R. Kiew 2004
Vietnam
Section Platycentrum
Long known as Begonia longiciliata, this plant was collected in Vietnam near Hanoi in 1996 by Mary Sizemore and has recently been renamed by the botanist Ruth Kiew.
Appearance
Its general appearance is that of a rex begonia. This rhizomatous plant can reach 40 cm in height, but in the wild its habit is spreading. It is characterised by a blade bearing white hairs about 1 cm long (hence its first name). The leaves are green, with a more or less marked paler band. The blade can be up to 20 cm across and is oval. The green petiole is very hairy. The pink, bisexual inflorescence usually appears at the end of summer. The flowers are few and the fruit has a single wing.
Culture
Grow it as you would a rex. It may go dormant in winter, when watering should stop.
Propagation
Cuttings are easy: from petioles, leaf sections or rhizomes. The plant readily produces seed and is easy to grow from seed.
Publication
For those who want to know more about this species, see R. Kiew’s original publication in the Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore of 2004 (PDF) by clicking here.
