Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin - hybrid of Begonia hydrocotylifolia and Begonia manicata. This is one of the earliest Begonia hybrids (the cross was made available in 1845) that is still in cultivation. |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous begonia to 30 cm tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Mature leaves to 8cm wide, dull green or bluish-green on upper surface, leaf margins with a fringe of short hairs. Under surface of leaves red, with scattered hairs on the veins. Juvenile leaves reddish brown, hairs on leaf margin prominent. Petioles very pale cream with red markings, sparsely hairy. |
| Flowers | Flowers white tinged with pink - pale pink |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting, [Remarks] (Prefers high humidity and a loose, well drained planting media/ soil. Allow media to dry out slightly in between waterings. Do not overwater as excessive moisture collected around the rhizomes can cause the plant to rot.) |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Leaf Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Brown, Green, Red |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Leathery |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Brown, Red |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31629 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6028 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
