Begonia thiemei
| Species | thiemei |
|---|---|
| Region | Central America |
| Country | Mexico, Honduras |
| Year Described | 1908 |
| Plant Type | rhizomatous |
| Section | Gireoudia |
| Chr 2n | 28 |
Species Information
Classification and Distribution
Begonia thiemei belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is native to southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It typically grows in the understory of moist tropical forests, often near streams, at elevations between 100 and 900 meters.
Habitat
This species thrives in shady or partially shaded environments with high humidity.
Characteristics
Begonia thiemei is a perennial plant reaching 20 cm tall and spreading 46 cm wide. It's well-known for its beautiful, palmate foliage. The leaves are glossy, dark green, with 7-10 deeply serrated leaflets emerging from a thick rhizome. The underside of the leaves is maroon. Attractive, greenish-hued flowers appear in clusters on tall, branched stalks.
Flower Details
- Color: Greenish-hued
- Arrangement: Clusters on branched stalks
- Flowering Time: Varies, but typically blooms in spring and summer
Etymology
The specific epithet "thiemei" honors Dr. Hugo von Thieme, a German botanist and collector who discovered the species in Honduras.
Comparison to Similar Species
Begonia thiemei can be mistaken for [Begonia carolineifolia] due to their similar compound leaf shape however it has smaller leaves and a thicker rhizome that grows more upright.
References
- https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:303480-2
- https://www.glasshouseworks.com/begonia-thiemei-macdougalii-purpurea/
- https://stevesleaves.com/products/begonia-thiemei
