Stems annual, red, fleshy, to about 50 cm tall, with low spreading growth habit; bulbils form in the axils. Leaves to 11cm long, rich green with red veins; margins toothed. Flowers orange, small, numerous.
Natal to Tanzia
SEMI-TUBEROUS BEGONIAS
Often referred to as Maple Leaf Begonias, the semi-tuberous species are native to South Africa. Unlike the tuberous, the semi-tuberous begonias are semi-dormant during the winter months. New growth ceases, foliage is shed, and some stem dieback may occur. Within two weeks or so new leaves are visible and the plant resumes normal growth. They have an irregular tuber, mostly above the surface, and a main stem that is thick at the base, slowly tapering and freely branching. Stems often develop swollen sections, a form of food and water storage in case of drought. Many previously named species have now been grouped as B. dregei, which is now thought to be a naturally occurring hybrid, as self-pollination of a single variety produces offspring with variable leaf shapes and incisions.
Source: (1997). Begoniaceae. In: . 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.
