L.B Smith & D.C Wasshausen 1981
Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
Section Pritzelia
Long distributed under the name Begonia listida, this species received a legitimate name in July 1981. It was discovered in Brazil in 1961. Its unusual foliage gave it immediate decorative and horticultural appeal, and it has been used in many crosses. Most of the resulting hybrids show the distinctive leaf pattern of Begonia listada, known as the “listada type”.
Appearance
A medium-sized, shrub-like begonia. Its habit is upright, tending to semi-trailing. The elongated, spear-shaped leaves are covered with fine down and are dark green with a slightly fluorescent light green central stripe. The stems and petioles are reddish-green and covered with small hairs. In autumn, white flowers covered with small pink hairs appear above the foliage.
Culture
To succeed with it, give it a warm atmosphere (18–20°C) all year round and good humidity. It can help to stand the pot on a saucer filled with expanded clay balls and water, making sure the bottom of the pot does not touch the water. This species likes plenty of light but no direct sun, and moderate watering with soft, lime-free water. Let the substrate dry out between waterings.
Propagation
It can be propagated from seed, and also from leafy stem cuttings, taking stem sections with at least two nodes.
