Begonia

Begonia is a genus of plants, comprising of some 1000 species. Most are found on the forrest floor, growing in the shade of tall trees. They tend to have large leaves to collect the dim light that filters from the canopy above. Some have evolved special adaptions, such as a reflective layer below the leaves, that reflect that has passed through the leaf, back up again, effectively doubling the thickness of the leaf.

Begonias are monoceous, meaning the same plant grows both unisexual male and female flowers. In the case of tuberous begonias, it is the male flowers that are showy, and the female removed as soon as they appear.

Click on any picture to enlarge.

Pictures:

		Tuberous Begonia
		Begonia albo-picta var. rosea
		Begonia fuchsioides

See also:  Bulbs, Corms & Tubers, Ornamentals

Copper Glow

This much bred begonia produces the showiest flowers amongst begonias. These "giants" grow flowers that are over 15cm across. The large flowers are all male, bred so that the stamens flatten out to form multiple layers of petals. The female flowers are all single and are much smaller. Pick them off at the bud stage to encourage larger male flowers.

Salmon Orange Golden Yellow Golden Yellow Golden Yellow

White White White White

Pink Frills Pink Frills Pink Frills Female flower Pink Frills Female flower

Pink Frills Red Blaze Red Blaze Rich Red

Rich Pink

This cane begonia has leaves with silver spots and pink flowers. The canes grow to 2m and makes a nice house plant.

Female Flowers Male Flowers

This cane begonia is half hardy and tolerant of full sun. It makes a nice garden subject, especially when planted in between shrubs, where it gets filtered light.

Flowers Flowers