Begonia foliosa var. miniata
Common name
Fuchsia begonia
Synonyms
Begonia fuchsioides Begonia foliosa var. miniata is “… probably a hybrid or a selection of Begonia fuchsioides as the species actually has bright red flowers.” http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2202
Family
Begoniaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Herbs - Dicotyledons other than Composites
Conservation status
Not applicable
Brief description
Erect sub-shrub with slender stems to 50 cm. Leaves oblong-ovate to sickle-shaped, toothed, shiny, mid-green. Flowers monoecious, arranged in a pendulous cyme.
Habitat
Lowland forest. One known location in NZ native forest - Bushy Park near Whanganui. This site was intact indigenous forest, remote from any planted exotic plants. The means by which this Begonia reached the site is unknown. Gardeners usually propagate this Begonia by cuttings but some authorities state it can be grown from seed, e.g. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/2009/Begonia-foliosa-var-miniata/Details
Flower colours
Red/Pink
Where held
CHR 608115
Year naturalised
2010
Origin
The species is from Colombia and Venezuela
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Etymology
begonia: Named after Micheal Begon (1638-1710), 18th century governor of French Canada and amateur botanist.
foliosa: Leafy