Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin - a Rex hybrid between Begonia rex and Begonia cathayana, produced by Michael J. Kartuz and registered in 1976. |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous begonia to 25cm tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves to 15cm long, silver, center of leaves and veins dark purple. Edge of leaves with a dark purple border and scattered silver blotches/ markings. Veins on underside of leaves and petioles red hairy. |
| Flowers | Flowers pink |
| Cultivation | Purple and silver 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 |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Black, Green, Purple, Silver / Grey |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Brown, Green, Purple, Red |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31143 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5536 |
| 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. |
