Begonia carolineifolia

B. caroliniifolia from https://www.jungle-leaves.de/

Quick Species Info

Species	Begonia caroliniifolia
Region	Mexico and Central America
Country	Mexico, Guatemala
Year published	1859
Date of Origin
Plant Type	rhizomatous
Section	Gireoudia
Chr 2n	28

Species Information

Classification and Distribution

Begonia caroliniifolia belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is native to Central and southern Mexico, extending north to Guatemala.

Habitat

This species thrives in tropical rainforests and cloud forests, often found near streams and rivers.

Characteristics

Begonia caroliniifolia is a rhizomatous plant with thick, woody stems. The large, palmately compound leaves resemble palm fronds, hence the common names "palm leaf begonia" or "hand begonia". The leaves are green with a reddish-brown tinge on the underside. White or pale pink flowers with yellow centers bloom on tall, branched inflorescences.

Flower Details

• Color: White or pale pink with yellow center
• Arrangement: Branched inflorescences
• Flowering Time: Spring to summer

Etymology

The specific epithet "caroliniifolia" is derived from the Latin words "carolinus" (related to Carolina) and "folium" (leaf), possibly referring to the resemblance of the leaves to those of palm trees from the Carolinas in the United States. (check source)

Comparison to Similar Species

References

• https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:327437-2
• https://www.begonias.org/begonia-caroliniifolia-regel/
• https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/begonia-caroliniifolia/

Photos

File:Begonia caroliniifolia.jpg

Begonia caroliniifolia

External Links