Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | North East India and South West Yunnan (China) |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal, Highland / Montane |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous herb to 40cm tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves of Begonia xanthina are asymmetric, 17-26cm long by 15-22cm wide, with an entire leaf margin ; base color of leaf blade very dark green to very dark brownish green, with dull light green blotches scattered throughout the leaf blade. |
| Flowers | The flowers of Begonia xanthina are yellow: Male flowers with 4 tepals, outer 2 tepals larger in size, measuring 2.1-2.2 cm long × 1.2-1.3 cm wide, inner 2 sepals smaller, about 2 × 0.9-1 cm. Stamens many. Female flowers with 5 tepals |
| Habitat | Begonia xanthina grows in rocky hills to 800m asl, often growing near streams |
| Similar | Similar to Begonia rex, but Begonia xanthina differs in having yellow flowers, and in the pattern on the leaves (Begonia xanthina has scattered blotches of color on the upper surface, instead of a single mark towards the center of the leaf in B rex) |
| Etymology | The specific epithet 'xanthina' |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | 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, Low Humidity / Aircon |
| Planting Remarks | Begonia xanthina prefers cool, moist conditions. In Singapore, it can be grown in air conditioned areas in the home, or in offices. |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32870 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7284 |
| 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. |
