Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous begonia to 30 cm tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves asymmetrical, to 15cm long, hairy. Leaf mid green with white spots; leaf margin, centre of leaf and along main veins dark reddish purple - dark reddish brown. Upper leaf surface with sparse, short hairs. Petioles and underside of leaves with red hairs. |
| Cultivation | The dark reddish purple coloration appears to be more intense in specimens grown under slightly cooler temperatures (e.g. in air conditioned areas). Specimens grown outdoors appear to have more green on the leaves. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water, Occasional Misting, [Remarks] (Requires a well drained soil mix; do not allow the plant to remain in soggy or waterlogged growing media as this will cause the plant to rot. ) |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Leaf Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Black, Brown, Green, Purple, Red, White, Patterned |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31866 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6267 |
| 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. |
