Begonia fischeri Schrank

Frost-tender, shrub-like perennial with a woody stem, small, smooth leaves, crimson beneath, and very small, bright pink flowers, usually in threes, in spring.  A number of cultivars are available.  To 90cm. [Krempin].  This is the plant referred to B. fischeri in Australia today. 

Horticultural & Botanical History

According to Krempin introduced to Britain in 1820, and this may be a reference to Schrank’s published description in 1819.  Curtis’s Botanical Magazine reports that it was received at the Edinburgh garden from Berlin in 1835 and flowered in 1836, no doubt a reference to Begonia fischeri Otto & A.Dietr. 

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.18/1850].  Desideratum to Loddiges’ nursery, 13th February, 1848 [MP A2933-1, p.172], the probable source. 

Notes

There is some doubt about the identity of Macarthur’s Begonia Fischeri.  See also Begonia fischeri Otto & A.Dietr. 

Published Jan 16, 2009 - 02:37 PM | Last updated Jul 14, 2010 - 04:57 PM

Depicted is a rhizomatous begonia with deep green leaves, red at the back, reddish stems and pink flowers. Camden Park, CM.

Begonia fischeri Schrank | Camden Park | CM

More details about Begonia fischeri Schrank
Family Begoniaceae
Category
Region of origin

Brazil
Synonyms
  • Begonia fischeri Schrank var. macroptera (Klotzsch) Irmsch.
  • Begonia macroptera Klotzsch 
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Begonia Fischeri 
Confidence level medium