Flower · GBIF taxon 2874717
Wax begonia
Begonia cucullataAlso known as Clubbed Begonia, Perennial Begonia, Glossy Begonia
Wax begonias form compact, fleshy mounds adorned with glossy, rounded leaves that range from bright apple green to deep mahogany bronze. Their delicate flowers bloom continuously from spring to frost in shades of pink, red, and crisp white, anchored by vivid yellow central stamens. Native to South American riverbanks and moist clearings, these resilient plants thrive in warm, humid microclimates and are widely cultivated across the globe.
FloweringOrnamentalPerennial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Snails
- Slugs
- Caterpillars
ThreatsFreezing temperatures, severe drought, root rot from waterlogging
HabitatsHumid riverbanks, moist forest margins, urban gardens, shaded rocky slopes
Life spanPerennial (frequently grown as an annual in freezing climates)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCucurbitales
- FamilyBegoniaceae
- GenusBegonia
- SpeciesBegonia cucullata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains insoluble calcium oxalates toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; keep out of reach of pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, burning, and vomiting if ingested by pets.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by smooth, waxy, succulent leaves and constant clusters of small white, pink, or red flowers.
- What to do
- Keep potted plants on elevated stands or hanging baskets out of reach of dogs and cats.
Responsible observation
- Garden Placement: Plant in moist, well-draining soil with light shade to encourage continuous flower production.
- Frost Protection: Bring potted plants indoors before autumn frost to maintain them as year-round houseplants.
- Pest Prevention: Monitor the undersides of leaves for slugs and mealybugs in warm weather.
Congener MaedaAkihiko / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Congener (c) filipeprates, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Congener no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · cc0
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