Begonia longifolia
Species Information[edit]
Classification[edit]
Begonia longifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae. It is a member of section Platycentrum, which is characterized by its large, leaves with lobed margins.
Distribution[edit]
Begonia longifolia is native to Southeast Asia, where it is found in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. It is typically found in forests and thickets at elevations of up to 1,500 m.
Habitat[edit]
Begonia longifolia is a shade-loving plant that prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is often found in association with streams and rivers.
Characteristics[edit]
Begonia longifolia is a shrub that can grow up to 3 m tall. It has large, ovate leaves that are up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. The leaves are lobed at the margins and have a dark green color. The flowers of Begonia longifolia are white or pink and are borne in clusters on long stalks.
Flower Details[edit]
The flowers of Begonia longifolia are unisexual and monoecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on the same plant. The male flowers have two sepals and four stamens. The female flowers have three sepals and four sepals that are fused together to form an ovary. The ovary is three-winged and has a long, slender style.
Etymology[edit]
The specific epithet "longifolia" refers to the long leaves of this species.
Comparison to Similar Species[edit]
Begonia longifolia is similar to Begonia glabra, but can be distinguished by its lobed leaves and white or pink flowers. Begonia glabra has unlobed leaves and yellow flowers.
References[edit]
The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species. Version 1.1. 2013. Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org/ (accessed 1st January 2013). Flora of China Editorial Committee. 2007. Flora of China (Begoniaceae through Cucurbitaceae). 21: 1-992. Science Press, Beijing, China.
Photos[edit]
External Links[edit]
[Begonia longifolia] at the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
