B. metallica

The Gardeners' chronicle, v. 5, 1876 B. metallica:

The subject of the illustration on the opposite page, Begonia metallica (fig. 74), is a native of Bahia, from whence it was introduced about 1869 into the garden of W. W. Saunders, Esq., Hillfield, through the late Mr. Bowman. It requires stove treatment, and grows with moderate freedom, flowering in the summer for four or five months. Its leaves are of a shaded greenish bronzy hue, glossy, and covered with hairs, and the flowers are of a rosy pink tint. It belongs to the B. erecta multiflora section, and has proved a good and useful plant for table decoration. It was shown before the Floral Committee on September I last by Mr. Croucher, grower to J. T. Peacock, Esq., Sudbury House, Hammersmith, and deservedly gained the coveted award of a First-class Certificate. We are indebted to Mr. B. S. Williams, of Holloway, who will distribute the plant in May next, for the use of the accompanying illustration.

• Classification: Species
• Plant Type: Shrub-like
• Botanical Section: Pritzelia
• Origin: America, Brazil, Mexico ?
• Originator: W. G. Smith, Fl. Mag. (London)
• Date of Origin: 1869