Begonias
What are they?
The Begoniaceae is a family that spans the tropical and subtropical regions of the world and the genus Begonia contains over 2000 species, As tropical plants, species cultivated in the UK are grown as greenhouse or house plants with only a small number being grown as outdoor annuals.
Where are they found?
As introduced species, these plants are most likely to be found as garden throw-outs or relics of cultivation. Some begonias are popular as bedding plants in amenity areas.
Identification
Begonias typically have succulent stems and leaves; the leaves are distinctly asymmetrical - the midrib running slightly to one side such that the two halves of the leaf are unequal in shape and size. The flowers are carried in small clusters, with separate male and female flowers in each cluster. Flowers typically each have two to four, coloured tepals, though many cultivated forms have been bred where the female flowers have many, enlarged tepals, giving them a rose-like appearance. Female flowers are followed by distinctive, three-sided seed capsules. Species are generally best told by the appearance of their leaves and the presence or absence of hairs on leaves and stems.
Wax Begonia Begonia x semperflorens
Originating in cultivation from a number of species and very commonly grown as bedding annuals. Flowers throughout summer until the first frosts. Small, succulent plants to 20cm in height. Leaves green or purplish according to variety and flowers various shades of red and pink to white.
Note: I have here used the most widely-known and most frequently accepted name for this plant, but the taxonomy and naming appears confused and unresolved. Long referred to as Begonia semperflorens, that name appears to be invalid and botanical sources identify that name as a synonym of B. cucullata. However, horticultural sources state that this is a complex of hybrids involving five different species (B. cucullata, B schmidtiana, B. roezlii, B. foliosa and B. gracilis), therefore the botanical sources are wrong. The name Begonia semperflorens-cultiform group was apparently coined in 1945, but without a formal description, it can't be used as a formal name.
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