SafePlants

Begonia: A Diverse Genus of Flowering Plants

Begonias are a captivating group of flowering plants, cherished for their ornamental value and intriguing diversity. With nearly 1,800 recognized species, the genus Begonia offers a vast array of forms, colors, and textures to explore.

Considerations for Pets

• Some begonias have soft, succulent stems.
• Begonia leaves and blossoms flavors change with color.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Begonia
• Family: Begoniaceae
• Common Names: Hardy Begonia, Native Begonia, Dwarf Wild Begonia, Maple-Leaved Begonia, Wild Begonia, Wildebegonia, Grape-Leaf Begonia, Parataniwha, Winkled Elatostema, New Zealand Begonia, Parataniwhaniwha, Wax Begonia, Club Begonia.
• Synonyms: Begonia decandra

Distribution and Habitat

• Begonias are found in moist tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
• They are native to South America, Central America, South Africa, Asia, Mexico, China, the Himalayan region, the Caribbean, and the Hawaiian Islands.
• Specific species, such as Begonia baumannii, are native to rocky areas in the Andes of Bolivia.
• Begonia rex is native to India.
• Begonia x semperflorens (Wax Begonia) is native to Brazil.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Begonias are perennial herbs or undershrubs, sometimes epiphytic.
• Terrestrial species are frequently rhizomatous or tuberous.
• Flowers typically have four or five sepals but lack petals, and they possess numerous stamens.

Ecological Role

• Some begonia species are important resources for pollinators, attracting butterflies, bees, and various native insects.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Some species of begonia, such as hardy begonia, are great for attracting butterflies, bees, and all kinds of native insects.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Begonia decandra.