Begonias

Begonias are native to moist tropical and subtropical regions of all continents except Austrlia, and are most diverse in South America. There are over 1500 know species, ranging from rhizomatous perennials a few inches high to 10 ft shrubs. Many are grown as indoor plants, prized either for their beautifully colored and textured foliage or showy flowers, sometimes both present in the one species or cultivar. Mostly evergreen, they have broad, usually asymmetrical leaves of rather brittle and waxy texture. Female flowers, as distinct from male flowers which are on the same plant, have broad, colored flanges on the ovaries which develop into winged fruits.

Begonia enthusuasts divide the species and cultivars into a number of classes depending on growth habit and type of root stock.

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