Begonia aconitifolia

Begonia aconitifolia

Begonia aconitifolia showing its characteristic deeply lobed leaves and cane-like growth.

Species	Begonia aconitifolia
Publication Date	A.DC., 1861
Origin	Brazil
Region	South America
Growth Type	Cane-like
Section	Pritzelia
Chromosome Count	Unknown

Sometimes confused with other deeply lobed Brazilian cane begonias

Species Information

Publication Date

Begonia aconitifolia was formally described in 1861 by Alphonse de Candolle.

Origin

The species is endemic to Brazil.

Growth Type

Cane-like perennial begonia with upright, woody stems.

Section

Section Pritzelia.

Chromosome = 2n =

The chromosome number for Begonia aconitifolia has not been reliably published in the literature.

Description

Begonia aconitifolia is a medium to large cane-type begonia characterized by tall, erect stems and deeply divided, palmate leaves reminiscent of Aconitum foliage. Leaves are typically medium to dark green, with pronounced lobing and a slightly rough texture. Stems are semi-woody with visible nodes and can reach over 1.5 m in height under favorable conditions.

Distribution

Restricted to southeastern Brazil, particularly within the Atlantic Forest biome.

Habitat

Found in humid forest understories, along forest edges, and near shaded stream banks. It prefers well-drained but consistently moist soils and high atmospheric humidity.

Flower

Produces clusters of pale pink to white flowers on axillary inflorescences. Flowers are typical of cane begonias, with separate male and female flowers on the same plant. Blooming generally occurs during the warmer months.

Etymology

The specific epithet aconitifolia means “with leaves like Aconitum”" referring to the deeply divided foliage that resembles monkshood leaves.

Synonyms

No widely accepted botanical synonyms are currently in use. Some historical misapplications of the name have occurred in horticulture.

Comparison to Similar Species

Often confused with other Brazilian cane begonias featuring deeply lobed leaves, such as Begonia luxurians and Begonia angularis. B. aconitifolia differs by its more compact inflorescences, less divided leaves than B. luxurians, and overall sturdier cane structure.

Photos

External Links

• Begonia Resource Centre
• Plants of the World Online (Kew)
• Species-specific cultivation notes (if available)

References

• de Candolle, A. (1861). Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis
• Hughes, M. et al. Begonia sections and species accounts
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – POWO database

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