Begonia crassicaulis
Species Information[edit]
Classification and Distribution[edit]
Begonia crassicaulis belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is native to Central America, specifically Mexico (Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas) and Guatemala.
Habitat[edit]
This species thrives in wet tropical environments, often found in moist forests and along riverbanks.
Characteristics[edit]
Begonia crassicaulis is a subshrub with thick, upright stems and large, glossy green leaves. The leaves are lobed and have slightly wavy margins. Pink flowers with yellow centers bloom in clusters on branched inflorescences. A unique feature is its deciduous nature, losing all its leaves during the short winter days and then blooming profusely in spring from the bare stems.
Flower Details[edit]
- Color: Pink with yellow center
- Arrangement: Branched inflorescences
- Flowering Time: Late winter to early spring during dormancy while most leaves fall off.
Etymology[edit]
The specific epithet "crassicaulis" is derived from the Latin words "crassus" (thick) and "caulis" (stem), referring to the thick stems of the plant.
Comparison to Similar Species[edit]
Begonia crassicaulis can be mistaken for Begonia carolineifolia due to similar rhizome growth however the difference is the compound leaves.
References[edit]
- https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:104473-1
- https://www.logees.com/begonia-crassicaulis-begonia-crassicaulis.html
- https://www.begonias.org/begonia-crassicaulis-lindl-by-paul-tsamtsis/
