Photo credit: In Search of Small Things
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Begonia pavonina is a rhizomatous species from Malaysia where it grows along streams at higher elevations. The leaves are dark bronze and red on the back with blue iridescence in low light conditions. It needs high humidity (>80%), cooler temperatures and airflow to thrive. This is the green/red form that is speculated to be a hybrid, as it is vigorous and difficult to obtain seed from.
| Species | B. pavonina |
|---|---|
| Region | South East Asia |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Year published | 1909 |
| Date of Origin | |
| Plant Type | Rhizomatous |
| Section | Platycentrum |
| Chr 2n | 22 |
| Endangered Status | - |
| 🌡️ | 7 to 30C |
| 💦 | Higher Humidity (>60%) |
| Care notes | Well draining substrate |
Photo credit: In Search of Small Things
Photo credit: In Search of Small Things
Photo credit: In Search of Small Things
| Species/ Cultivar | B. pavonina |
|---|---|
| Form Varieties | Cyan, Green/red |
| Author | Ridley, J. Fed. Malay States Mus. |
| Publication Date | 1909 |
| Date of Origin | Cameron Highlands, Pahang |
| Place | Malaysia |
| Habitat | Grows along streams in the higher elevations of Malaysia. |
| Section | Platycentrum |
| Chr 2n | 22 |
| Plant Type | Rhizomatous |
| Synonyms and Comments | Etymology: Latin pavoninus (peacock Blue) referring to the colour of the leaves; “The peacock begonia”; B. robinsonii Ridley, J. Fed. Malay States Mus. 4:22. 1909. |
| Reference | Tebbitt, Begonias pl.93. 2005; Kiew, Begonias of P. Malaysia pls.3:158-63. 2005; Hughes M. et al., Asian Begonia 234, 2018 |
| Description | Begonia pavonina is a rhizomatous species from Malaysia. The leaves are dark bronze and red on the back and in low lighting conditions, the leaves have a blue iridescence. This iridescene aids photosynthesis in low light. |
|---|---|
| Male Flower | Winter-spring flowering season. Pink flowers. |
| Female Flower | |
| Plant Hardiness |
| Sun Tolerance | Bright, indirect light |
|---|---|
| Pests Diseases | |
| Temperature | 10-30C |
| Humidity | High Humidity (>80%) |
| Propagation Method | |
| Comments | Needs cool moist conditions and airflow. |
| Offspring of: | NA |
|---|---|
| Female Parent Of | NA |
| Male Parent Of | B. Blue Diamond |
| In Cultivation? | Yes |
References: In Search of Small Things
Photo Credits: In Search of Small Things