Begonia aconitifolia: Difference between revisions
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== Begonia aconitifolia == | |||
{{BegoniaSpecies_Infobox | {{BegoniaSpecies_Infobox | ||
| name = Begonia aconitifolia | | name = Begonia aconitifolia | ||
| image = | | image = Begonia_aconitifolia.jpg | ||
| caption = | | caption = ''Begonia aconitifolia'' showing its characteristic deeply lobed leaves and cane-like growth. | ||
| Species = | | Species = ''Begonia aconitifolia'' | ||
| Publication = 1859 | | Publication = A.DC., Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. sér. 4, 11: 127 (1859) | ||
| Origin = | | Origin = [[Brazil]] | ||
| Region = | | Region = [[Rio de Janeiro]] | ||
| Growth = Cane- | | Growth = Cane-like / Shrub | ||
| Section = | | Section = Knesebeckia | ||
| Chromosome = 2n = | | Chromosome = 2n = 60 | ||
| note = | | note = Type species for the "Superba" group of cane begonias. | ||
}} | }} | ||
=== Species Information === | === Species Information === | ||
==== Classification ==== | |||
'''''Begonia aconitifolia''''' is a species in the family **Begoniaceae**. It is classified as a cane-like begonia, specifically falling into the "Superba" horticultural group due to its deeply cut leaves. While it exhibits the tall, bamboo-like stems typical of canes, it also possesses a tuberous base, which aligns it with the section ''Knesebeckia''. | |||
==== Distribution ==== | |||
This species is endemic to **Brazil**, specifically found in the state of **Rio de Janeiro**. It grows in the Neotropical realm. | |||
==== Habitat ==== | ==== Habitat ==== | ||
In its natural environment, ''B. aconitifolia'' thrives in the **Atlantic Forest** (Mata Atlântica) biome. It is an understory shrub that prefers wet, tropical conditions, growing in shaded areas with high humidity and well-draining organic soil. | |||
==== Characteristics ==== | ==== Characteristics ==== | ||
* **Growth Habit:** It is a tall, erect species that can reach heights of 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet). The stems are bamboo-like, green to reddish, with swollen nodes. | |||
* **Foliage:** The specific epithet refers to its most distinct feature: deeply palmately lobed leaves that resemble the foliage of ''Aconitum'' (Monkshood). The leaves are asymmetrical, dark green with metallic silver splotches or droplets between the veins, and have a reddish-purple underside. | |||
* **Roots:** Unlike many other canes, this species forms a swollen, tuberous rootstock at the base. | |||
==== Flower Details ==== | ==== Flower Details ==== | ||
The plant produces large, pendulous clusters (panicles) of flowers. | |||
* **Color:** Flowers range from white to pale pink. | |||
* **Season:** It typically blooms in late summer to autumn. | |||
* **Type:** Monoecious, bearing both male and female flowers on the same inflorescence. | |||
=== | ==== Etymology ==== | ||
The botanical name ''aconitifolia'' is derived from two Latin words: | |||
* **''Aconitum''**: A genus of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family (commonly known as Monkshood or Wolfsbane). | |||
* **''-folia''**: Meaning "leaf". | |||
Together, it translates to "Aconite-leaved Begonia," referring to the deep, finger-like lobes of the leaves. | |||
=== | ==== Comparison to Similar Species ==== | ||
* **''Begonia sceptrum'':** ''B. aconitifolia'' is frequently confused with ''Begonia sceptrum''. In horticulture, ''B. sceptrum'' is often distinguished by having even more deeply cut leaves and a more distinct pink/purple coloration, though taxonomically, ''B. sceptrum'' is often treated as a synonym or a variety of ''B. aconitifolia''. | |||
* **Hybrids:** It is a parent to many famous "Superba" cane hybrids, such as ''Begonia'' 'Sophie Cecile' and ''Begonia'' 'Metallic', imparting its lobed leaves and silver spotting to its progeny. | |||
=== Photos === | === Photos === | ||
[[File:Begonia_aconitifolia_leaf.jpg|thumb|center|Close up of the deeply lobed, silver-spotted leaf.]] | |||
[[File:Begonia_aconitifolia_flower.jpg|thumb|center|Inflorescence showing white to pink flowers.]] | |||
=== External Links === | === External Links === | ||
* [http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:104113-1 Plants of the World Online: Begonia aconitifolia] | |||
* [https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Begonia_aconitifolia Wikispecies: Begonia aconitifolia] | |||
=== | ==== References ==== | ||
* Candolle, A.L.P.P. de (1859). *Annales des Sciences Naturelles; Botanique*, sér. 4, 11: 127. | |||
* Legro, R. A. H., & Doorenbos, J. (1969). Chromosome numbers in Begonia. *Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science*, 17, 189-202. | |||
* Kew Science. *Plants of the World Online*. "Begonia aconitifolia A.DC." | |||
[[Category:Species]] | [[Category:Begonia Species]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Cane-like Begonias]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Flora of Brazil]] | ||
[[Category:Flora of Rio de Janeiro]] | |||
[[Category:Section Knesebeckia]] | |||
Revision as of 05:31, 11 January 2026
Begonia aconitifolia
Species Information
Classification
Begonia aconitifolia is a species in the family **Begoniaceae**. It is classified as a cane-like begonia, specifically falling into the "Superba" horticultural group due to its deeply cut leaves. While it exhibits the tall, bamboo-like stems typical of canes, it also possesses a tuberous base, which aligns it with the section Knesebeckia.
Distribution
This species is endemic to **Brazil**, specifically found in the state of **Rio de Janeiro**. It grows in the Neotropical realm.
Habitat
In its natural environment, B. aconitifolia thrives in the **Atlantic Forest** (Mata Atlântica) biome. It is an understory shrub that prefers wet, tropical conditions, growing in shaded areas with high humidity and well-draining organic soil.
Characteristics
- **Growth Habit:** It is a tall, erect species that can reach heights of 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet). The stems are bamboo-like, green to reddish, with swollen nodes.
- **Foliage:** The specific epithet refers to its most distinct feature: deeply palmately lobed leaves that resemble the foliage of Aconitum (Monkshood). The leaves are asymmetrical, dark green with metallic silver splotches or droplets between the veins, and have a reddish-purple underside.
- **Roots:** Unlike many other canes, this species forms a swollen, tuberous rootstock at the base.
Flower Details
The plant produces large, pendulous clusters (panicles) of flowers.
- **Color:** Flowers range from white to pale pink.
- **Season:** It typically blooms in late summer to autumn.
- **Type:** Monoecious, bearing both male and female flowers on the same inflorescence.
Etymology
The botanical name aconitifolia is derived from two Latin words:
- **Aconitum**: A genus of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family (commonly known as Monkshood or Wolfsbane).
- **-folia**: Meaning "leaf".
Together, it translates to "Aconite-leaved Begonia," referring to the deep, finger-like lobes of the leaves.
Comparison to Similar Species
- **Begonia sceptrum:** B. aconitifolia is frequently confused with Begonia sceptrum. In horticulture, B. sceptrum is often distinguished by having even more deeply cut leaves and a more distinct pink/purple coloration, though taxonomically, B. sceptrum is often treated as a synonym or a variety of B. aconitifolia.
- **Hybrids:** It is a parent to many famous "Superba" cane hybrids, such as Begonia 'Sophie Cecile' and Begonia 'Metallic', imparting its lobed leaves and silver spotting to its progeny.
Photos
External Links
References
- Candolle, A.L.P.P. de (1859). *Annales des Sciences Naturelles; Botanique*, sér. 4, 11: 127.
- Legro, R. A. H., & Doorenbos, J. (1969). Chromosome numbers in Begonia. *Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science*, 17, 189-202.
- Kew Science. *Plants of the World Online*. "Begonia aconitifolia A.DC."
