This page provides Buxton member Normand Dufresne's monthly report on a species begonia.
For previous months' reports, see the links at bottom of page.
B. scutufolia (May 2009)
Begonia scutifolia was described in 1871 by J.D Hooker in Oliver. The "in Oliver" part means that Oliver had some part in the description. The synonym for this plant is B. triflora, which apropos since the peduncle has two male flowers and one female flower.
B. scutifolia is from tropical Africa and belongs in the Scotobegonia section.
It is stemless. The leaves are peltate, small, three inches including the long tip. The upper surface is glabrous except for the slightly ciliate edge. The underside is also glabrous with a few scattered hairs. It is reported that in the wild the leaves are smaller with shorter petioles, making the plant more of a dwarf.
B. scutifolia is quite floriferous, but the flowers are smaller that most of the other yellow-flowered begonias. The male and female flowers have two tepals, which are bright yellow and reddish brown at the base. The ovary of the female flower is spindle shaped, with four narrow wings. The peduncles are glabrous and shorter than the petioles.
Like all yellow flowered species, B. scutifolia requires terrarium care. It is said to do quite well 12 inches under lights.
Again, we have to thank Wanda Macnair for bringing her very nice plant! |
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