Begonia
(named after M. Begon, a French patron of botany). ORD. Begoniaceae. A large genus of succulent herbs or undershrubs (a few climbers), in many of which the stem is reduced to a tuberous rhizome, whilst some are distinctly tuberous. Flowers usually showy and large, white, rose, scarlet, or yellow, unisexual; perianth segments petaloid, four to five divisions, rarely two. Stamens numerous, filaments free or united at the base. Ovary inferior, styles two to four, free, sometimes connate, stigmas branched or twisted. Fruit capsular, rarely succulent, often winged. Seeds numerous, minute. Leaves alternate, more or less unequal-sided, entire, or lobed, or toothed. Flower-stalks axillary, cymose. Distribution: Species about 350, in all tropical moist countries, especially South America and India; not known in Australia. Cultivated species (exclusive of garden hybrids and varieties) about 150. A large number of genera, or what were considered as such are now merged in Begonia--viz., Barya, Baryandra, Casparya, Pritzelia, &c. The rich colours and beautiful form of the flowers of Begonias, their prettily-marked foliage, and free-growing, free-blossoming nature, have long marked them out as favourite garden plants. Within the last twenty years a new race, characterised by a tuberous root-stock, annual herbaceous stem, and large handsome flowers, has been introduced from the Andes of South America, from which, by means of careful cross-fertilisation and selection, a large number of beautiful and almost hardy kinds have been raised. The size, substance, and rich colours of the flowers of the majority of the plants of this race of Begonias are witness to what may be done by skilful cultivation and careful cross-breeding among plants. In the same way the large-leaved, stemless section, of which B. Rex may be taken as the type and principal progenitor, have been improved both in the size and the coloration of their foliage, and countless forms are now in cultivation, both as garden plants and for the decoration of rooms, &c. The propagation of Begonias may be accomplished by means of seeds, which are freely produced by almost all the cultivated kinds, by cuttings, by division of the rhizomes, and--in the case of the large-leaved kinds--by leaf-cuttings. For the first of these methods it is necessary that the seeds should be well ripened before they are gathered, and kept dry until sown. Where it is desired to increase any particular kind of garden origin, seeds are useless, none of the hybrid or seedling forms perpetuating themselves through their seeds, although equally beautiful sorts may be raised from them. The characters of all true species are, however, reproduced in their seedlings. For the successful raising of Begonia seeds it is necessary to sow them on pans or pots of well-drained, light, sandy soil, which should be well watered before the seeds are sown. The seeds should not be covered with soil, or they will fail to germinate. Over the pans a pane of glass should be placed, and they should then be stood in warm house or a frame where a temperature of about 65deg. can be maintained, and shaded from sunshine. As soon as the plantlets are large enough to be safely manipulated, they should be pricked off into pans of light leaf-mould soil, in which they may remain until large enough to be placed singly in pots. Cuttings: These strike freely if planted in small pots, in sand and leaf mould, and placed on a bottom heat of 70deg. Where large quantities are required, a bed of cocoa nut-fibre in a stove or propagating frame may be used, and in this the cuttings may be planted and remain until well rooted. Leaf cuttings succeed best when laid on sand or cocoa-nut fibre, and shaded from bright sunlight. In preparing the leaves, old, well-matured ones should be selected, and incisions made with a sharp knife across the principal nerves on the underside. They should then be placed on the sand or fibre and held down by means of a few pieces of crock. Under this treatment, bulbils will form on the lower ends of the nerves of each section of the leaf, and these, when large enough, may be removed from the bed and potted. With the exception of B. Evansiana (discolor), an almost hardy species from North China, all the shrubby species require a warm or intermediate house for their cultivation, although during the summer months a frame or sheltered bed answers for most of them, provided they are removed into their warm winter quarters on the approach of cold weather. Some of the species, such as B. Dregei, B. semperflorens, B. nitida, B. fuchsioides, B. lindleyana, B. Richardsiana, along with the hybrids Ascotensis, Knowsleyana, Weltoniensis, and Ingramii, are grown in pots out of doors all the summer, and under liberal treatment they form large handsome specimens, which are of great value as flowering plants for the conservatory in winter. The tuberous-rooted her-baceous kinds should be started in heat in February, and, when vigorous growth has commenced, be gradually hardened off, for use either as bedding plants or as pot specimens for flowering in the greenhouse. A mixture of loam and leaf mould with a little sand and rotten cowdung is suitable for the cultivation of these plants in pots. Liberal supplies of water should be given during the growing season. As the growth decays, water should be withheld until finally the tubers may be shaken out of the soil and placed in dry sand or cocoa-nut fibre, in a house or shed where a temperature above freezing can be maintained. B. gracilis and its varieties, diversifolia and Martiana, are beautiful greenhouse plants, which thrive well if treated as advised for the other tuberous-rooted kinds, with the addition of a few more degrees of heat. The Rex section requires a light rich soil, plenty of moisture, and a shaded position in a warm greenhouse. These kinds are often employed with good effect for clothing peat-covered walls in ferneries, or as an undergrowth in large tropical houses. Large specimens have been grown under the stage in a warm house, the shade and moisture of such a position being exactly what they best delight in.
B. socotrana, an interesting species from the island of Socotra, is somewhat singular in its requirements. The stem is herbaceous and annual, and about its base a cluster of bulbils are formed, from every one of which a plant will be developed the following year. The growing season for this species is from September to March, after which it goes to rest for the whole summer. A tropical temperature and-all the light possible, are essential to the well-doing of this plant.
It is interesting to note the apparent impossibility to cross any of the shrubby Begonias with the distinctly tuberous-rooted species; and even the species of the shrubby section, whose stems are semi-tuberous, have hitherto refused to commingle with the South American tuberous kinds, of which B. Veitchii, B. rosaeflora, and B. boliviensis may be said to be typical. The infusion of the blood of these large, handsome-flowered kinds into the tall, shrubby species, would almost certainly result in the production of a race of splendid winter-flowering greenhouse plants, and it is therefore in every way desirable that no pains should be spared to break through the obstacle to the union of the two races.
Explanation of contractions: T, tuberous-rooted; S, shrubby.
B. acerifolia (Acer-leaved). S. A tall-growing, thick, succulent-stemmed species, with green, lobed, serrated foliage, and large branching cymes of small white flowers; sepals of male flowers hairy; styles three, two-horned. Capsule triangular, with one of the angles prolonged into an obtuse wing. Spring. Quito, 1829.
B. acuminata (taper-pointed-leaved). S. A low shrubby species, having semi-cordate, oblong, pointed leaves, with toothed margins, and the nerves on the under side and the petiole pilose. fl. white, in cymes, nearly 1in. across. Capsule wings, two short, the third 1/2in. long. Spring. Jamaica, 1798. (B. M. 4025.)
B. acutifolia (acute-leaved). S. A smooth-stemmed, semi-erect species, 3ft. to 4ft. high, with cordate-oblong leaves, both sides and petiole glabrous, the margins denticulate. fl. in cymes, white and red, about 1in. in diameter. Capsule winged, one wing twice as long as the others. Spring. Jamaica, 1816. SYN. B. purpurea.
B. acutiloba (acute-lobed).* A species with thick fleshy rhizomes, and palmate cordate leaves which are divided into five to seven lobes, with toothed margins and pointed apices, under side thinly covered with brown hairs. Flower-stalk tall, hairy, surmounted by a branching head of rather large white flowers. Summer. Mexico.
B. albo-coccinea (white and red).* Stemless, with a thick root-stock. l. broadly ovate, peltate, entire, 3in. to 4in. long; petiole 3in. to 6in., pubescent. Flower-scape 6in. to 9in. long. fl. in dense cluster, bright rose on the outside, white within. Capsule regularly triangular, with short wings. Summer. India, 1844. SYN. B. Grahamiana. (B. M. 4172.)
B. alchemilloides (Alchemilla-like). Stem fleshy, creeping. l. rotundate, with toothed, undulate, ciliated margins and short stalks. Flower-stem slender, few-flowered. fl. small, rose-coloured. Summer. Brazil.
B. amabilis (lovely).* Stem creeping, fleshy, short. l. ovate, crenulate, acuminate, about 6in. long, tomentose, dark green, blotched with white, under side purple-red. Flower-stalk 9in. long. fl. rose or white, in clustering cymes. Capsule irregular. Summer. Assam, 1859. The foliage sometimes comes wholly green, but, under good treatment, it is handsomely variegated. B. amoena (pleasing).* Rhizome tuberous. Stem none, or very short. l. 3in. by 2in.; leafstalk 3in. Flower-stem 6in. long, few-flowered. fl. medium sized, pale rose. Capsule wings small, nearly equal. Summer. North India, 1878. SYN. B. erosa.
B. ampla (large). S. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, very stout, woody. l. long-stalked, 8in. to 10in. in diameter, broadly ovate, cordate, pointed, when young densely covered with rusty stellate down. fl. on short petioles, rose-coloured, 2in. wide. Fruit a succulent berry, small. Summer. Guinea.
B. aptera (wingless). Stem herbaceous. l. heart-shaped, pointed, shining green. fl. in short axillary cymes, white, small. Capsule four-angled. Spring. Celebes, 1878.
B. arborescens (tree-like). S. A large growing species, sometimes forming a bush 8ft. to 10ft. in height. l. pale green, ear-shaped, 6in. long. fl. in large cymose clusters, white, small. Summer. Brazil.
B. argyrostigma (silvery-spotted). Synonymous with B. maculata.
B. Arnottiana (Arnott's). Synonymous with B. cordifolia.
B. asplenifolia (Asplenium-leaved). S. A slender-stemmed, beautifully cut-leaved species, the follage of which is pinnatisect, giving the plant the appearance of a Thalictrum rather than a Begonia. fl. very small, white. Guinea.
B. assamica (Assam). Stem short, fleshy. fl. pinkish flesh-colour. l. oblique ovate, olive-green, marbled with silvery blotches above, and of a pale purplish-pink beneath; petioles pale green, softly hairy. Assam, 1883.
B. attenuata (attenuated). Synonymous with B. herbacea.
B. aucubaefolia (Aucuba-leaved). Synonymous with B. incarnata. B. auriformis (ear-formed). Synonymous with B. incana.
B. barbata (bearded). S. Stem short, hairy. l. toothed, oval-shaped, pointed, hispid beneath, 4in. long. fl. medium-sized, white or pink; flower-stalk hairy. Capsule equal-winged. Summer. India.
B. Berkeleyi (Berkeley's).* T. A garden hybrid, with thick, fleshy stems, and long ear-shaped foliage. fl. in erect panicles, rose-coloured. A useful winter-flowering kind.
B. bipetala (two-petaled). Synonymous with B. dipetala.
B. biserrata (doubly-serrated). S. Stem erect, branched, 2ft. to 3ft. high. l. 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. wide, deeply lobed, toothed, pale green. fl. in loose cymes, drooping, rose-coloured, 1 1/2in. wide, serrated edges. Capsule pilose, two short and on and long wings. Summer. Guatemala, 1847. (B. M. 4746.)
B. boliviensis (Bolivian).* T. Stem herbaceous, succulent, 2ft. high, branching. l. lanceolate, pointed, serrate, 3in. to 5in. long. fl. in drooping panicles, large, scarlet, males twice as large as females. Capsule three-winged. Summer. Bolivia, 1857. (B. M. 5657.)
B. Bowringiana (Bowring's). Synonymous with B. laciniata. (B. M. 5657.)
B. braziliana (Brazilian). S. Stem erect, tall, succulent. l. oblique, ovate, toothed, slightly pubescent; principal nerves brownish; stalk hairy. fl. white or rose, small, in short, few-flowered cymes. Capsule wing 1/2in. long. Summer. Brazil.
B. Bruantii (Bruant's).* B. A garden hybrid between B. Schmidti and B. semperflorens. l. green, with a brownish tint. fl. white or rose, in erect panicles. Summer, 1883. Used as a bedding plant in summer.
B. bulbifera (bulb-bearing). Most likely a form of B. gracilis. B. caffra (Kaffrarian). A variety of B. Dregei.
B. carolineaefolia (Carolinea-leaved). S. Stem erect, thick, fleshy. l. palmate, curiously divided into six to eight long ovate segments, each 6in. long. fl. in a dichotomous cyme, on long stalk, rose-coloured, small. Capsule small, wings one longer than others. Winter. Mexico, 1876. A singular-leaved species. (R. G. 1-25.)
B. Cathcartii (Cathcart's). S. Caulescent. l. heart-shaped, acute, glabrous; stalks of flowers and leaves hairy; flowers and fruit as in B. barbata. Summer. India. SYN. B. nemophila. (C. H. P. 13.)
B. Chelsoni (Chelsea).* T. A garden hybrid between B. Sedeni and B. boliviensis. Stem fleshy, 2ft. high. l. oblique, lance-shaped, irregularly lobed. fl. large, orange-red, drooping. Summer, 1874.
B. cinnabarina (vermilion).* S. Stem erect, short, herbaceous. l. 2in. to 4in. long, oblique, toothed; peduncles 6in. long, few-flowered. fl. (male), medium, red; female flowers very small. Summer. Capsule irregularly-winged. Bolivia, 1848. (B. M. 4483.)
B. cinnabarina (vermilion). A variety of B. fuchsioides.
B. Clarkii (Clarke's).* T. Stem purplish, fleshy, stout. l. oblique-cordate, serrate. fl. in pendulous racemes, abundant, large, bright red, very handsome, nearly related to B. Veitchii. Summer. Peru and Bolivia, 1867. (B. M. 5675.)
B. coccinea (red).* S. Habit suffruticose. Stem sub-erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, thick at the base. l. ovate-oblong, pointed; margins undulate and toothed. fl. in pendulous racemes, medium-sized; flowers and peduncles red. Capsule nearly regular; wings short. Summer. Brazil, 1842. (B. M. 3990.) B. conchaefolia (shell-leaved). Stem creeping, rhizomatous, thick. l. peltate, ovate, 3in. to 5in. long, edges almost entire; under side, along with leaf and flower-stalks, covered with ferruginous hairs; scape 9in. long, erect, surmounted by corymb of small whitish fragrant flowers. Capsule wings, one long, two short. Autumn and winter. South America, 1852. SYNS. B. scintillate, B. Warscewiczii. (R. B. 246.)
B. corallina (coral-flowered). S. Stem woody, branching, sub-erect, browish when matured. l. ovate-oblong, pointed, undulate, smooth, dull green, under side purple. fl. in long pendent racemes, numerous, medium-sized, bright coral-red. Summer. Brazil (?), 1875. A rare species, and one of the handsomest of the shrubby kinds, most likely closely related to B. maculata.
B. cordifolia (heart-shaped). T. Stemless; rootstock fleshy. l. cordate, orbicular, toothed, 3in. wide, pilose above, pubescent below; flower-scape 6in. long, dichotomous. fl. numerous, medium-sized. Capsule with three narrow wings. Winter. Ceylon and India. SYN. B. Arnottiana.
B. coriacea (leathery).* T. Stem 6in. high, herbaceous. l. reniform, 5in. wide by 3in. long, smooth above, pilose below. fl. rose-coloured, large, in twos or threes on the end of an erect scape, 8in. to 10in. long. Wings of capsule short, red. Summer. Bolivia.
B. coriacea (leathery). Synonymous with B. peltata.
B. crassicaulis (thick-stemmed). Stem short, thick, articulated, succulent. l. palmate; segments acuminate, toothed, under side clothed with rusty down. fl. in many-flowered cymes, dipetalous, white or rose-coloured, medium-sized. Capsule wings unequal. Near to B. heracleifolia. Spring. Guatemala, 1841. (B. R. 28, 44.) B. crinita (hairy).* S. Stem 1ft. high, fleshy, bright red, more or less hairy. l. ovate-cordate; margins toothed, dark green; petiole red and hairy, like the stems. fl. in lax, branching cymes, rose-coloured, 1 1/2in. in diameter. Fruit three-winged, one long and acute, two short and rounded. Spring. Bolivia, 1870. (B. M. 5897.)
B. cucullata (hooded). A variety of B. semperflorens.
B. daedalea (adorned).* Stem short, thick, succulent. l. large, green, thickly covered with a close network of russet-brown, scarlet when young; edges pilose. fl. white and rose, in loose panicles. Mexico, 1860. A handsome foliaged plant. (I. H. 1861, 269.)
B. Davisii (Davis's).* T. stemless, l. springing directly from rootstock, ovate-cordate, shining green, slightly hairy, underside red; petiole short, fleshy. Flower-scapes, pedicels, and flowers bright red; scape 4in. high, bearing half a dozen flowers in umbel. Capsule three-winged, one long, tow very short. Summer. Peru, 1876. A handsome tuberous-rooted species, dwarf. See Fig. 228, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons. (B. M. 6252.)
B. dichotoma (branching). S. Stem tall, stout, fleshy. l. 5in. long by 4in. wide, lobed, dull green. fl. white, on long axillary scapes, numerous. Winter. 1860.
B. Digswelliana (Digswell's). Stem short, semi-decumbent, large, green; margins red. fl. on long, erect scapes, pale pink, small, numerous. Useful for winter flowering purposes. A garden hybrid. (F. M. 236.)
B. dipetala (two-petaled). Stems springing from a fleshy root-stock, erect, 18in. high, brown, l. half heart-shaped; margins toothed, upper surface thickly spotted with white, under side red. fl. in loose axillary cymes, two-petaled, large, pink. Capsule equal-winged. Spring. India, 1828. A handsome species. (B. M. 2849.) SYN. B. bipetala.
B. discolor (two-coloured). Synonymous with B. Evansiana. B. diversifolia (diverse-leaved). A variety of B. gracilis.
B. Dregii (Drege's).* Rootstock fleshy. Stems succulent; annual, 1ft. high. l. oblique, thin, green, slightly spotted with grey, reddish on the under side. fl. white, about 1in. across, in axillary cymes. Capsule three-winged, one much longer than the other two, and acute-pointed. Summer. Cape, 1840. SYNS. B. caffra, B. reniformis.
B. echinosepala (spiny-sepaled).* Stem green, succulent, 18in. high. l. small, obliquely-oblong, serrulate. fl. on axillary peduncles, white, with curiously papillose sepals. Summer. Brazil, 1872. (R. G. 707.)
B. elliptica (elliptic). Synonymous with B. scandens.
B. erecta multiflora (erect, many-flowered). fl. bright red-dish-pink, produced for several months, but especially during the winter. l. oblique, deep bronze coloured, very conspicuous. A decidedly handsome and very useful garden variety.
B. erosa (bitten). Synonymous with B. amoena.
B. Evansiana (Evans's).* T. Stem herbaceous, branching, smooth, 2ft. high. l. oblique, ovate-acute, sub-cordate, lobed; margins denticulate, green above, under side and petioles deep red; flower-stalks branching, axillary. fl. numerous, flesh-coloured, large. Capsule wings blunt-pointed, one longer than the others. Summer. Java, China, Japan, 1812. A handsome species, and almost hardy. SYNS. B. discolor, B. grandis. (B. M. 1473.)
B. eximia (excellent).* A hybrid, raised from B. rubro-vema and B. Thwaitesii. Stem short, succulent. l. bronzy-purple, tinged with red. A handsome foliage plant. (I. H. 1860, 233.) B. falcifolia (sickle-leaved).* S. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, erect, branching. l. 6in. long, 1 1/2in. wide, curved, tapering to a narrow point; margins toothed, upper surface green, more or less spotted with white, under side deep red. fl. on short axillary peduncles, drooping, dipetalous, bright red. Wings of capsule equal, 1/2in. wide. Summer. Peru, 1868. A pretty flowering plant. (B. M. 5707.)
B. ferrugina (rust-coloured). S. Stem woody, erect, smooth branching, covered with ferruginous hairs. l. oblique, ovate-acute, acuminate, lobed; margins toothed. fl. in branching cymes, large red. Capsule unequal-winged. Summer. Bogota. SYN. B. magnifica.
B. Fischeri (Fisher's). Similar to B. falcifolia, except that the foliage is unspotted, and the flowers are white and small. Brazil, 1835. (B. M. 3532.)
B. foliosa (leafy).* S. Stem slender, branching, fleshy. l. small, ovate-oblong, dark green, numerous, distichous on stems. fl. small, numerous, white, tinged with pink. Summer. New Grenada, 1868. Useful for growing in hanging baskets. SYN. B. microphylla. (Ref. B. 222.)
B. frigida (frigid). S. Stem 1ft. high, smooth, green, succulent. l. cordate, acuminate, lobed, serrated, slightly pilose; upper side coppery-green, beneath deep rose-red, especially upon the veins. fl. small, white, in erect branching cymes. Capsule wings tow long, one short. Summer. Country unknown, 1860. (B. M. 5160.)
B. Froebeli (Froebel's).* T. Stemless, l. numerous, cordate, acuminate, green, covered with purplish-velvety hairs. fl. in tall, lax, drooping, branching cymes, brilliant scarlet, large. Winter. Ecuador, 1872. A beautiful flowering plant, useful for conservatory work in winter. (Garden, pl. 96.) B. fuchsioides (Fuchsia-like).* S. Stem tall, drooping, herbaceous, smooth, green, tinged with red. l. copious, distichous, 1 1/2in. long, oblong-ovate, slightly falcate, serrated, smooth; margins tinged with red. fl. in branching pendulous panicles, numerous, rich, deep scarlet. Capsule wings two very short and one long. Summer. New Grenada, 1846. A handsome green house plant, useful for covering pillars, &c. SYN. B. miniata. (B. M. 4281.)
B. f. miniata (vermilion). l. smaller than in type. fl. cinnabar red. (F. d. S. 8, 787.)
B. gemmipara (bud-bearing). S. Stem 1ft. high, from a tuberous rootstock, succulent, l. ovate-acuminate, cordate, lobed, smooth above, pilose below. fl. medium-sized, white, or with rose stripes, on pendulous, axillary peduncles; sometimes the peduncles bear, instead of flowers, quadrangular cups, which are closely packed with oblong viviparous bulbils. Summer. Himalaya. (C. H. P. 14.)
B. geranifolia (Geranium-leaved).* Rootstock tuberous. Stem 1ft. high, erect, angular, succulent, green, with a purplish tinge, branched dichotomously. l. cordate, cut into unequal serreated lobes, green; margins red, whole plant perfectly smooth; peduncles terminal, bearing two to three flowers, which are inclined, drooping while in bud; outer petals orbicular, red, the two inner obovate, waved white. Summer. Lima, 1833. (B. M. 3387.)
B. geranioides (Geranium-like).* T. Rootstock fleshy. Stemless. l. radical, somewhat reniform, lobed, serrated; surface scabrid, deep green; leafstalks red, hairy, fl. white, in lax, drooping panicle. Summer. Natal, 1866. A pretty, though delicate, species. (B. M. 5583.)
B. glandulosa (glandular-leaved).* Stem a stout rhizome, scaly. Leafstalks thick, terete, erect, hairy, 9in. high. l. 6in. broad, fleshy, cordate, lobed, green; veins dark. fl. on tall, dark, erect scapes, numerous, greenish-white. Capsule wings, one very large, blunt. Costa Rica, 1854. SYNS. B. hernandiaefolia, B. nigro-venia. (B. M. 5256.) B. gogoensis (Gogoan).* l. peltate, ovate-orbicular, oblique, acute when young, with a bronzy metallic hue, ultimately changing to a deep velvety-green, intersected by the paler midribs and veins; the under surface deep red. fl. pale rose, in a lax panicle. Gogo, in Sumatra, 1881. A very handsome, ornamental-foliaged species.
B. gracilis (slender).* T. Stem erect, unbranched, very succulent, l. thinly scattered along stems, half heart-shaped, slightly hairy, lobed, denticulate-ciliate. fl. on short axillary peduncles; umbel of few male and female flowers, two larger petals serrate, colour pink. Capsule winged, green. Mexico, 1829. In axils of leaves between stipules a cluster of bulbils are borne; these may be gathered and sown as seeds. This and its varieties, annulata, diversifolia, Martiana, &c., are beautiful summer flowering green house Begonias, requiring a sandy peat soil and shade. When well grown, they are exceedingly ornamental. (B. M. 2966.)
B. Grahamiana (Graham's). Synonymous with B. albo-coccinea.
B. grandiflora (large-flowered). Synonymous with B. octopetala.
B. grandis (great). A variety of B. Rex.
B. grandis (great). Synonymous with B. Evansiana.
B. grandis (great). Synonymous with B. vitifolia.
B. Griffithii (Griffith's). Stemless; rhizome subterraneous. l. large, obliquely-cordate; margin crenate, hairy; surface granulated, colour a dark green; margin purple, zoned with grey, under side green, centre and margin deep purple. fl. on cymes, large, white internally, outside tinged with blush, slightly pilose. Capsule tubercled, one wing large, projecting. Winter. India, 1856. (B. M. 4984.)
B. Hasskarlii (Hasskarl's). Synonymous with B. peltata. B. heracleifolia (cow-parsnip leaved). Rootstock thick, fleshy. l. radical, on long pilose stalks, palmate, large, bronzy green; margins toothed, hairy. Flower-stalks long, stout, erect, hairy, many-flowered. fl. rose-coloured. Capsule wings nearly equal. Spring. Mexico, 1831. This and the following varieties are handsome both in foliage and flowers. SYNS. B. jatrophoefolia, B. punctata, B. radiata. (B. M. 3444.)
B. h. longipila (long-haired). l. greyish in middle; outer portions dark bronzy, blotched with green. Whole plant covered with long, stiff, fleshy hairs. fl. as in the type.
B. h. nigricans (dark). This differs from the type in having foliage of a blackish tint all round the margins of the lobes, and the petals of the flowers nearly white. (B. M. 4983.)
B. h. punctata (dotted). l. green, reddish near margin. fl. rose-colour, with deep red spots on the outside.
B. herbacea (herbaceous).* Rhizome creeping. l. oblong-acute, lanceolate, toothed, ciliated. Flower-stalks shorter than leaves; male flowers in a cymose head, white, small; female flowers solitary, on very short stalks. Spring. Brazil, 1873. A small species, very succulent, with the appearance of a primrose when not in flower. SYN. B. attenuata. (G. C. 1873, 679.)
B. hernandiaefolia (Hernandia-leaved). Synonymous with B. glandulosa. (Seemann.)
B. hernandiaefolia (Hernandia-leaved). Synonymous with B. nelumbiifolia. (Gardens.)
B. hernandiaefolia (Hernandia-leaved). Synonymous with B. peltata. (B. M. 4676.)
B. hirsuta (hairy). Synonymous with B. humilis.
B. Hookeri (Hooker's). A variety of B. semperflorens.
B. Hookeriana (Hooker's). S. Stem woody, 5ft. to 6ft. high, branching, covered with minute rusty tomentum. l. ovate, unequal sided, blunt, 8in. long, tomentose, like the stem. fl. in axillary cymes, small, white. Spring. Brazil, 1850.
B. humilis (dwarf).* Stem erect, fleshy, hairy. l. semicordate-oblong, acuminate, ciliate-serrate, hairy above, smooth beneath. fl. few, in cymes, small, white. Capsule unequal winged. Summer. Trinidad, 1788. Annual. SYN. B. hirsuta.
B. humilis (dwarf). Synonymous with B. suaveolens. (B. R. 294.)
B. hybrida floribunda (many-flowered).* A very beautiful summer blooming hybrid between B. fuchsioides and B. multiflora. fl. bright rose, medium sized, produced in abundance. Summer. One of the best.
B. hydrocotylifolia (Penny-wort-leaved).* Stem succulent, short, creeping. l. rotundate cordate, almost equal-sided; petiole short. Whole plant hairy. Flower-stalks 1ft. high, pilose. fl. in cymose head, medium-sized, dipetalous, rose-coloured, as also are pedicels and stalk. Capsule wings equal-sized, large. Summer. Mexico, 1841. (B. M. 3968.)
B. h. asarifolia (Asarum-leaved). Leaves and flowers smaller than in the type, the latter white. Mexico.
B. imperialis (imperial).* Stem rhizomatous, short, thick. l. large, broad, ovate-acute, cordate, rugose, hairy, dark olive-green; nerves banded with greyish-green colour. fl. in cymes, white, medium-sized. fr. unequal winged. Mexico, 1861. A handsome foliage species. (I. H. 1860, 262.)
B. i. smaragdina (emerald-like). l. shining emerald green. B. incana (hoary). Stem erect, fleshy, tomentose. l. leathery, peltate, oblong-acute, sub-angular, whitish beneath. Flower-stalks long. fl. in small downy panicles, white. Winter. Mexico, 1840. SYN. B. auriformis.
B. i. auriformis (ear-like). l. divided at the base, not peltate. fl. glabrous.
B. incarnata (fleshy).* S. Stem erect, fleshy, 2ft. high, smooth; nodes swollen, reddish, spotted. l. on short, smooth petioles, unequally cordate, acuminate, sinuately-serrate, green. fl. large, rose-coloured, handsome; peduncles terminal, nodding. Capsule with unequal wings, the largest acute. Winter. Mexico, 1822. SYNS. B. aucubaefolia, B. insignis, B. lindleyana. (B. M. 2900.)
B. i. maculosa (spotted). l. spotted with white.
B. i. metallica (metallic-leaved). l. with a bronzy-purple metallic lustre.
B. i. papillosa (papillose). Foliage margined with bright rose; upper surface covered with little papillae. (B. M. 2846.)
B. i. purpurea (purple-leaved). Foliage deep bronzy-purple.
B. Ingramii (Ingram's).* A garden hybrid, raised at Frogmore in 1849, from B. fuchsioides and B. nitida. It combines the characters of the two parents. A useful winter-flowering plant; may be grown out of doors in summer. (G. M. B., p. 153.)
B. insignis (remarkable). Synonymous with B. incarnata.
B. involucrata (involucrate). S. Stem erect, tall, angular, covered with a reddish tomentum. l. oblique, ovate-acuminate, cordate; margins toothed and ciliate. fl. enclosed in a wrapper, or involucre, when young; peduncles graceful, bearing umbel of white, largish flowers. Capsule wings unequal, the largest falcate. Winter. Central America.
B. jatrophaefolia (Jatropha-leaved). Synonymous with B. heracleifolia.
B. Josephi (Joseph's). Stemless. l. radical, on petioles 6in. to 10in. long, ovate-acuminate, three-lobed, or orbicular, with numerous acute lobes, slightly pubescent; scape 1ft., branched. fl. small, rose-coloured. Capsule wings unequal; upper margins horizontal. Summer. Himalaya.
B. Kunthiana (Kunth's).* S. Stem erect, smooth, slender, purple-brown. l. on short petioles, lance-shaped, acuminate, regularly serrated, smooth, dark green above, bright crimson below. fl. axillary, on short nodding peduncles, white, large, handsome. Summer. Venezuela, 1862. A pretty species. (B. M. 5284.)
B. laciniata (cut-leaved).* Rhizome thick, fleshy. Stem short, thick, jointed, reddish, wooly. l. large, 6in. to 10in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, unequally cordate; margins irregularly cut, serrated; upper side green, under dull rufous. fl. on short axillary peduncles, large, white, tinted with rose. Capsule wings, one very long, others short. Spring. Nepaul to Birma, South China, 1858. SYN. B. Bowringiana. (B. M. 5182.)
B. Leopoldi (Leopold's). A hybrid from B. Griffithii and B. splendida, with large variegated foliage. 1858.
B. lindleyana (Lindley's).* S. Stem erect, fleshy, covered with ferruginous hairs. l. on long petioles, peltate, ovate, acute, 5in. to 6in. long, 3in. to 4in. wide, irregularly lobed, toothed, green above, tomentose below. fl. on branching peducles, medium sized, white. Winter. Guatemala.
B. lindleyana (Lindley's). A garden synonym of B. incarnata. (Gardens.)
B. longipes (long-stalked). S. Stem 3ft. or more high, stout, succulent, furrowed, covered with glands. l. large, rotundate-cordate; margin irregular, serrated, both sides green, pubescent when young. fl. numerous, small, white; peduncle 1ft. long, branched. Winter. Colombia, 1829. (B. M. 3001.) B. longipila (long-haired). A variety of B. heracleifolia.
B. lucida (shining). Synonymous with B. scandens.
B. Lynchiana (Lynch's). S. Stem erect, tall, succulent, smooth. l. fleshy, 10in. long, oblique, ovate cordate, crenulate, green, smooth. fl. axillary, in drooping cymes, numerous, large, deep reddish-crimson. Winter. Mexico, 1880. One of the finest of the tall-growing winter-flowering species. When well managed, the flower-heads are almost a foot in diameter. SYN. B. Roezlii, of gardens. (B. M. 6758.)
B. maculata (spotted).* S. A woody shrub. Stems branching, smooth. l. oblique, ovate-oblong, leathery, slightly undulate; margins entire, under side bright crimson, above green, with numerous arge round blotches of silvery white. fl. in drooping panicles, coral-like, handsome. Capsule with one long, narrow wing. Summer. Brazil, 1821. (B. R. 666.) There are numerous varieties of this species, some with leaves almost green, others with the markings more striking than in the type; in the flowers they differ also, ranging from white to coral-red. The beautiful B. corallina is probably a variety of this. SYN. B. argyrostigma. SYN. B. argyrostigma.
B. magnifica (magnificent).* S. Stem erect, fleshy, smooth. l. ovate, unequal sided, toothed. fl. in terminal, cymose panicles, rosy-carmine, 1 1/2in. long. New Grenada, 1870. (R. H. 1870, 271.)
B. magnifica (magnificent). Synonymous with B. ferruginea.
B. malabarica (Malabar).* Stem thick, succulent, 2ft. high, branching. l. numerous, cordate, acute, unequal-sided, crenate or serrate, hairy above and sometimes below, or altogether glabrous, spotted white. fl. rose-coloured; peduncles axillary, short, few-flowered. Capsule wings equal, joined above and below. Summer. Malabar and Ceylon, 1828. B. dipetala is made a variety of this, by Sir Joseph Hooker, in "Flora of British India." (L. B. C. 1730.) B. manicata (tunicated).* Stem fleshy, twisted, short. l. oblique, ovate-acute, cordate, dentate-ciliate, smooth on both sides, shining green nerves on under side, with fleshy, scale-like hairs. fl. pink, dipetalous, in branching cymes; upper portion of stalk scaly. Capsule wings nearly equal. Winter. Mexico, 1842.
B. Manni (Mann's). S. Stem succulent, 2ft. to 3ft. high, branched, green; branchlets, young parts, petioles, and leaf-nerves clothed with rusty, furfuraceous pubescence. l. petioled, 5in. long, 2in. wide, lanceolate, cordate, acuminate, toothed. fl. numerous, rose-red, in axillary cymes; peduncle 1in. long. Capsule linear, densely tomentose. Winter. Fernando Po, 1862. (B. M. 5434.)
B. marmorea (spotted). A variety of B. xanthina.
B. Martiana (Martius'). A variety of B. gracilis.
B. maxima (large).* Rhizome thick, hairy, creeping. l. large, oblique, orbicular-ovate, cordate, shortly acuminate; margins denticulate ciliate; petiole long, pilose. fl. in branching cymes; sepals orbicular, pilose on the outside, white. Summer. Mexico, 1853.
B. megaphylla (large-leaved).* Stem short, thick, fleshy. l. large, palmate, cordate; lobes numerous, pointed; margins hairy, under side slightly pilose; nerves with scaly hairs. fl. in diffuse cymes, small, white; peduncles pilose. Capsule wings wide. Winter. Mexico.
B. metallica (metallic). A variety of B. incarnata.
B. Meyeri (Meyer's). S. Stem erect, stout, woody when mature. l. large, broadly and obliquely ovate, fleshy, pale green; margin sinuate, under side tinged with rose; both petiole and blade covered with short hairs. fl. on long axillary peduncles, in large paniculate heads, white. Capsule wings equal. Summer. Brazil, 1844. (B. M. 4100.) B. microphylla (small-leaved). Synonymous with B. foliosa.
B. microptera (small-winged). Stem 1ft. high, terete, green, pubescent, as in the rest of the plant. Branches few. l. sub-distichous, 4in. to 6in. long, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, serrated, dark green; petiole short; stipules as long as petiole. fl. in terminal panicles, medium-sized, white, tinted rose. Capsule long, triangular, two angles wingless, the other with a narrow wing. Winter. Borneo, 1856. (B. M. 4974.)
B. miniata (vermilion). A variety of B. fuchsioides.
B. monoptera (single-winged).* Stem erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, rounded, swollen at the joints, dull red, papillose and downy. Radical leaves on long red stalks, large, reniform, truncate at the base; caulescent leaves smaller, on short petioles, angled, crenate, dark green above, red below, and minutely papillose. fl. on an elongated terminal raceme, white. Capsule three-angled, two wingless, the other with a long pointed wing. Summer. Brazil, 1826. A distinct and pretty species. (B. M. 3564.)
B. Moritziana (Moritz's). Synonymous with B. scandens.
B. natalensis (Natal).* T. Rootstock thick, fleshy. Stem 1 1/2ft. high, succulent, thick at the base, articulate, branched, smooth. l. unequal, semicordate, acuminate, lobed, toothed, spotted with white. fl. on axillary cymose peduncles, pale rose. fr. three-winged, two large, one small. Winter. Natal, 1855. (B. M. 4841.)
B. nelumbiifolia (Nelumbium-leaved).* Rhizome thick, fleshy, creeping. l. on long hairy petioles; blade 12in. to 18in. long, 8in. to 12in. wide, peltate, hairy on under side; scape 1ft. to 2ft. high. fl. in cymose head, numerous, small, white or rose coloured. Winter. Mexico. A noble-foliaged plant. SYN. B. hernandiaefolia.
B. nemophila. Synonymous with B. Cathcartii.
B. nigro-venia (black-veined). Synonymous with B. glandulosa.
B. nitida (shining).* S. Stem 4ft. to 5ft. high, erect, branched, woody when aged, smooth, shining. l. large, glossy, green on both sides, obliquely ovate, acute, crenated at margin. fl. in terminal and axillary panicles, numerous, large, deep rose, handsome. Capsule three-winged, one much larger than others. Jamaica, 1777. One of the best winter, and almost a perpetual, flowering species. SYNS. B. obliqua, B. pulchra, B. purpurea. (B. M. 4046.)
B. obliqua (oblique). Synonymous with B. nitida.
B. octopetala (eight-petaled).* T. Stem-less. l. on long succulent downy petioles, 1 1/2ft. or more in length, cordate, 6in. long, deeply lobed and serrated at the margin, bright green; scape as long as petioles, rounded, downy. fl. in corymbs, greenish-white, males with eight petals, females generally fewer. Capsule three-angled, two wings almost suppressed, the other 1in. long; apex blunt, toothed. Autumn. Peru, 1835. SYN B. grandiflora. (B. M. 3559.)
B. odorata (sweet-scented). Synonymous with B. suaveolens.
B. opuliflora (Guelder-rose-flowered).* S. Stem 1ft. high, branching, smooth. l. ovate oblong-acuminate, toothed, smooth above, hairy below. fl. white, in compact umbels, on erect scapes. Spring. New Grenada, 1854.
B. Ottoniana (Otton's). A hybrid from B. conchaefolia and B. coriacea. (R. G. 1859, p. 15.)
B. papillosa (papillose). A variety of B. incarnata.
B. Pearcei (Pearce's).* T. Stem 1ft. high, succulent, branching. l. lance-shaped, cordate, pointed, toothed, glabrous above, tomentose beneath, and pale red. fl. in loose axillary panicles, large, bright yellow. Summer. Bolivia, 1865. Interesting because of its being one of the progenitors of the handsome race of garden tuberous Begonias.
B. peltata (shield-like). Stem short, tomentose; leaves 6in. by 4in., peltate, ovate, densely pilose. fl. in branching cyme, small, white; peduncle 6in. to 9in., pilose. Brazil, 1815. Interesting because of its distinctly peltate foliage and silvery appearance of whole plant. SYNS. B. coriacea, B. Hasskarlii, B. hernandiaefolia, B. peltifolia.
B. peltifolia (peltate-leaved). Synonymous with B. peltata.
B. phyllomaniaca (proliferous-stemmed). S. Stem thick, fleshy, rather twisted, green, hairy, clothed, when old, with small viviparous buds bearing small leaves, by which means the plant may be multiplied. l. ovate, acuminate, cordate, sinuately lobed, ciliate, smooth above and below. fl. in axillary cymes, drooping, pale rose. Capsule with one large wing. Winter. Guatemala, 1861. (B. M. 5254.)
B. picta (ornamented).* T. Stem generally smooth, succulent, 6in. to 12in. high. l. ovate acuminate, nearly equally cordate, serrated, hairy above and on the nerves below, sometimes variegated. fl. pale rose, large, handsome; peduncle hairy, erect, short, few-flowered. Autumn. Himalaya, 1870. (S. E. B. 101.)
B. platanifolia (Plane-leaved).* S. Stem 5ft. to 6ft. high, erect, robust, smooth, green; joints annulated. l. 8in. to 10in. in diameter, reniform, lobed, hispid on both sides, dark green; lobes acute, toothed, ciliated. fl. in axillary, dichotomous cymes, large, white, tinted rose, handsome. Summer. Brazil, 1834. (B. M. 3591.)
B. polypetala (many-petaled). Stem about 1ft. high, covered with a soft whitish tomentum. l. ovate-acute, toothed, pubescent above, and densely tomentose below. fl., petals nine or ten, of a fine red colour, smooth, external ones ovate-oblong, pointed; internal ones somewhat shorter and narrower; sepals two, ovate-elliptic. Capsule tomentose, three-winged, with one wing larger, ascendent. Winter. Andes of Peru, 1878. (Garden, Dec. 14, 1878.) B. prestoniensis (Preston).* A garden hybrid between B. cinnabarina and B. nitida. l. green, lobed, glabrous. fl. brilliant orange-red, in drooping axillary cymes, very fragrant. Autumn and winter. 1867. (G. M. B. 3, 149.)
B. prismatocarpa (prism-fruited).* Stems small, creeping, hairy; branchlets ascending. l. long, petioled, also hairy, obliquely cordate, ovate, three to five-lobed; lobes pointed, serrated; peduncles axillary, longer than foliage, bearing a small umbel of two to four dipetalous orange and yellow flowers, one female in each umbel. Capsule four-angled, scarcely winged. Summer. Tropical West Africa, 1861. The smallest of cultivated Begonias, and especially interesting because of its four-angled fruit. It forms a pretty cushion of bright shining green foliage, thickly studded with its brightly coloured flowers. Requires a stove temperature and a stony soil. (B. M. 5307.)
B. pruinata (frosted).* Stem short, thick, fleshy, smooth. l. large, peltate, ovate, angular-sinuate, minutely-toothed; surface smooth, glaucous; margins pilose, on stout, fleshy petioles. fl. in large dense dichotomous, or small cymes, white. Winter. Central America, 1870. (R. B. 247.)
B. pulchra (fair). Synonymous with B. nitida.
B. punctata (dotted). A variety of B. heracleifolia.
B. purpurea (purple). Synonymous with B. acutifolia.
B. purpurea (purple). Synonymous with B. nitida.
B. Putzeysiana (Putzeys'). S. Stem erect, branching, smooth. l. oblong-lanceolate, acute, toothed, glabrous, under side spotted with white. fl. in copious small corymbs, white and rose, small. Capsule small, with rather large obtuse wings. Winter. Venezuela, 1871.
B. radiata (rayed). Synonymous with B. heracleifolia. B. ramentacea (scaly).* S. Stem erect, branching, brown, scaly, as also are the leafstalks and peduncles. l. ovate, reniform, oblique; margins slightly angulate, recurved, under side red, scaly; peduncles branching. fl. drooping, pink and white, pretty. Capsule, when ripe, a bright scarlet; wings large. Spring. Brazil, 1839. (P. M. B. 12--73).
B. reniformis (kidney-formed). Synonymous with B. Dregei. (Gardens.)
B. reniformis (kidney-formed). Synonymous with B. vitifolia. (Hook.)
B. Rex (Royal).* Stemless; rhizome fleshy, creeping, subterraneous. Leafstalk round, red, setose. l. 8in. to 12in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, ovate, oblique, sides unequal, cordate, villose; margins toothed, surface bullate, dark olive-green, with a metallic lustre, a broad silvery zone running all round, about 1in. from the margin. fl. in erect branching cyme, large, pale rose. Capsule wings, two short, one long and rounded. Assam, 1858. (B. M. 5101.) This magnificent species is the principal progenitor of the numerous ornamental-foliaged Begonias, a selection of which are given below. Most of them are well worth growing, but those named have been selected from a large number: MADAME WAGNER,* l. large, profound green, banded by a broad silvery zone, especially fine; MARSHALLI, l. very large, the margins and very centre dark green, while the greater portion of the surface is covered with a silvery-grey; REGINA,* l. rich olive-green, banded with a broad zone of bronze-red and silvery-grey, rendering it very attractive; ROI LEOPOLD,* l. on long stout petioles, very large, deep bronze-red in the centre, with a broad border of a rather lighter shade, very effective; ROLLISONI,* l. large, on long stalks, rich velvety-green, banded with silvery-grey; SPLENDIDA ARGENTEA,* l. large, of a greyish hue, veined with white, and tinged with bronze-red, very beautiful. The following varieties are also very good: ADRIEN ROBINE,* BERTHE PROUTIERE, CHARLES HOVEY, DISTINCTION,* JULIA SEROT,* LOUISE CHRETIEN,* MADAME J. MENOREAU,* NARGA,* NAVALA,* TALISMAN, W. E. GUMBLETON. B. Richardsiana (Richards').* T. Stem 1ft. high, erect, fleshy, with slender branches. l. palmately lobed, the lobes sinuate or toothed. fl. white, males bipetalous, females with five petals. Cymes axillary near ends of branches, few-flowered. Capsule three-winged, wings equal. Summer. Natal, 1871. (G. C., 1871, p. 1065.)
B. R. diadema (of gardens).* This is referred to here because of its close resemblance to the above. It is most likely a hybrid between B. Richardsiana and B. dipetala. l. palmately lobed, rather large, spotted with white. fl. large, rose-coloured. Summer. 1881.
B. ricinifolia (Ricinus-leaved).* A garden hybrid between B. heracleifolia<??> and B. peponifolia. l. large, bronzy green, in shape like those of the Castor-oil plant. fl. numerous, on an erect scape. Winter. 1847.
B. Roezlii (Roezl's). Synonymous with B. Lynchiana.
B. rosacea (rosy). Stem succulent, short. l. ovate obtuse, slightly pubescent, toothed; petioles long, pilose. fl. in few-flowered cymes, medium-sized, rose-coloured. New Grenada, 1860. (Garden, pl. 152.)
B. rosaeflora (Rose-flowered).* T. Stemless. Petioles, scapes, bracts, and stipules bright red. l. green, 2in. to 4in. wide, on stout hairy petioles, 2in. to 6in. long, orbicular-reniform, concave; margins lobed, red, toothed. Scapes stout, villous, three-flowered. fl. 2in. across, bright rose-red. Summer. Peru, 1867. One of the parents of the popular ace of tuberous-rooted large-flowered Begonias. (B. M. 5680.)
B. rubricaulis (red-stalked).* Stemless. Leafstalks, peduncles, pedicels, and ovaries, a deep red colour. l. obliquely ovate, 4in. to 6in. long, slightly hairy, bright green, wrinkled; margins toothed and ciliated. Scape 1ft. high, erect, stout, branching at the top, forming a head of about a dozen flowers, which are large, white inside, rose-tinted outside. Capsule with one large wing, the others almost suppressed. Summer. Peru, 1834. (B. M. 4131.) B. rubro-venia (red-veined).* Rootstock thick. Stems 12in. to 18in. high, red, pubescent. l. 4in. to 6in. long, elliptic or lanceolate acuminate, entire or slightly angular, toothed, green spotted with white above, purplish-brown below. Scapes axillary, red. fl. in cymose head; outer segments white with rose-red veins, inner segments pure white. Summer. Sikkim, &c., 1853. (B. M. 4689.)
B. sanguinea (blood-red). S. Stems woody when old, tall, stout, red, with scattered paler spots. l. 4in. to 6in. long, unequally cordate, acuminate, thick and somewhat fleshy in texture, minutely crenate, green above, deep red below; peduncles axillary, long, erect, red. fl. in a branching cyme, rather small, white. Capsule wings sub-equal. Spring. Brazil, 1836. (B. M. 3520.)
B. scabrida (rough). Stem stout, erect, somewhat succulent, covered with small tubercles. l. 6in. long, oblique, ovate-acute, cordate, toothed, slightly hairy. fl. white, small; cyme many-flowered. Capsule wings equal, large. Venezuela, 1857.
B. scandens (climbing).* Stem flexuose, fleshy, creeping or climbing, smooth. l. 4in. long, ovate acuminate, subcordate; margins irregularly toothed, pale shining green. fl. in axillary branching cymes, white, small. South America, 1874. Useful either as a basket plant or for training against moist walls. SYNS. B. elliptica, B. lucida, B. Moritziana. (R. G. 758.)
B. sceptrum (princely). S. l. obliquely ovate in outline, deeply lobed on one side; lobes oblong; obtuse, veins sunk, and the raised spaces between marked with large silvery blotches, and numerous smaller dots of silver grey. Brazil, 1883.
B. Schmidtiana (Schmidt's).* Stems 1ft. high, branching, herbaceous. l. obliquely cordate, ovate-acute, small, dark metallic green above, tinged with red below. fl. in loose drooping axillary panicles, white, small, numerous. Winter. Brazil, 1879. (R. G. 990.)
B. scutellata (salver-like). Synonymous with B. conchaefolia. B. Sedeni (Seden's). T. A garden hybrid between B. boliviensis and B. Veitchii. Summer. 1869. A handsome plant, but much inferior to many of the more recent hybrids. (R. H. 1872, 90.)
B. semperflorens (always-flowering).* Stem fleshy, erect, smooth, reddish-green. l. ovate-rotundate, hardly cordate; margins serrated, ciliated, surface smooth, shining green. fl. on axillary stalks, near apex of stems, white or rose, rather large. Capsule wings two short, one long, rounded. Autumn. Brazil, 1829. A useful summer and autumn flowering species, of which there are several named varieties more or less distinct from the type, either in colour or size of flowers, or in habit of plant. The varieties carminea, gigantea, and rosea are perhaps the best. SYN. B. spathulata. (B. M. 2920.)
B. s. Frau Maria Brandt. A dwarf compact variety, with rose-tinted flowers.
B. socotrana (Socotra).* Stem annual, stout and succulent, forming at base a cluster of bulbils, each of which produces a plant the following year; sparsely hairy. l. dark green, orbicular, peltate, 4in. to 7in. across, centre depressed; margin recurved, crenate. fl. in terminal, few-flowered cymes, 1 1/2in. to 2in. wide, bright rose. Capsule three-angled, one-winged. Winter. Socotra, 1880. Should be rested through the summer, and started in heat in September. A distinct and beautiful species. (B. M. 6555.)
B. spathulata (spathulate). Synonymous with B. semperflorens.
B. stigmosa (branded).* Rhizome creeping, fleshy. l. 6in. to 8in. long, oblique, cordate-acute, irregularly toothed, smooth above, hairy beneath, green, with brownish-purple blotches; stalks scaly, as in B. manicata. fl. in cymose panicles, white, medium-sized, numerous. Brazil, 1845.
B. strigillosa (strigillose).* Rhizome short, fleshy, creeping, l. 4in. to 6in. long, oblique, ovate-acute, cordate-toothed; margins ciliate, red; stalk and blade covered with fleshy scales; blade smooth, blotched with brown. fl. in branching cymes, dipetalous, small, rose-coloured. Summer. Central America, 1851.
B. suaveolens (sweet-scented). S. Stem branching, 2ft. high, smooth. l. 3in. to 4in. long, oblique-ovate, cordate-acute, crenulate, glabrous. fl. in axillary panicles, large, white. Winter. Central America, 1816. Resembles B. nitida, but may be distinguished by its distinctly crenulate leaves and smaller flowers, which are white, and not pale rose, as in B. nitida. SYN. B. odorata. (L. B. C. 69.)
B. Sutherlandi (Sutherland's).* T. Stems annual, 1ft. to 2ft. high, slender, graceful, red-purple. l. on slender red petioles, 2in. to 3in. long; blade 4in. to 6in. long, ovate-lanceolate, deeply lobed at base; margins serrate, bright green; nerves bright red. fl. in axillary and terminal cymes, numerous, orange-red, shaded with dark vinous-red. Capsule wings equal. Summer. Natal, 1867. (B. M. 5689.)
B. Teuscheri (Teuscher's). S. A strong, erect-growing, large-leaved plant, from the Dutch Indies, not yet flowered. l. cordate-ovate, acute, olive-green above, with greyish blotches; under side rich claret-coloured. Hort. Linden. (I. H. 1879, 358.)
B. Thwaitesii (Thwaites's).* Stemless. l. 2in. to 4in. in diameter, obtuse or sub-acute, cordate at base, minutely toothed, slightly pubescent<??>, very shaggy when young, rich coppery-green, red-purple and blotched with white; under side blood red. fl. in an umbel, medium-sized; scape short, white. Capsule shaped like a Beech nut; wings short. Ceylon, 1852. One of the most beautiful of coloured-leaved Begonias, requiring a close, moist atmosphere in a stove. (B. M. 4692.)
B. ulmifolia (Elm-leaved). S. Stem 2ft. to 4ft. high, branching. l. 3in. to 4in. long, ovate-oblong, unequal-sided, toothed, rugose, hairy. fl. on hairy peduncles, numerous, small, white. Capsule wings two small, one large, ovate. Winter. Venezuela, 1854. (L. C. 638.) B. undulata (wavy-leaved). S. Stem 2ft. to 3ft. high, erect, branching freely, turgid below, green, succulent until old. l. distichous, oblong-lanceolate, undulated, smooth, shining green. fl. in nodding axillary cymes, white, small. Winter. Brazil, 1826. (B. M. 2723.)
B. urophylla (caudate-leaved). Stemless. Leafstalks terete, succulent, clothed with scattered bristly hairs. l. large, 12in. long, broad, cordate; margin irregularly cut, toothed; apex long-pointed, green, smooth above, hairy beneath; peduncle stout, paniculate. fl. crowded, large, dipetalous, white. Spring. Brazil. (B. M. 4855.)
B. Veitchii (Veitch's).* T. Stem very short, thick, fleshy, green. l. orbiculate, cordate, lobed and incised; margins ciliated, green, principal nerves radiating from bright carmine spot near centre; under side pale green; petiole thick, terete, with a few hairs on the upper portion; scape 10in. to 12in. high, thick, terete, pilose, two-flowered. fl. 2 1/4in. in diameter, cinnabar red. Capsule smooth, two short, one long wings. Summer. Peru, 1867. One of the species from which the popular garden tuberous-rooted Begonias have been obtained. (B. M. 5663.)
B. Verschaffeltiana (Verschaffelt's).* A hybrid between B. carolinaefolia and B. manicata, with large ovate acutely-lobed leaves and flowers in large cymes, rose-coloured and pendent. Winter. (R. G. 1855, p. 248.)
B. vitifolia (Vine-leaved). S. Stem 3ft. to 4ft. high, thick, smooth, and fleshy. l. large as vine foliage, and similar in shape; peduncles axillary, erect, branching into a cymose head of small white flowers. Capsules three-angled, one-winged. Winter. Brazil, 1833. SYNS. B. grandis, B. reniformis. (B. M. 3225.)
B. Wagneriana (Wagner's). S. Stem 2ft. to 3ft. high, erect, glabrous, green, succulent, branched. l. cordate-ovate, acuminate; margins obscurely lobed, slightly serrate, quite glabrous; peduncles axillary and terminal, cymose. fl. numerous, white. Capsules, which are ripened in abundance, three-angled, one wing long, two short. Winter. Venezuela, 1856. (B. M. 4988.) B. Warscewiczii (Warscewicz's). Synonymous with B. conchaefolia.
B. Weltoniensis (Welton). A garden hybrid; one of the oldest of cultivated winter-flowering kinds, with light pink flowers, very free.
B. xanthina (yellow-flowered).* Stem short, thick, fleshy, horizontal, along with petioles thickly-clothed with brown scaly hairs; petioles 6in. to 12in. long, stout, terete, fleshy, reddish-brown; blade 8in. to 12in. long, cordate-ovate, acuminate, sinuate-ciliated, dark green above, purplish beneath. Flower-stalks erect, 1ft. high, bearing a cymose head of large golden flowers. Capsule with one large wing. Summer. Boutan, 1850. (B. M. 4683.)
B. x. Lazuli (Lapis-lazuli).* Foliage metallic purple, with a bluish tinge.
B. x. pictifolia (ornamented-leaved).* l. with large silvery spots, and pale yellow flowers.
The following list comprises a selection of some of the best and most distinct of the innumerable varieties now existing in gardens, and which have been obtained by crossing and re-crossing the several tuberous-rooted species found in the temperate regions of South America.
Single-Flowered Varieties. Crimson and Scarlet Shaded: ADMIRATION, flowers vivid orange-scarlet, of dwarf, compact habit, and free flowering; ARTHUR G. SOAMES,* brilliant crimson scarlet, of excellent form, and very free; BALL OF FIRE,* glowing flery-scarlet, flowers large and compact, very free; BLACK DOUGLAS,* dark carmine crimson, flowers large, of the finest form, one of the best; BRILLIANT, deep orange-scarlet, very free; CHARLES BALTET, rich velvety vermilion; COMMODORE FOOT,* brilliant velvety crimson, very free and showy; DAVISII, flowers small, dazzling scarlet, habit dwarf and free; DR. MASTERS,* flowers large, with immense spikes, deep red-crimson, very attractive; DR. SEWELL,* glowing crimson, grand form; EXONIENSIS, brilliant orange-scarlet, immense flowers; F. E. LAING, deep velvety crimson, full and free; HON. MRS. BRASSEY,* deep glowing crimson, very rich and floriferous; J. H. LAING,* brilliant scarlet, one of the freest; J. W. FERRAND,* rich vermilion, dwarf and free, one of the finest for bedding; LOTHAIR,* dark scarlet-carmine, crimson shaded, of grand form and size: MARQUIS OF BUTE, brilliant carmine-crimson, of the finest form, and immense flowers; SCARLET GEM,* very dark scarlet, flowers medium-sized, dwarf and very floriferous; SEDENI, rich rosy-crimson, dwarf, a good bedder; VESUVIUS,* bright orange-scarlet, compact and free, one of the finest bedders.
Rose-Coloured: ALBERT CROUSSE,* bright salmon-rose, very free; ANNIE LAING,* large and free, rich pink; CAPT. THOMPSON, rich salmon-rose, very free and compact; DELICATUM, pale flesh-rose; EXQUISITE,* rich deep rose, very free and showy; J. AUBREY CLARK, flowers very large, rich, deep; JESSIE,* soft rosy-pink, with the tips of the petals shaded carmine, a very fine, perfect variety; LADY BROOKE,* dark rose, shaded magenta, very perfect in form, and large; LADY HUME CAMPBELL,* pale pink, of good form and size, an exquisite variety; MADAME STELLA,* flowers perfect in form, large, bright rosy-pink, one of the best; MARCHIONESS OF BUTE, light rosy-pink, with an immense bloom and handsome foliage; PENELOPE,* rich salmon-rose, very free and good; PRINCESS OF WALES, very delicate pink, and free; ROSE D'AMOUR, rich rose, delicately shaded.
White-Flowered: ALBA FLORIBUNDA, flowers medium-sized, very free; MOONLIGHT, very free, with good flowers and handsome foliage; MRS. LAING,* flowers exquisite in form and shape, pure white, one of the best; NYMPH,* large and round, white, tinted with rose at the base; PRINCESS BEATRICE,* flowers large, of excellent form, and pure in colour; PURITY, flowers round, good size and colour; QUEEN OF WHITES,* flowers pure white, large, most freely produced; REINE BLANCHE,* one of the best, very pure; SNOWFLAKE,* flowers large, in full spikes, pure white, habit compact, and very free.
Yellow and Orange-Flowered: CHROMATELLA,* habit dwarf and compact, pure yellow; EMPRESS OF INDIA, deep yellow, very showy; GEM OF YELLOWS,* rich deep yellow, of grand form and size, one of the best; GOLDEN GEM,* rich golden yellow, of excellent form and size, habit free, with prettily mottled foliage; J. L. MACFARLANE, rich orange, freest form, and large; LADY TREVOR LAWRENCE,* orange-yellow, of good form, with handsome foliage; MAUDE CHURCHILL,* pale yellow, deeper shaded, with elegant foliage; MRS. PONTIFEX,* rich orange yellow, very large flowers, copiously produced; POLLIE, pale yellow, fine round flower; SULPHUR QUEEN,* pale sulphur-yellow, of good form and size.
Double-Flowered Varieties. Crimson and Scarlet Shaded: ACHILLES, rich dark crimson, very large and free; DAVISII HYBRIDA FL.-PL.,* rich coral-red, very full and free; DAVISII FL.-PL. SUPERBA,* brilliant crimson-scarlet, of good size, and extremely free; DR. DUKE,* brilliant scarlet, very large and double, one of the best; FRANCIS BUCHNER,* rich cerise-red, very double, perfect in form, and very large; FULGURANT, rich crimson, full, with dark foliage; GLOIRE DE NANCY,* rich vermilion, very free; HERCULES,* bright orange-scarlet, very large and extremely free, habit compact and vigorous; LEMOINEI, deep orange-vermilion, very floriferous; MONSIEUR BAUER, deep red, tinged with violet; NIMROD,* rich red-scarlet, very large and full, with a free and very vigorous habit; PRESIDENT BURELLE,* glowing red, tinted with scarlet, very free; QUEEN OF DOUBLES,* rich rosy-crimson, very double and floriferous, one of the best varieties; ROBERT BURNS,* brilliant orange-scarlet, tinted vermilion, very double and free; SIR GARNET, deep orange-scarlet, very vigorous; WM. BEALBY,* deep velvety scarlet, immense size and perfect form, very free.
Rose-Coloured: ADA,* bright rosy-salmon, fringed at the edge, very full and free; COMTESSE H. DE CHOISEUL, pale rose, at first nearly white, very handsome; ESTHER,* rich rosy pink, with a distinct crimson margin; FORMOSA,* rich rosy carmine, with a white centre and crimson margin, very distinct and showy; GLORY OF STANSTEAD,* deep rose, with a well-defined white centre, very distinct and handsome; JOHN T. POE,* bright rose, tinted with cerise, of excellent form and vigorous habit; MADAME COMESSE,* rich satiny salmon-rose, immense, and most profuse; MADAME LEON SIMON, soft pale rose, very full and free; MARIE LEMOINE, light salmon with a rose centre; MRS. BRISSENDEN,* salmon-rose, with a cream-white centre, of excellent form and very free; PAEONIFLORA, flowers enormous, rich salmon-rose, very full; QUEEN OF SCOTS,* satiny-pink, salmon-shaded, of a perfect form and very large, habit compact and very free; ROSINA,* deep rose, violet shaded, of exquisite form, very vigorous and free.
White-Flowered: ANTOINETTE QUERIN,* pure white, cream, shaded centre, very large and full, a magnificent variety; BLANCHE JEANPIERRE, pure white, cream tinted, of excellent form and very free; LITTLE GEM,* pure white, of the best form and good size, habit dwarf and extremely floriferous; MRS. LUDLAM,* white, tinted with pink, a very handsome variety; PRINCESS OF WALES,* flowers very full and profuse, almost pure in colour, and immense.
Yellow-Flowered: CANARY BIRD,* flowers large, of the finest form, deep yellow, habit dwarf and very free; GABRIEL LEGROS,* pale sulphur, changing to yellow, very full and imbricated, extremely showy.