B. ‘Arthur Mallet’

Original descriptions of Arthur Mallet show mostly pink reflective metallic leaves. At some point in the early 1900s, another cultivar with dark leaves and silver spots was considered ‘Arthur Mallet’. It’s not certain what the dark leaves variety really is, possibly Subpeltata Nigricans or another of Lionnet’s hybrids.

1886 - Arthur Mallet Hybrid Begonia. Caulescent plant, hairless on all sides. Roots with fibrous, non-swollen roots. Stem straight, stiff, with glossy olive-green bark, washed or mottled reddish. Leaves on a large erect petiole, with a thick, strongly inequilateral, flat, not twisted, regularly tapering to an obtuse point, about 15 to 18 cm long, 6 to 8 cm wide at its greatest diameter, entire or only slightly denticulate here and there, a brilliant red very dark underneath, with a pearly, violet-pink upper surface and brilliant reflections, varying in intensity according to the stage of growth of the parts and the light illuminating them, thus producing the most diverse and subtle shades enhanced by the most harmonious contrasts. This beautiful violet-pink, pearly mauve color, which the upper surface of the leaves of B. Arthur Mallet displays, is somewhat reminiscent of the indescribable nuances of the leaves of Bertolonia Van-Houttei.

As for the flowers, they are numerous, arranged in corymb-biforms umbels; the buds are a beautiful dark wine-red; the divisions are carmine-pink on the outside while the inner part is a pale flesh-pink, which produces a charming contrast.

As for the origin of this splendid variety, here it is: It is a hybrid, obtained in Jouy-en-Josas by Mr. Lionnet, head gardener for Mr. Arthur Mallet, by the fertilization of B. subpeltata by B. Eldorado. It is from this fertilization which we have already mentioned another very remarkable plant, B. Noemi Mallet.

These two varieties, each different in their attractiveness, belong to a very interesting new group, which has already, from the outset, produced a large number of eminently ornamental plants. Let us say, however, that the one we are discussing is the most brilliant and even that, by virtue of its color, it constitutes a precious exception in the genus Begonia.

As general characteristics, B. Arthur Mallet exhibits those of the type and especially of its parents; its main stems and even their branches have a tendency to grow upwards; therefore, the plants must be frequently pinched back.

• Classification: Cultivar
• Plant Type: Cane-like - Mallet
• Origin: Europe, France
• Originator: Lionnet
• Date of Origin: 1884