Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains more than 2,000 different plant species. The Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates. Some species are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates. In cooler climates some species are cultivated outside in summertime for their bright colorful flowers, which have sepals but no petals.
Begoniaceae is a family of flowering plants with two genera and about 2040 species occurring in the subtropics and tropics of both the New World and Old World. All but one of the species are in the genus Begonia. There have been many recent discoveries of species in the genus Begonia, such as Begonia truncatifolia which is endemic to San Vincente, Palawan. B. truncatifolia is smaller in size than other species of the genus Begonia and this new species is proposed Critically Endangered by standards set by the IUCN. The only other genus in the family, Hillebrandia, is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and has a single species. Phylogenetic work supports Hillebrandia as the sister taxon to the rest of the family. The genus Symbegonia was reduced to a section of Begonia in 2003, as molecular phylogenies had shown it to be derived from within that genus. Members of the genus Begonia are well-known and popular houseplants.
The cane begonias are a group of Begonia cultivars. Their name derives from their tough, bamboo-like stems. They can grow up to 10 ft (3.0 m) tall, which may necessitate staking. They are often ideal as houseplants when kept under control.
Richard Pearce was a British plant collector, who introduced the tuberous begonia to England, which led to the development of the hybrid begonias grown today.
Begonia cucullata, also known as clubbed begonia, is a species of the Begoniaceae that is native to South American countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. A common garden plant and part of the section Begonia, it was described in 1805 by Carl Ludwig Willdenow (1765–1812). The specific epithet "cucullata" means "resembling a hood" or "hooded".
Begonia maculata, the polka dot begonia, is a species of begonia native to southeast Brazil. It grows naturally in the Atlantic rainforest, with occurrences confirmed in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. It has been introduced into Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina.
Begonia rajah is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Terengganu state, Peninsula Malaysia. It typically has striking bronze leaves and contrasting green veins, and is best suited for terrariums.
Begonia rex, the king begonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae. It is found from Arunachal Pradesh to southeast China, and has been introduced to Bangladesh, Cuba, and Hispaniola. It is a parent to over 500 cultivars in the Begonia Rex Cultorum Group of houseplants. Other parents in the multitude of crosses made during the creation of the Group include Begonia annulata, B. cathayana, B. decora, B. diadema, B. dregei, B. grandis, B. hatacoa, B. palmata, and B. xanthina.
Begonia heracleifolia, the star begonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae. It is native to Mexico and northern Central America, and has been introduced to Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago. A widespread species that is adapted to drought, it possesses considerable genetic and morphological variation, particularly in leaf shape and patterning.
Begonia goegoensis, the fire-king begonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Sumatra. In 1882 it was exhibited by Veitch and Sons and received a first class certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society. Valued for its striking red-backed leaves, it can be propagated from cuttings, although seeds may do better.
Begonia sanguinea, the beefsteak begonia or blood-red begonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to southern Brazil. Valued for the deep red color of the abaxial surface of their leaves, they are easy to propagate from cuttings.
Begonia bogneri is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to a single 1 ha locality on the Masoala Peninsula of Madagascar. Uniquely among begonias, it has linear, grass-like leaves. It does well in terrariums.
Begonia ulmifolia, the elm-leaf begonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae. It is native to South America; Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, the Guianas, and eastern Brazil, and introduced to Mauritius, Réunion, and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. Cultivated for its ornamental foliage more than its flowers, it is suitable for green roofs in hot and humid areas.
Begonia megaptera, the large winged begonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Nepal, the eastern Himalaya, Assam, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Very rare in its native habitat, it is cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant.
Begonia bowerae, the eyelash begonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Oaxaca and Chiapas states of Mexico. A popular houseplant, a number of cultivars are available.
Begonia hatacoa is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Tibet, Nepal, the eastern Himalayas, Assam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its best-known cultivar is 'Silver'.
Begonia fuchsioides, the fuchsia begonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae. It is native to Ecuador, Colombia, and western Venezuela, and has been introduced to Hawaii and Réunion. A small bush reaching 2 ft (60 cm), it is hardy to USDA zone 10a.
Begonia manicata is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Mexico and Central America. The cultivar 'Aureo-maculata' is called the leopard begonia.
Begonia sikkimensis is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Tibet, Nepal, the eastern Himalayas, Assam, and Myanmar. With its highly dissected leaves it resembles Begonia U614, but that as yet undescribed species is rhizomatous, and Begonia sikkimensis is caulescent.
