Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Brazil |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous Begonia to 30cm tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves light green, ovate to elliptic, to 21cm long by 21 cm wide, assymetric. Surface of leaves puckered, veins very pale light green - white. Petioles of young leaves densely hairy/ 'wooly'. |
| Stems | Stems short, erect, pale green, densely hairy, with prominent leaf scars; stipules drying light brown and remaining on stem. |
| Flowers | Flowers white. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Planting Remarks | Use a well drained but moisture retentive media for this species. The soil should be allowed to dry off slightly before the next watering, and it should be moist but never soggy as this will cause the plant to rot. This species will fare better under slightly cooler growing conditions. Transplanting should be done with care as the leaves tend to be 'brittle' and may break off easily. |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Green - Light Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Raised / Sunken Veins, Crinkled / Twisted |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31620 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6019 |
| 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. |
