Begonia scapigera

A wet-forest African species with two accepted subspecies

Begonia scapigera belongs to a group of small yellow-flowered begonias from wet lowland African rain forest. Two subspecies are accepted: the typical subspecies from eastern Nigeria into west-central tropical Africa, and B. scapigera subsp. australis from southern Gabon to western Congo.

The cultivated plant has not been identified to subspecies. Its exact country and collection locality remain unresolved.

Light and moisture for textured foliage care

Watering

Begonia scapigera is ready for water when the surface is just beginning to dry while the small root zone remains evenly moist. Surface moss around Begonia scapigera can look damp after the small root zone has begun to dry, so test immediately below it.

Light

Give Begonia scapigera a position near a bright north or east window, or under a suitable grow light in a ventilated cabinet where no direct sun reaches the leaves. Protect the leaves from stronger direct sun, which increases the risk of scorch.

Fertilising

Feed Begonia scapigera very lightly with a complete foliage or orchid fertiliser only during active growth. The small root zone of the plant needs very dilute feed even when several new leaves are forming.

Repotting

Give Begonia scapigera a new pot when fine roots occupy the shallow pot, the growing point reaches the rim, moisture becomes uneven or the substrate packs down. Choose a warm, well-lit period of active growth, when disturbed roots can recover promptly.

Support, pruning, handling and leaf care

Begonia scapigera needs no support. The thin foliage of Begonia scapigera creases easily.

Signs of stress in Begonia scapigera

Small rounded leaves held above the rhizome hang limp

The centrally attached petioles hold rounded green blades above the rhizome. If they suddenly become limp, feel the mix. Water when it is partly dry; inspect the roots and rhizome when it remains wet.

Browning yellow flowers or stalks

Clear yellow blooms are carried on tall leafless stalks. Individual flowers and stalks brown naturally after flowering and can be removed at the base. Remove a fresh flower stalk promptly if softness or grey growth moves down it.

Water-soaked spots on round green leaves

A glassy or soft area that enlarges is separate from the normal plain green surface. Remove an affected leaf, keep splashes off the compact foliage and inspect the petiole if the damage continues towards the base.

Translucent or soft rhizome tissue

Several loose petioles, a sour smell or soft rhizome tissue indicate decay. Cut away every soft section and reroot the healthy end shallowly in fresh, airy mix.

Begonia scapigera is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• The roots and rhizomes contain the highest levels of soluble oxalates, and the sap can irritate skin.
• Chewing may cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting or stomach pain. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

About the name Begonia scapigera

Begonia honours Michel Bégon. The epithet scapigera combines Latin scapus, a leafless flower stalk or scape, with -gera, bearing.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Begonia in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1056.

Joseph Dalton Hooker first described Begonia scapigera in 1871 in Flora of Tropical Africa, volume 2, page 572.