Begonia manicata Brongn.

Frost-tender, erect, rhizomatous begonia with medium, toothed, smooth, fresh green leaves with paler veins, red beneath, a collar of red bristles topping the leaf stem, and soft pink flowers in loose panicles held above the leaves, in winter and spring.  A number of cultivars are available.  To 60cm.  [RHSE, Hortus, Krempin].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘A very profuse flowering species, growing 2 or 3 feet high, with fine broad shining foliage.  The flowers are borne in rather diffuse panicles, and are of a pale pink hue, with a deeper tint at the margin of the petals.’  The plants were seen at Knight’s and Loddiges’ nurseries.  [MB p.45/1844].  ‘Remarkable for the depressed crimson scales, which are suspended from the veins beneath [the leaves], increasing in size and number towards the footstalk, and forming a ruff where they unite.  Flowers pink, in loose panicles rising about a foot above the leaves.’  [FC p.267/1846].  According to Krempin introduced to Britain in 1842.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.21/1850].

Notes

Published Jun 20, 2009 - 02:47 PM | Last updated Jul 14, 2010 - 04:55 PM


Illustrated are the oval, toothed, red -edged pale green leaves.  Photographed at Camden Park by Colin Mills.

Begonia manicata Brongn. | Camden Park | Colin Mills

More details about Begonia manicata Brongn.
Family Begoniaceae
Category
Region of origin

Mexico

Synonyms
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Begonia manicata 

Confidence level high