B. 'Argentea'

Some Begonia hybrids have recently been put on the market under the names **splendida argentea** and **argentea guttata**, but none of them bears the slightest resemblance to the species discussed here, and none, certainly, equally deserves the specific name we have given it. Indeed, the leaves seem to be carved from solid silver, or better yet, from mother-of-pearl. A few almost imperceptible green dots appear on the surface, while the main veins radiate in lines of straw yellow. These leaves are medium-sized, obliquely heart-shaped, elongated, acute, almost entire, with fine, close-set teeth that make the edges appear fringed. The underside is a soft green, veined and reticulated with red lines that correspond to the veins and veinlets. The petioles are thicker than in the previous species [B. amabilis], also cylindrical and bristly.

Possibly hatacoa Silver or related to it.

• Classification: Cultivar
• Plant Type: Rex Cultorum
• Originator: Linden
• Date of Origin: 1859