Fauna
Plant

Begonia ferox

Begonia ferox

Also known as Fierce Begonia, Spiky Begonia

Creeping along limestone outcroppings in the shaded forest understories of Guangxi, China, Begonia ferox displays one of the most remarkable leaf surfaces in the plant kingdom. As leaves mature, raised blackish-brown conical projections topped with fine hairs and vivid red tips erupt across the upper surface. Pale pinkish flowers bloom from late winter into spring, contrasting sharply with the menacing, armor-like foliage.

Limestone FloraShade TolerantFoliage Plant
Begonia ferox reference
no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · cc0
—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic (Soil Nutrients)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat loss, over-collection for illegal plant trade
HabitatsKarst limestone outcroppings, forest floors
Life span5–15+ years
Classification
  1. OrderCucurbitales
  2. FamilyBegoniaceae
  3. GenusBegonia
  4. SpeciesBegonia ferox
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains calcium oxalate crystals toxic to pets if ingested; keep out of reach.
What to notice
Recognized by creeping rhizomes and distinct raised, conical blackish-brown spikes with red tips on mature leaf surfaces.
Support conservation
Avoid collecting wild specimens or disturbing fragile karst cliff ecosystems; source only ethically cultivated plants.
Responsible observation
  • Foliage Inspection: Look closely at mature leaves to observe the distinct red-tipped, hairy spikes.
  • Cultivation: Provide high humidity, warm temperatures, and a porous, alkaline limestone potting mix.
  • Pet Precaution: Place potted plants in elevated locations inaccessible to domestic dogs and cats.
Related species
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