Begonia palmata
Begonia palmata
| Species | palmata |
|---|---|
| Region | Asia |
| Country | Many |
| Year published | 1826 |
| Date of Origin | 1826 |
| Plant Type | rhizomatous |
| Section | Platycentrum |
| Chr 2n | 30 |
Species Information
Classification
Begonia palmata is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae. It is a member of section Platycentrum, which is characterized by its large, leaves with lobed margins.
Distribution
Begonia palmata is native to Asia, where it is found in China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is typically found in forests and thickets at elevations of up to 1,500 m.
Habitat
Begonia palmata is a shade-loving plant that prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is often found in association with streams and rivers.
Characteristics
Begonia palmata is a rhizomatous plant with large, palmate leaves that are up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. The leaves are lobed at the margins and have a dark green color. The flowers of Begonia palmata are white or pink and are borne in clusters on long stalks.
Flower Details
The flowers of Begonia palmata are unisexual and monoecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on the same plant. The male flowers have two sepals and four stamens. The female flowers have three sepals and four sepals that are fused together to form an ovary. The ovary is three-winged and has a long, slender style.
Etymology
The specific epithet "palmata" refers to the palmate leaves of this species.
Comparison to Similar Species
Begonia palmata is similar to Begonia longifolia, but can be distinguished by its palmate leaves and white or pink flowers. Begonia longifolia has lobed leaves and yellow flowers.
References
The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species. Version 1.1. 2013. Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org/ (accessed 1st January 2013). Flora of China Editorial Committee. 2007. Flora of China (Begoniaceae through Cucurbitaceae). 21: 1-992. Science Press, Beijing, China.
Photos
External Links
[Begonia palmata] at the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
Categories
[Species or Hybrid] [Begonia Type] [Asia] [China] [India] [Nepal] [Bhutan] [Myanmar] [Vietnam] [Cambodia] [Laos] [Thailand] [Malaysia] [Indonesia] [Section Platycentrum]
