, 3-12 cm long. The male flowers have four tepals, the outer pair are white with a pink flush or red on the outer surfaces and white on the inner surfaces. They are ovate to almost circular. Flowers are fragrant. The female flowers have four or five tepals, and are the same color as the male flowers. The shrub-like B. obliqua is readily grown under standard conditions.
Begonia obliqua was the only begonia species recognized by Carl Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum of 1753. B. obliqua is native to the Caribbean Islands of Dominica, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada and Martinique. This species was one of the first begonias discovered by Europeans.
The stem is green to purplish, covered with wooly white hairs when young and eventually becoming hairless. The stipules are persistent, triangular-ovulate to elliptic. The leaf petioles are the same color as the stems, 3-12 cm long. The male flowers have four tepals, the outer pair are white with a pink flush or red on the outer surfaces and white on the inner surfaces. They are ovate to almost circular. Flowers are fragrant. The female flowers have four or five tepals, and are the same color as the male flowers. The shrub-like B. obliqua is readily grown under standard conditions.