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Begonia
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Begonia

Begonia

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameBegonia
DescriptionVersatile and diverse genus prized for both spectacular flowers and ornamental foliage featuring asymmetric leaves in shades of green, silver, burgundy, and pink, often with metallic sheens or intricate patterns. Flowers appear in shades of red, pink, white, orange, and yellow, ranging from simple singles to elaborate doubles with ruffled petals. With over 2,000 species, begonias offer options for shade gardens, hanging baskets, and indoor cultivation.
FamilyBegoniaceae
GenusBegonia
TribeN/A

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ♂ P2-4 A∞ G0 , % ♀ P2-5 A0 G(2-3)

Bilaterally symmetrical, unisexual flowers. Male: 2-4 tepals, numerous stamens, no pistil. Female: 2-5 tepals, no stamens, 2-3 fused carpels with inferior ovary and distinctive winged ovary

Features
  • Named after Michel Bégon, a French patron of botany and governor of French Canada in the 17th century. Genus contains over 2,000 species, making it one of the largest flowering plant genera. Distinctive asymmetric leaves are a hallmark feature
  • Flowers are unisexual with male and female blooms on same plant. Male flowers typically have 2-4 petals and numerous stamens; female flowers have 2-5 petals and winged ovaries. Colors include red, pink, white, orange, yellow, and bicolors
  • Three main growth types: tuberous (large showy flowers, summer dormant), fibrous-rooted (continuous bloomers including wax begonias), and rhizomatous (grown primarily for ornamental foliage like Rex begonias). Most are tender perennials grown as annuals in cold climates
  • Size varies dramatically: miniature varieties grow 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), while cane types reach 6-10 feet (2-3 m). Lifespan of 2-5 years for most types, though some can live decades. Propagated easily from stem or leaf cuttings, division, or seed
  • Native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with highest diversity in South America, Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Found in moist, shaded forest understories from sea level to mountain elevations
  • Prefer bright indirect light to partial shade. Thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Need consistent moisture but sensitive to overwatering. Ideal temperatures 60-75°F (15-24°C) with moderate humidity
  • Leaves and stems contain oxalic acid giving them a sour taste; some species used in salads in small quantities. Excellent air-purifying houseplants. Popular for shaded gardens where few other plants bloom. Some varieties are fragrant

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificBegonia
English (Alternate)Wax Begonia, Tuberous Begonia, Rex Begonia, and Angel Wing Begonia
Hindiबिगोनिया (Bigoniyā)
Tamilபிகோனியா (Pikōniyā)
Teluguబిగోనియా (Bigōniyā)
Malayalamബിഗോണിയ (Bigōṇiya)
Kannadaಬಿಗೋನಿಯಾ (Bigōniyā)
Sanskritविषमपत्रपुष्पम् (Viṣamapatrapuṣpam)
Bengaliবিগোনিয়া (Bigōniẏā)
Frenchbégonia
Russianбегония (begoniya)
Spanishbegonia
GermanBegonie, Schiefblatt

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.