Begonia crassicaulis

B. crassicaulis

Quick Species Info

Species	crassicaulis
Region	Central America
Country	Mexico, Guatemala
Year Described	1842
Plant Type	rhizomatous
Section	Gireoudia
Chr 2n	28

Species Information

Classification and Distribution

Begonia crassicaulis belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is native to Central America, specifically Mexico (Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas) and Guatemala.

Habitat

This species thrives in wet tropical environments, often found in moist forests and along riverbanks.

Characteristics

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

• Color: Pink with yellow center
• Arrangement: Branched inflorescences
• Flowering Time: Late winter to early spring during dormancy while most leaves fall off.

Etymology

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

Begonia crassicaulis can be mistaken for Begonia carolineifolia due to similar rhizome growth however the difference is the compound leaves.

References

• 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/

Photos

Begonia crassicaulis flowers during dormant period.

External Links