Begonia thiemei

**Quick Species Info**
Species	thiemei
Region	Central America
Country	Mexico, Honduras
Year published	1908
Date of Origin
Plant Type	rhizomatous
Section	Gireoudia
Chr 2n	28

Species Information

Classification and Distribution

Begonia thiemei belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is native to southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It typically grows in the understory of moist tropical forests, often near streams, at elevations between 100 and 900 meters.

Habitat

This species thrives in shady or partially shaded environments with high humidity.

Characteristics

Begonia thiemei is a perennial plant reaching 20 cm tall and spreading 46 cm wide. It's well-known for its beautiful, palmate foliage. The leaves are glossy, dark green, with 7-10 deeply serrated leaflets emerging from a thick rhizome. The underside of the leaves is maroon. Attractive, greenish-hued flowers appear in clusters on tall, branched stalks.

Flower Details

Color: Greenish-hued
Arrangement: Clusters on branched stalks
Flowering Time: Varies, but typically blooms in spring and summer

Etymology

The specific epithet "thiemei" honors Dr. Hugo von Thieme, a German botanist and collector who discovered the species in Honduras.

Comparison to Similar Species

Begonia thiemei can be mistaken for [Begonia carolineifolia] due to their similar compound leaf shape however it has smaller leaves and a thicker rhizome that grows more upright.

References

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External Links