Newly described shield-leaved begonia from Phu Tho, Vietnam with triangular leaves

Begonia phuthoensis is a newly described species from Phu Tho Province, Vietnam, by Nguyen Quang Hieu at the Missouri Botanical Garden in 2004. The species is native to northern Myanmar and northern Vietnam, where it primarily grows in a wet tropical biome.

This is a compact plant without a visible stem, growing 25-30 centimeters tall. The leaves are triangular to broadly heart-shaped, 9-18 centimeters long and 7-12 centimeters wide, in olive-green to light brownish-violet shades with slightly hairy to almost smooth surfaces. The upper side of the leaves is glossy with sparse hairs, while the underside is hairier along the veins. The leaf margins have small, fine hairs.

The inflorescences grow directly from the rhizome (rootstock) and bear 5-10 flowers on bright red, slightly hairy to almost smooth stalks.

Care

Thrives in shade to partial shade with high humidity. Keep the soil evenly moist but well-drained. Ideal temperature 20-26°C.

Perfect for terrariums. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season. Buy Begonia phuthoensis online!