Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin - hybrid of Begonia Rex cultorum group & Begonia robusta |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous herb to 30cm tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves rough hairy, asymmetrical, to 20cm in length. Base color of leaf dull pale - olive green, margin and centre of leaf dull purplish red. Upper leaf surface covered with a layer of red hairs, juvenile leaves more densely so. Petioles red hairy. |
| Flowers | Flowers fragrant, white tinged with very pale pink, with stiff, bristly red hairs on the under surface of the tepals. |
| Cultivation | This hybrid was first introduced into cultivation in France in 1866, and is prized for the dense red hairs on the foliage. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting, [Remarks] (Do not overwater or allow plant to remain in soggy/ waterlogged media as this will cause it to rot. This hybrid tends to grow better under cooler conditions (<25'c) ) |
| 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) | Green, Green - Light Green, Purple, Red |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Red |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, Red, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Bristly, Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31608 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6007 |
| 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. |
