B. 'Subpeltata Nigricans'

In 1875 this was a distinct variety, but now has distinct allies in B. Mme. Lionnet, B. Mme. Hardy, and B. Pres. Boureville. (Has anyone a description of these French hybrids?) B. Subpeltata Nigricans is the best grower, but may not have the brightest leaves. It is well worth growing for foliage and flowers. Stems, upright light green with linear white streaks. Petioles (leaf stems) 6 inches long reddish, hairy. Leaves, when mature, 4.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches long, of a gray metallic luster, shaded still darker, the veins and mid-ribs depressed, hairy, the hairs short and deflexed. The young leaves are a beautiful garnet-red, densely covered with red hairs. Margins of leaves undulate. Flowers, blush-pink, It inches in diameter.

Similar in description to the variety or hybrid of B. incarnata that is thought to be the male parent of B. Tingley Mallet. Nigricans used as a describing word in old Begonian issues to say a plant had darker leaves than others of the same species/cultivar. This means it could have been used synonymously with B. 'Subpeltata Purpurea'

• Classification: Unknown
• Plant Type: Unknown
• Date of Origin: pre-1875