B. cathcartii

Caulescens, 1-2-pedalis, monoica, caulibus petiolis pedunculisque squamis ovatis acuminatis reflexis palcaceis, stipulis late ovato-oblongis eroso-dcntatis rcflcxis, foliis alternis pctiolatis oblique ovato-oblongis acuminatis basi profunde in­requaliter bilobo-cordatis grosse inrequaliter serratis lobulis serrulatis supra glaberrimis palcaceis vel nudis lucid.is subtus secus costam nervosquc primarios squamosis, pedunculis axillaribus unifloris supra medium bibracteolatis, bracteolis ovatis concavis, floribus amplis albis superioribus masculis, perianthii segmentis ovatis obtusis extcrioribus dorso subsquamosis, staminibus perplurimis densis, stigmatibus bicruribus, ovario 3-alato 2-loculari paleaceo, placentis dissepimento adnatis lobulatis. This noble species is not uncommon in woods near Dorjiling, but I have never seen it abundantly, and seldom of so great a size as the specimen represented in the Plate. Like its congeners, it varies extremely in stature, becoming very dwarf and diminutive in all its parts in a dry soil and exposed situation. It appears to belong to Platycentrum of Klotzsch, according to that author's definition of the genera into which he divides Begonia. Most of the Himalayan Begonias, of which there are about a dozen known species, are confined to the eastern parts of that mountain range, and are not abundant anywhere to the westward of Sikkim, where eight or ten species are found. In the Khasia mountains they are extremely abundant. The stems of many are eaten cooked, being pleasantly acid; and such are made into a sauce for pork, and other greasy meats, by the native inhabitants of Sikkim. Begonia Cathcartii would no doubt succeed well in a cool, damp Fern-house, and prove a great acquisition. With the exception of the following (B. gemmipara), it is the most hardy of the Sikkim species.

• Classification: Species
• Plant Type: Rhizomatous
• Botanical Section: Platycentrum
• Origin: Asia, India; Burma
• Originator: J. D. Hooker & Thomson, Il. Himal. Pl.
• Date of Origin: 1855

Cool growing conditions, moist environment Original Botanical Description or Link to