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 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

Comparison to Similar Species

Begonia carolineifolia is very similar to Begonia thiemei with both having dark green compound leaves. The biggest difference between the two is the rhizome of Begonia carolineifolia grows thicker and more upright compared to the creeping nature of Begonia thiemei.

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

Begonia caroliniifolia leaf https://www.jungle-leaves.de/

Begonia caroliniifolia leaf https://www.jungle-leaves.de/

External Links