Roots rhizomatous. Stems to 1 m or more tall, jointed, erect, fleshy, light green, flecked red. Leaves to 24 cm long, surface shiny green; margin toothing irregular. Flowers white with small clusters in the leaf axils, fragrant.

India

CULTIVARS

REX BEGONIAS (REX CULTORUM GROUP)

These are sometimes treated as members of a rhizomatous group but are so widely cultivated for their spectacular ornamental foliage that they are generally treated as a separate group. The species B. rex Putz is still in cultivation in America and in collections in Australia. Its obvious hor­ticultural potential was soon realised after its accidental introduction to England in 1856 from Assam, India. Breeding soon began and a vast range of cultivars has arisen as a result of its hybridisation; outstanding Asiatic species include B. annulata, B. decora, B. diadema, B. laciniata, B. robusta and B. xanthina. The group is now generally referred to botanically as the Begonia Rex Cultorum Hybrids.

Plants mostly rhizomatous with inconspicuous white or pink flowers but spectacular leaves patterned with various combinations of green, silver, grey, red, bronze and purple. Propagation is by leaf cuttings.

Source: Wright, P.; Goodwin, J.; Spencer, R. (1997). Begoniaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.