Begonia aconitifolia

Begonia aconitifolia

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

Species	Begonia aconitifolia
Publication Date	A.DC., Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. sér. 4, 11: 127 (1859)
Origin	Brazil
Region	Rio de Janeiro
Growth Type	Cane-like / Shrub
Section	Knesebeckia
Chromosome Count	2n = 60

Type species for the "Superba" group of cane begonias.

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

File:Begonia aconitifolia leaf.jpg

Close up of the deeply lobed, silver-spotted leaf.

File:Begonia aconitifolia flower.jpg

Inflorescence showing white to pink flowers.

External Links

• Plants of the World Online: 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."