B. macrotoma

Monoecious herb, 60–90 cm tall. Rhizome elongated with numerous fibrous roots, glabrous, c. 20 mm diam. Begonia macrotoma is a widespread species. The red striations on the stem and the bulbils which appear at the sinus of the large (up to 30 cm long) palmatifid leaves are distinctive. The species was originally described from a single specimen, which according to the protologue has female flowers with three tepals. However, all female material seen by the authors has five tepals; in all other aspects the specimens agree.

• Classification: Species
• Plant Type: Rhizomatous
• Botanical Section: Platycentrum
• Origin: Asia, China; India; Nepal; Vietnam
• Originator: Irmscher, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh
• Date of Origin: 1951