Chapter 27

FIG. 223. WHITELEAFBEETROOT.

Beetroot for Bedding Purposes: In this case, where the foliage is the main object, the seed may be sown in a reserve bed, and the plants transferred to their positions in the flower garden. If, however, a line is required in a ribbon or other border, the best plan is to sow there, and thin out the plants to equal distances. Dell's Crimson is one of the best varieties for this purpose, being very compact and of a good dark colour.

Varieties of the Leaf Beet (Beta Cicla), and Sea or Perennial Beet (Beta maritima), are sometimes, but very seldom, cultivated for the use of the leafstalks and leaves, the roots being hard and unfit for cooking purposes. They are at the best but substitutes for other vegetables—namely, the midrib for Sea-kale and the leavesfor Spinach. If desired, seeds may be sown in the way described for Beetroot, in April for using in autumn and winter, and in August for spring use, plants of the latter sowing being protected in severe weather. The best sorts are Red-stalked, Yellow-stalked, and White (see Fig. 223) or Silver Leaf.

BEET CARRION BEETLE(Silpha opaca). This destructive insect is frequently found in dead animals, but often its grub almost destroys the leaves of Beet and Mangold Wurzel crops. The grubs, which are black and shining, when full grown are from ⅓in. to ½in. long; the three segments next the head are rounded at the sides, but the other segments are sharp, and the tail segment has a sharp spine on each side. "When full-fed, the grubs bury themselves, and form cells at the depth of 3in. or 4in. below the surface of the earth, in which they turn to pupæ, and from these the Beetle has been seen to come up in about the space of a fortnight or three weeks" (Ormerod). The Beetles are flattish, and about five lines long, brown-black, with a tawny down; eyes large and oval; horns club-shaped; body somewhat oval; wing-cases very flat, turned up at the outer edge, each case having three sharp ridges running along it; tip of abdomen dull red. Any manures or methods of cultivation that would stimulate growth in the plants, so as to permit renovation of injuries, would be found useful. If farmyard manure were applied to the soil intended for Beetin the autumninstead of in spring, it would lessen the risk of attack to the Beets.

FIG. 224. COMMONGARDENBEETLE.

FIG. 225. DEVIL'SCOACHHORSE.

BEETLES(Coleoptera). Beetles form one of the most extensive orders of insects, there being upwards of 3000 known British species. They vary much in appearance, but a Beetle is readily recognised by its front wings, or elytra; these form a tough horny sheath or case, which lies over the real wings, and protects them when the insect is not flying. Sometimes, the elytra are very short (see Fig. 225); the mouth is fitted with jaws for cutting. The metamorphosis is complete,i.e., the larva or grub is very unlike either the quiescent pupa or the perfect insect. The period that elapses before Beetles arrive at their perfect state varies from a few weeks to two or three years, but is usually rather longer than in Butterflies or Bees. Various Beetles attack growing plants and roots. Thus,Otiorhynchus sulcatusandO. picipesattack Vines, Roses, and other plants, gnawing off the bark. Some species of Beetles attack Mushrooms, while others bore into the wood of old trees, or eat leaves (e.g.Turnip Fly), or burrow in the leaves, or form galls on roots (Cabbage-gall Weevil). Of some kinds, the beetles are hurtful; of others, the larvæ. Many kinds, however, are beneficial, such, for instance, as the common Ground Beetle (Carabus, Fig. 224), and the Devil's Coach Horse (Ocypus olens, Fig. 225). These live upon other insects and snails. One kind of Beetle—the Ladybird (see Figs. 226 and 227)—is very beneficial in a garden, as it preys upon the aphides, or plant lice. For instructions in dealing with the noxious kinds,seeAsparagus Beetle,Bean Beetle,Beet Carrion Beetle,Click Beetle,Cockchafer,Lily Beetle,Rosechafer, andTurnip Fly.

FIG. 226. SEVEN-SPOTTEDLADYBIRD.FIG. 227. GRUBOFLADYBIRD. (Enlarged).

BEETorMANGOLD FLY(Anthomyia betæ). The maggots of this fly do considerable damage by feeding on the pulp of the Beet or Mangold leaves. The eggs are small, white, and oval, and are laid in small patches beneath the leaves; the maggots are about ⅓in. long, legless, cylindrical, and yellowish-white. As it is of such recent appearance in this country, specifics for its eradication are by no means numerous; but, according to Miss Ormerod, "the best treatment appears to be to nip it in the bud, where such treatment is possible, by destroying the infested plants, but generally by all means of good cultivation, or by special applications of artificial manure, to ensure a hearty growth, which may run the plants on past the power of average attacks to weaken the leafage to a serious extent."

BEFARIA(named in honour of Bejar, a Spanish botanist). ORD.Ericareæ. SYN.Bejaria. An elegant genus of greenhouse evergreen shrubs, closely allied toRhododendron. Flowers bracteate; corolla very deeply seven-cleft, spreading. Leaves racemose or corymbose, crowded, quite entire, coriaceous. They thrive in a compost of peat and loam. Propagated by cuttings, made of the young wood, and placed in sandy soil, in gentle heat.

B. æstuans(glowing).*fl.purple; corymbs terminal, simple; peduncles, pedicels, rachi, calyces, and branchlets clothed with clammy glandular hairs.l.elliptic, rather glabrous above, but downy and glaucous beneath, while young clothed with rusty tomentum. Plant much branched; branchlets sub-verticillate.h.10ft. to 15ft. Peru, 1846. SYN.Acunna oblonga. (G. C. 1848, 119.)B. cinnamomea(cinnamon-coloured).fl.purple; panicles close, terminal; peduncles woolly, hispid.l.slightly downy above, rusty tomentose beneath. Branches downy, hispid.h.4ft. Peru, 1847.B. coarctata(close-headed).fl.purple; corymbs terminal, simple; peduncles, pedicels, rachi, and calyces clothed with rusty tomentum.l.oblong, glabrous, glaucous beneath. Shrub much branched.h.4ft. to 5ft. Peru, 1847. (G. C. 1848, 175.)B. glauca(glaucous).*fl.flesh-coloured; racemes terminal and axillary; pedicels somewhat fastigiate. June.l.oblong, obtuse, glaucous beneath. Shrub much branched; branchlets angular.h.3ft. to 6ft. South America, 1826.B. ledifolia(Ledum-leaved).*fl.purple; racemes terminal; peduncles, pedicels, rachi, branchlets, and calyces clothed with clammy glandular hairs.l.oblong, somewhat mucronate, with revolute edges, glaucous beneath, glandular. Shrub much branched; branches purplish.h.3ft. to 4ft. South America, 1847. (F. d. S. 3, 195.)B. racemosa(racemed).fl.purple, disposed in racemose terminal panicles. July.l.ovate-lanceolate, glabrous; branchlets smooth or hispid.h.3ft. to 5ft. Georgia, 1810.

B. cinnamomea(cinnamon-coloured).fl.purple; panicles close, terminal; peduncles woolly, hispid.l.slightly downy above, rusty tomentose beneath. Branches downy, hispid.h.4ft. Peru, 1847.

B. coarctata(close-headed).fl.purple; corymbs terminal, simple; peduncles, pedicels, rachi, and calyces clothed with rusty tomentum.l.oblong, glabrous, glaucous beneath. Shrub much branched.h.4ft. to 5ft. Peru, 1847. (G. C. 1848, 175.)

B. glauca(glaucous).*fl.flesh-coloured; racemes terminal and axillary; pedicels somewhat fastigiate. June.l.oblong, obtuse, glaucous beneath. Shrub much branched; branchlets angular.h.3ft. to 6ft. South America, 1826.

B. ledifolia(Ledum-leaved).*fl.purple; racemes terminal; peduncles, pedicels, rachi, branchlets, and calyces clothed with clammy glandular hairs.l.oblong, somewhat mucronate, with revolute edges, glaucous beneath, glandular. Shrub much branched; branches purplish.h.3ft. to 4ft. South America, 1847. (F. d. S. 3, 195.)

B. racemosa(racemed).fl.purple, disposed in racemose terminal panicles. July.l.ovate-lanceolate, glabrous; branchlets smooth or hispid.h.3ft. to 5ft. Georgia, 1810.

BEGONIA(named after M. Begon, a French patron of botany). ORD.Begoniaceæ. A large genus of succulent herbs or undershrubs (a few climbers), in many of which the stem is reduced to a tuberous rhizome, whilst some are distinctly tuberous. Flowers usually showy and large, white, rose, scarlet, or yellow, unisexual; perianth segments petaloid, four to five divisions, rarely two. Stamens numerous, filaments free or united at the base. Ovary inferior, styles two to four, free, sometimes connate, stigmas brandied or twisted. Fruit capsular, rarely succulent, often winged. Seeds numerous, minute. Leavesalternate, more or less unequal-sided, entire, or lobed, or toothed. Flower-stalks axillary, cymose. Distribution: Species about 350, in all tropical moist countries, especially South America and India; not known in Australia. Cultivated species (exclusive of garden hybrids and varieties) about 150. A large number of genera, or what were considered as such are now merged in Begonia—viz.,Barya,Baryandra,Casparya,Pritzelia, &c. The rich colours and beautiful form of the flowers of Begonias, their prettily-marked foliage, and free-growing, free-blooming nature, have long marked them out as favourite garden plants. Within the last twenty years a new race, characterised by a tuberous root-stock, annual herbaceous stem, and large handsome flowers, has been introduced from the Andes of South America, from which, by means of careful cross-fertilisation and selection, a large number of beautiful and almost hardy kinds have been raised. The size, substance, and rich colours of the flowers of the majority of the plants of this race of Begonias are witness to what may be done by skilful cultivation and careful cross-breeding among plants. In the same way the large-leaved, stemless section, of whichB. Rexmay be taken as the type and principal progenitor, have been improved both in the size and the coloration of their foliage, and countless forms are now in cultivation, both as garden plants and for the decoration of rooms, &c. The propagation of Begonias may be accomplished by means of seeds, which are freely produced by almost all the cultivated kinds, by cuttings, by division of the rhizomes, and—in the case of the large-leaved kinds—by leaf-cuttings. For the first of these methods it is necessary that the seeds should be well ripened before they are gathered, and kept dry until sown. Where it is desired to increase any particular kind of garden origin, seeds are useless, none of the hybrid or seedling forms perpetuating themselves through their seeds, although equally beautiful sorts may be raised from them. The characters of all true species are, however, reproduced in their seedlings. For the successful raising of Begonia seeds it is necessary to sow them on pans or pots of well-drained, light, sandy soil, which should be well watered before the seeds are sown. The seeds should not be covered with soil, or they will fail to germinate. Over the pans a pane of glass should be placed, and they should then be stood in warm house or a frame where a temperature of about 65deg. can be maintained, and shaded from sunshine. As soon as the plantlets are large enough to be safely manipulated, they should be pricked off into pans of light leaf-mould soil, in which they may remain until large enough to be placed singly in pots. Cuttings: These strike freely if planted in small pots, in sand and leaf mould, and placed on a bottom heat of 70deg. Where large quantities are required, a bed of cocoa nut-fibre in a stove or propagating frame may be used, and in this the cuttings may be planted and remain until well rooted. Leaf cuttings succeed best when laid on sand or cocoa-nut fibre, and shaded from bright sunlight. In preparing the leaves, old, well-matured ones should be selected, and incisions made with a sharp knife across the principal nerves on the underside. They should then be placed on the sand or fibre and held down by means of a few pieces of crock. Under this treatment, bulbils will form on the lower ends of the nerves of each section of the leaf, and these, when large enough, may be removed from the bed and potted. With the exception ofB. Evansiana(discolor), an almost hardy species from North China, all the shrubby species require a warm or intermediate house for their cultivation, although during the summer months a frame or sheltered bed answers for most of them, provided they are removed into their warm winter quarters on the approach of cold weather. Some of the species, such asB. Dregei,B. semperflorens,B. nitida,B. fuchsioides,B. Lindleyana,B. Richardsiana, along with the hybridsAscotensis,Knowsleyana,Weltoniensis, andIngramii, are grown in pots out of doors all the summer, and under liberal treatment they form large handsome specimens, which are of great value as flowering plants for the conservatory in winter. The tuberous-rooted herbaceous kinds should be started in heat in February, and, when vigorous growth has commenced, be gradually hardened off, for use either as bedding plants or as pot specimens for flowering in the greenhouse. A mixture of loam and leaf mould with a little sand and rotten cow-dung is suitable for the cultivation of these plants in pots. Liberal supplies of water should be given during the growing season. As the growth decays, water should be withheld until finally the tubers may be shaken out of the soil and placed in dry sand or cocoa-nut fibre, in a house or shed where a temperature above freezing can be maintained.B. gracilisand its varieties,diversifoliaandMartiana, are beautiful greenhouse plants, which thrive well if treated as advised for the other tuberous-rooted kinds, with the addition of a few more degrees of heat.

TheRexsection requires a light rich soil, plenty of moisture, and a shaded position in a warm greenhouse. These kinds are often employed with good effect for clothing peat-covered walls in ferneries, or as an undergrowth in large tropical houses. Large specimens have been grown under the stage in a warm house, the shade and moisture of such a position being exactly what they best delight in.

B. socotrana, an interesting species from the island of Socotra, is somewhat singular in its requirements. The stem is herbaceous and annual, and about its base a cluster of bulbils are formed, from every one of which a plant will be developed the following year. The growing season for this species is from September to March, after which it goes to rest for the whole summer. A tropical temperature and all the light possible, are essential to the well-doing of this plant.

It is interesting to note the apparent impossibility to cross any of the shrubby Begonias with the distinctly tuberous-rooted species; and even the species of the shrubby section, whose stems are semi-tuberous, have hitherto refused to commingle with the South American tuberous kinds, of whichB. Veitchii,B. rosæflora, andB. boliviensismay be said to be typical. The infusion of the blood of these large, handsome-flowered kinds into the tall, shrubby species, would almost certainly result in the production of a race of splendid winter-flowering greenhouse plants, and it is therefore in every way desirable that no pains should be spared to break through the obstacle to the union of the two races.

Explanation of contractions: T, tuberous-rooted; S, shrubby.

B. acerifolia(Acer-leaved). S. A tall-growing, thick, succulent-stemmed species, with green, lobed, serrated foliage, and large branching cymes of small white flowers; sepals of male flowers hairy; styles three, two-horned. Capsule triangular, with one of the angles prolonged into an obtuse wing. Spring. Quito, 1829.B. acuminata(taper-pointed-leaved). S. A low shrubby species, having semi-cordate, oblong, pointed leaves, with toothed margins, and the nerves on the under side and the petiole pilose.fl.white, in cymes, nearly 1in. across. Capsule wings, two short, the third ½in. long. Spring. Jamaica, 1798. (B. M. 4025.)B. acutifolia(acute-leaved). S. A smooth-stemmed, semi-erect species, 3ft. to 4ft. high, with cordate-oblong leaves, both sides and petiole glabrous, the margins denticulate.fl.in cymes, white and red, about 1in. in diameter. Capsule winged, one wing twice as long as the others. Spring. Jamaica, 1816. SYN.B. purpurea.B. acutiloba(acute-lobed).* A species with thick fleshy rhizomes, and palmate cordate leaves which are divided into five to seven lobes, with toothed margins and pointed apices, under side thinly covered with brown hairs. Flower-stalk tall, hairy, surmounted by a branching head of rather large white flowers. Summer. Mexico.B. albo-coccinea(white and red).* Stemless, with a thick root-stock.l.broadly ovate, peltate, entire, 3in. to 4in. long; petiole 3in. to 6in., pubescent. Flower-scape 6in. to 9in. long.fl.in dense cluster, bright rose on the outside, white within. Capsule regularly triangular, with short wings. Summer. India, 1844. SYN.B. Grahamiana. (B. M. 4172.)B. alchemilloides(Alchemilla-like). Stem fleshy, creeping.l.rotundate, with toothed, undulate, ciliated margins and shortstalks. Flower-stem slender, few-flowered.fl.small, rose-coloured. Summer. Brazil.B. amabilis(lovely).* Stem creeping, fleshy, short.l.ovate, crenulate, acuminate, about 6in. long, tomentose, dark green, blotched with white, under side purple-red. Flower-stalk 9in. long.fl.rose or white, in clustering cymes. Capsule irregular. Summer. Assam, 1859. The foliage sometimes comes wholly green, but, under good treatment, it is handsomely variegated.B. amœna(pleasing).* Rhizome tuberous. Stem none, or very short.l.3in. by 2in.; leafstalk 3in. Flower-stem 6in. long, few-flowered.fl.medium sized, pale rose. Capsule wings small, nearly equal. Summer. North India, 1878. SYN.B. erosa.B. ampla(large). S. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, very stout, woody.l.long-stalked, 8in. to 10in. in diameter, broadly ovate, cordate, pointed, when young densely covered with rusty stellate down.fl.on short petioles, rose-coloured, 2in. wide. Fruit a succulent berry, small. Summer. Guinea.B. aptera(wingless). Stem herbaceous.l.heart-shaped, pointed, shining green.fl.in short axillary cymes, white, small. Capsule four-angled. Spring. Celebes, 1878.B. arborescens(tree-like). S. A large growing species, sometimes forming a bush 8ft. to 10ft. in height.l.pale green, ear-shaped, 6in. long.fl.in large cymose clusters, white, small. Summer. Brazil.B. argyrostigma(silvery-spotted). Synonymous withB. maculata.B. Arnottiana(Arnott's). Synonymous withB. cordifolia.B. asplenifolia(Asplenium-leaved). S. A slender-stemmed, beautifully cut-leaved species, the foliage of which is pinnatisect, giving the plant the appearance of a Thalictrum rather than a Begonia.fl.very small, white. Guinea.B. assamica(Assam). Stem short, fleshy.fl.pinkish flesh-colour.l.oblique ovate, olive-green, marbled with silvery blotches above, and of a pale purplish-pink beneath; petioles pale green, softly hairy. Assam, 1883.B. attenuata(attenuated). Synonymous withB. herbacea.B. aucubæfolia(Aucuba-leaved). Synonymous withB. incarnata.B. auriformis(ear-formed). Synonymous withB. incana.B. barbata(bearded). S. Stem short, hairy.l.toothed, oval-shaped, pointed, hispid beneath, 4in. long.fl.medium-sized, white or pink; flower-stalk hairy. Capsule equal-winged. Summer. India.B. Berkeleyi(Berkeley's).* T. A garden hybrid, with thick, fleshy stems, and long ear-shaped foliage.fl.in erect panicles, rose-coloured. A useful winter-flowering kind.B. bipetala(two-petaled). Synonymous withB. dipetala.B. biserrata(doubly-serrated). S. Stem erect, branched, 2ft. to 3ft. high.l.6in. long, 2in. to 3in. wide, deeply lobed, toothed, pale green.fl.in loose cymes, drooping, rose-coloured, 1½in. wide, serrated edges. Capsule pilose, two short and one long wings. Summer. Guatemala, 1847. (B. M. 4746.)B. boliviensis(Bolivian).* T. Stem herbaceous, succulent, 2ft. high, branching.l.lanceolate, pointed, serrate, 3in. to 5in. long.fl.in drooping panicles, large, scarlet, males twice as large as females. Capsule three-winged. Summer. Bolivia, 1857. (B. M. 5657.)B. Bowringiana(Bowring's). Synonymous withB. laciniata. (B. M. 5657.)B. braziliana(Brazilian). S. Stem erect, tall, succulent.l.oblique, ovate, toothed, slightly pubescent; principal nerves brownish; stalk hairy.fl.white or rose, small, in short, few-flowered cymes. Capsule wing ½in. long. Summer. Brazil.B. Bruantii(Bruant's).* B. A garden hybrid betweenB. SchmidtiandB. semperflorens.l.green, with a brownish tint.fl.white or rose, in erect panicles. Summer, 1883. Used as a bedding plant in summer.B. bulbifera(bulb-bearing). Most likely a form ofB. gracilis.B. caffra(Kaffrarian). A variety ofB. Dregei.B. carolineæfolia(Carolinea-leaved). S. Stem erect, thick, fleshy.l.palmate, curiously divided into six to eight long ovate segments, each 6in. long.fl.in a dichotomous cyme, on long stalk, rose-coloured, small. Capsule small, wings one longer than others. Winter. Mexico, 1876. A singular-leaved species. (R. G. 1-25.)B. Cathcartii(Cathcart's). S. Caulescent.l.heart-shaped, acute, glabrous; stalks of flowers and leaves hairy; flowers and fruit as inB. barbata. Summer. India. SYN.B. nemophila. (C. H. P. 13.)B. Chelsoni(Chelsea).* T. A garden hybrid betweenB. SedeniandB. boliviensis. Stem fleshy, 2ft. high.l.oblique, lance-shaped, irregularly lobed.fl.large, orange-red, drooping. Summer, 1874.B. cinnabarina(vermilion).* S. Stem erect, short, herbaceous.l.2in. to 4in. long, oblique, toothed; peduncles 6in. long, few-flowered.fl.(male), medium, red; female flowers very small. Summer. Capsule irregularly-winged. Bolivia, 1848. (B. M. 4483.)B. cinnabarina(vermilion). A variety ofB. fuchsioides.B. Clarkii(Clarke's).* T. Stem purplish, fleshy, stout.l.oblique-cordate, serrate.fl.in pendulous racemes, abundant, large, bright red, very handsome, nearly related toB. Veitchii. Summer. Peru and Bolivia, 1867. (B. M. 5675.)B. coccinea(red).* S. Habit suffruticose. Stem sub-erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, thick at the base.l.ovate-oblong, pointed; margins undulate and toothed.fl.in pendulous racemes, medium-sized; flowers and peduncles red. Capsule nearly regular; wings short. Summer. Brazil, 1842. (B. M. 3990.)B. conchæfolia(shell-leaved). Stem creeping, rhizomatous, thick.l.peltate, ovate, 3in. to 5in. long, edges almost entire; under side, along with leaf and flower-stalks, covered with ferruginous hairs; scape 9in. long, erect, surmounted by corymb of small whitish fragrant flowers. Capsule wings, one long, two short. Autumn and winter. South America, 1852. SYNS.B. scutellata,B. Warscewiczii. (R. B. 246.)B. corallina(coral-flowered). S. Stem woody, branching, sub-erect, brownish when matured.l.ovate-oblong, pointed, undulate, smooth, dull green, under side purple.fl.in long pendent racemes, numerous, medium-sized, bright coral-red. Summer. Brazil (?), 1875. A rare species, and one of the handsomest of the shrubby kinds, most likely closely related toB. maculata.B. cordifolia(heart-shaped). T. Stemless; root-stock fleshy.l.cordate, orbicular, toothed, 3in. wide, pilose above, pubescent below; flower-scape 6in. long, dichotomous.fl.numerous, medium-sized. Capsule with three narrow wings. Winter. Ceylon and India. SYN.B. Arnottiana.B. coriacea(leathery).* T. Stem 6in. high, herbaceous.l.reniform, 5in. wide by 3in. long, smooth above, pilose below.fl.rose-coloured, large, in twos or threes on the end of an erect scape, 8in. to 10in. long. Wings of capsule short, red. Summer. Bolivia.B. coriacea(leathery). Synonymous withB. peltata.B. crassicaulis(thick-stemmed). Stem short, thick, articulated, succulent.l.palmate; segments acuminate, toothed, under side clothed with rusty down.fl.in many-flowered cymes, dipetalous, white or rose-coloured, medium-sized. Capsule wings unequal. Near toB. heracleifolia. Spring. Guatemala, 1841. (B. R. 28, 44.)B. crinita(hairy).* S. Stem 1ft. high, fleshy, bright red, more or less hairy.l.ovate-cordate; margins toothed, dark green; petiole red and hairy, like the stems.fl.in lax, branching cymes, rose-coloured, 1½in. in diameter. Fruit three-winged, one long and acute, two short and rounded. Spring. Bolivia, 1870. (B. M. 5897.)B. cucullata(hooded). A variety ofB. semperflorens.B. dædalea(adorned).* Stem short, thick, succulent.l.large, green, thickly covered with a close network of russet-brown, scarlet when young; edges pilose.fl.white and rose, in loose panicles. Mexico, 1860. A handsome foliaged plant. (I. H. 1861, 269.)B. Daveauana.SeePellionia Daveauana.B. Davisii(Davis's).* T. stemless,l.springing directly from root-stock, ovate-cordate, shining green, slightly hairy, underside red; petiole short, fleshy. Flower-scapes, pedicels, and flowers bright red; scape 4in. high, bearing half a dozen flowers in umbel. Capsule three-winged, one long, two very short. Summer. Peru, 1876. A handsome tuberous-rooted species, dwarf. See Fig. 228, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons. (B. M. 6252.)B. dichotoma(branching). S. Stem tall, stout, fleshy.l.5in. long by 4in. wide, lobed, dull green.fl.white, on long axillary scapes, numerous. Winter. 1860.B. Digswelliana(Digswell's). Stem short, semi-decumbent, large, green; margins red.fl.on long, erect scapes, pale pink, small, numerous. Useful for winter flowering purposes. A garden hybrid. (F. M. 236.)B. dipetala(two-petaled). Stems springing from a fleshy root-stock, erect, 18in. high, brown.l.half heart-shaped; margins toothed, upper surface thickly spotted with white, under side red.fl.in loose axillary cymes, two-petaled, large, pink. Capsule equal-winged. Spring. India, 1828. A handsome species. (B. M. 2849.) SYN.B. bipetala.B. discolor(two-coloured). Synonymous withB. Evansiana.B. diversifolia(diverse-leaved). A variety ofB. gracilis.B. Dregii(Drege's).* Rootstock fleshy. Stems succulent; annual, 1ft. high.l.oblique, thin, green, slightly spotted with grey, reddish on the under side.fl.white, about 1in. across, in axillary cymes. Capsule three-winged, one much longer than the other two, and acute-pointed. Summer. Cape, 1840. SYNS.B. caffra,B. reniformis.B. echinosepala(spiny-sepaled).* Stem green, succulent, 18in. high.l.small, obliquely-oblong, serrulate.fl.on axillary peduncles, white, with curiously papillose sepals. Summer. Brazil, 1872. (R. G. 707.)B. elliptica(elliptic). Synonymous withB. scandens.B. erecta multiflora(erect, many-flowered).fl.bright reddish-pink, produced for several months, but especially during the winter.l.oblique, deep bronze coloured, very conspicuous. A decidedly handsome and very useful garden variety.B. erosa(bitten). Synonymous withB. amœna.B. Evansiana(Evans's).* T. Stem herbaceous, branching, smooth, 2ft. high.l.oblique, ovate-acute, sub-cordate, lobed; margins denticulate, green above, under side and petioles deep red; flower-stalks branching, axillary.fl.numerous, flesh-coloured, large. Capsule wings blunt-pointed, one longer than the others. Summer. Java, China, Japan, 1812. A handsome species, and almost hardy. SYNS.B. discolor,B. grandis. (B. M. 1473.)B. eximia(excellent).* A hybrid, raised fromB. rubro-veniaandB. Thwaitesii. Stem short, succulent.l.bronzy-purple, tinged with red. A handsome foliage plant. (I. H. 1860, 233.)B. falcifolia(sickle-leaved).* S. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, erect, branching.l.6in. long, 1½in. wide, curved, tapering to a narrow point; margins toothed, upper surface green, more or less spotted with white, under side deep red.fl.on short axillary peduncles, drooping, dipetalous, bright red. Wings of capsule equal, ½in. wide. Summer. Peru, 1868. A pretty flowering plant. (B. M. 5707.)

B. acuminata(taper-pointed-leaved). S. A low shrubby species, having semi-cordate, oblong, pointed leaves, with toothed margins, and the nerves on the under side and the petiole pilose.fl.white, in cymes, nearly 1in. across. Capsule wings, two short, the third ½in. long. Spring. Jamaica, 1798. (B. M. 4025.)

B. acutifolia(acute-leaved). S. A smooth-stemmed, semi-erect species, 3ft. to 4ft. high, with cordate-oblong leaves, both sides and petiole glabrous, the margins denticulate.fl.in cymes, white and red, about 1in. in diameter. Capsule winged, one wing twice as long as the others. Spring. Jamaica, 1816. SYN.B. purpurea.

B. acutiloba(acute-lobed).* A species with thick fleshy rhizomes, and palmate cordate leaves which are divided into five to seven lobes, with toothed margins and pointed apices, under side thinly covered with brown hairs. Flower-stalk tall, hairy, surmounted by a branching head of rather large white flowers. Summer. Mexico.

B. albo-coccinea(white and red).* Stemless, with a thick root-stock.l.broadly ovate, peltate, entire, 3in. to 4in. long; petiole 3in. to 6in., pubescent. Flower-scape 6in. to 9in. long.fl.in dense cluster, bright rose on the outside, white within. Capsule regularly triangular, with short wings. Summer. India, 1844. SYN.B. Grahamiana. (B. M. 4172.)

B. alchemilloides(Alchemilla-like). Stem fleshy, creeping.l.rotundate, with toothed, undulate, ciliated margins and shortstalks. Flower-stem slender, few-flowered.fl.small, rose-coloured. Summer. Brazil.

B. amabilis(lovely).* Stem creeping, fleshy, short.l.ovate, crenulate, acuminate, about 6in. long, tomentose, dark green, blotched with white, under side purple-red. Flower-stalk 9in. long.fl.rose or white, in clustering cymes. Capsule irregular. Summer. Assam, 1859. The foliage sometimes comes wholly green, but, under good treatment, it is handsomely variegated.

B. amœna(pleasing).* Rhizome tuberous. Stem none, or very short.l.3in. by 2in.; leafstalk 3in. Flower-stem 6in. long, few-flowered.fl.medium sized, pale rose. Capsule wings small, nearly equal. Summer. North India, 1878. SYN.B. erosa.

B. ampla(large). S. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, very stout, woody.l.long-stalked, 8in. to 10in. in diameter, broadly ovate, cordate, pointed, when young densely covered with rusty stellate down.fl.on short petioles, rose-coloured, 2in. wide. Fruit a succulent berry, small. Summer. Guinea.

B. aptera(wingless). Stem herbaceous.l.heart-shaped, pointed, shining green.fl.in short axillary cymes, white, small. Capsule four-angled. Spring. Celebes, 1878.

B. arborescens(tree-like). S. A large growing species, sometimes forming a bush 8ft. to 10ft. in height.l.pale green, ear-shaped, 6in. long.fl.in large cymose clusters, white, small. Summer. Brazil.

B. argyrostigma(silvery-spotted). Synonymous withB. maculata.

B. Arnottiana(Arnott's). Synonymous withB. cordifolia.

B. asplenifolia(Asplenium-leaved). S. A slender-stemmed, beautifully cut-leaved species, the foliage of which is pinnatisect, giving the plant the appearance of a Thalictrum rather than a Begonia.fl.very small, white. Guinea.

B. assamica(Assam). Stem short, fleshy.fl.pinkish flesh-colour.l.oblique ovate, olive-green, marbled with silvery blotches above, and of a pale purplish-pink beneath; petioles pale green, softly hairy. Assam, 1883.

B. attenuata(attenuated). Synonymous withB. herbacea.

B. aucubæfolia(Aucuba-leaved). Synonymous withB. incarnata.

B. auriformis(ear-formed). Synonymous withB. incana.

B. barbata(bearded). S. Stem short, hairy.l.toothed, oval-shaped, pointed, hispid beneath, 4in. long.fl.medium-sized, white or pink; flower-stalk hairy. Capsule equal-winged. Summer. India.

B. Berkeleyi(Berkeley's).* T. A garden hybrid, with thick, fleshy stems, and long ear-shaped foliage.fl.in erect panicles, rose-coloured. A useful winter-flowering kind.

B. bipetala(two-petaled). Synonymous withB. dipetala.

B. biserrata(doubly-serrated). S. Stem erect, branched, 2ft. to 3ft. high.l.6in. long, 2in. to 3in. wide, deeply lobed, toothed, pale green.fl.in loose cymes, drooping, rose-coloured, 1½in. wide, serrated edges. Capsule pilose, two short and one long wings. Summer. Guatemala, 1847. (B. M. 4746.)

B. boliviensis(Bolivian).* T. Stem herbaceous, succulent, 2ft. high, branching.l.lanceolate, pointed, serrate, 3in. to 5in. long.fl.in drooping panicles, large, scarlet, males twice as large as females. Capsule three-winged. Summer. Bolivia, 1857. (B. M. 5657.)

B. Bowringiana(Bowring's). Synonymous withB. laciniata. (B. M. 5657.)

B. braziliana(Brazilian). S. Stem erect, tall, succulent.l.oblique, ovate, toothed, slightly pubescent; principal nerves brownish; stalk hairy.fl.white or rose, small, in short, few-flowered cymes. Capsule wing ½in. long. Summer. Brazil.

B. Bruantii(Bruant's).* B. A garden hybrid betweenB. SchmidtiandB. semperflorens.l.green, with a brownish tint.fl.white or rose, in erect panicles. Summer, 1883. Used as a bedding plant in summer.

B. bulbifera(bulb-bearing). Most likely a form ofB. gracilis.

B. caffra(Kaffrarian). A variety ofB. Dregei.

B. carolineæfolia(Carolinea-leaved). S. Stem erect, thick, fleshy.l.palmate, curiously divided into six to eight long ovate segments, each 6in. long.fl.in a dichotomous cyme, on long stalk, rose-coloured, small. Capsule small, wings one longer than others. Winter. Mexico, 1876. A singular-leaved species. (R. G. 1-25.)

B. Cathcartii(Cathcart's). S. Caulescent.l.heart-shaped, acute, glabrous; stalks of flowers and leaves hairy; flowers and fruit as inB. barbata. Summer. India. SYN.B. nemophila. (C. H. P. 13.)

B. Chelsoni(Chelsea).* T. A garden hybrid betweenB. SedeniandB. boliviensis. Stem fleshy, 2ft. high.l.oblique, lance-shaped, irregularly lobed.fl.large, orange-red, drooping. Summer, 1874.

B. cinnabarina(vermilion).* S. Stem erect, short, herbaceous.l.2in. to 4in. long, oblique, toothed; peduncles 6in. long, few-flowered.fl.(male), medium, red; female flowers very small. Summer. Capsule irregularly-winged. Bolivia, 1848. (B. M. 4483.)

B. cinnabarina(vermilion). A variety ofB. fuchsioides.

B. Clarkii(Clarke's).* T. Stem purplish, fleshy, stout.l.oblique-cordate, serrate.fl.in pendulous racemes, abundant, large, bright red, very handsome, nearly related toB. Veitchii. Summer. Peru and Bolivia, 1867. (B. M. 5675.)

B. coccinea(red).* S. Habit suffruticose. Stem sub-erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, thick at the base.l.ovate-oblong, pointed; margins undulate and toothed.fl.in pendulous racemes, medium-sized; flowers and peduncles red. Capsule nearly regular; wings short. Summer. Brazil, 1842. (B. M. 3990.)

B. conchæfolia(shell-leaved). Stem creeping, rhizomatous, thick.l.peltate, ovate, 3in. to 5in. long, edges almost entire; under side, along with leaf and flower-stalks, covered with ferruginous hairs; scape 9in. long, erect, surmounted by corymb of small whitish fragrant flowers. Capsule wings, one long, two short. Autumn and winter. South America, 1852. SYNS.B. scutellata,B. Warscewiczii. (R. B. 246.)

B. corallina(coral-flowered). S. Stem woody, branching, sub-erect, brownish when matured.l.ovate-oblong, pointed, undulate, smooth, dull green, under side purple.fl.in long pendent racemes, numerous, medium-sized, bright coral-red. Summer. Brazil (?), 1875. A rare species, and one of the handsomest of the shrubby kinds, most likely closely related toB. maculata.

B. cordifolia(heart-shaped). T. Stemless; root-stock fleshy.l.cordate, orbicular, toothed, 3in. wide, pilose above, pubescent below; flower-scape 6in. long, dichotomous.fl.numerous, medium-sized. Capsule with three narrow wings. Winter. Ceylon and India. SYN.B. Arnottiana.

B. coriacea(leathery).* T. Stem 6in. high, herbaceous.l.reniform, 5in. wide by 3in. long, smooth above, pilose below.fl.rose-coloured, large, in twos or threes on the end of an erect scape, 8in. to 10in. long. Wings of capsule short, red. Summer. Bolivia.

B. coriacea(leathery). Synonymous withB. peltata.

B. crassicaulis(thick-stemmed). Stem short, thick, articulated, succulent.l.palmate; segments acuminate, toothed, under side clothed with rusty down.fl.in many-flowered cymes, dipetalous, white or rose-coloured, medium-sized. Capsule wings unequal. Near toB. heracleifolia. Spring. Guatemala, 1841. (B. R. 28, 44.)

B. crinita(hairy).* S. Stem 1ft. high, fleshy, bright red, more or less hairy.l.ovate-cordate; margins toothed, dark green; petiole red and hairy, like the stems.fl.in lax, branching cymes, rose-coloured, 1½in. in diameter. Fruit three-winged, one long and acute, two short and rounded. Spring. Bolivia, 1870. (B. M. 5897.)

B. cucullata(hooded). A variety ofB. semperflorens.

B. dædalea(adorned).* Stem short, thick, succulent.l.large, green, thickly covered with a close network of russet-brown, scarlet when young; edges pilose.fl.white and rose, in loose panicles. Mexico, 1860. A handsome foliaged plant. (I. H. 1861, 269.)

B. Daveauana.SeePellionia Daveauana.

B. Davisii(Davis's).* T. stemless,l.springing directly from root-stock, ovate-cordate, shining green, slightly hairy, underside red; petiole short, fleshy. Flower-scapes, pedicels, and flowers bright red; scape 4in. high, bearing half a dozen flowers in umbel. Capsule three-winged, one long, two very short. Summer. Peru, 1876. A handsome tuberous-rooted species, dwarf. See Fig. 228, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons. (B. M. 6252.)

B. dichotoma(branching). S. Stem tall, stout, fleshy.l.5in. long by 4in. wide, lobed, dull green.fl.white, on long axillary scapes, numerous. Winter. 1860.

B. Digswelliana(Digswell's). Stem short, semi-decumbent, large, green; margins red.fl.on long, erect scapes, pale pink, small, numerous. Useful for winter flowering purposes. A garden hybrid. (F. M. 236.)

B. dipetala(two-petaled). Stems springing from a fleshy root-stock, erect, 18in. high, brown.l.half heart-shaped; margins toothed, upper surface thickly spotted with white, under side red.fl.in loose axillary cymes, two-petaled, large, pink. Capsule equal-winged. Spring. India, 1828. A handsome species. (B. M. 2849.) SYN.B. bipetala.

B. discolor(two-coloured). Synonymous withB. Evansiana.

B. diversifolia(diverse-leaved). A variety ofB. gracilis.

B. Dregii(Drege's).* Rootstock fleshy. Stems succulent; annual, 1ft. high.l.oblique, thin, green, slightly spotted with grey, reddish on the under side.fl.white, about 1in. across, in axillary cymes. Capsule three-winged, one much longer than the other two, and acute-pointed. Summer. Cape, 1840. SYNS.B. caffra,B. reniformis.

B. echinosepala(spiny-sepaled).* Stem green, succulent, 18in. high.l.small, obliquely-oblong, serrulate.fl.on axillary peduncles, white, with curiously papillose sepals. Summer. Brazil, 1872. (R. G. 707.)

B. elliptica(elliptic). Synonymous withB. scandens.

B. erecta multiflora(erect, many-flowered).fl.bright reddish-pink, produced for several months, but especially during the winter.l.oblique, deep bronze coloured, very conspicuous. A decidedly handsome and very useful garden variety.

B. erosa(bitten). Synonymous withB. amœna.

B. Evansiana(Evans's).* T. Stem herbaceous, branching, smooth, 2ft. high.l.oblique, ovate-acute, sub-cordate, lobed; margins denticulate, green above, under side and petioles deep red; flower-stalks branching, axillary.fl.numerous, flesh-coloured, large. Capsule wings blunt-pointed, one longer than the others. Summer. Java, China, Japan, 1812. A handsome species, and almost hardy. SYNS.B. discolor,B. grandis. (B. M. 1473.)

B. eximia(excellent).* A hybrid, raised fromB. rubro-veniaandB. Thwaitesii. Stem short, succulent.l.bronzy-purple, tinged with red. A handsome foliage plant. (I. H. 1860, 233.)

B. falcifolia(sickle-leaved).* S. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, erect, branching.l.6in. long, 1½in. wide, curved, tapering to a narrow point; margins toothed, upper surface green, more or less spotted with white, under side deep red.fl.on short axillary peduncles, drooping, dipetalous, bright red. Wings of capsule equal, ½in. wide. Summer. Peru, 1868. A pretty flowering plant. (B. M. 5707.)

FIG. 228. BEGONIADAVISII.

B. ferruginea(rust-coloured). S. Stem woody, erect, smooth branching, covered with ferruginous hairs.l.oblique, ovate-acute, acuminate, lobed; margins toothed.fl.in branching cymes, large red. Capsule unequal-winged. Summer. Bogota. SYN.B. magnifica.B. Fischeri(Fischer's). Similar toB. falcifolia, except that the foliage is unspotted, and the flowers are white and small. Brazil, 1835. (B. M. 3532.)B. foliosa(leafy).* S. Stem slender, branching, fleshy.l.small, ovate-oblong, dark green, numerous, distichous on stems.fl.small, numerous, white, tinged with pink. Summer. New Grenada, 1868. Useful for growing hanging baskets. SYN.B. microphylla. (Ref. B. 222.)B. frigida(frigid). S. Stem 1ft. high, smooth, green, succulent.l.cordate, acuminate, lobed, serrated, slightly pilose; upper side coppery-green, beneath deep rose-red, especially upon the veins.fl.small, white, in erect branching cymes. Capsule wings two long, one short. Summer. Country unknown, 1860. (B. M. 5160.)B. Frœbeli(Frœbel's).* T. Stemless.l.numerous, cordate, acuminate, green, covered with purplish-velvety hairs.fl.in tall, lax, drooping, branching cymes, brilliant scarlet, large. Winter. Ecuador, 1872. A beautiful flowering plant, useful for conservatory work in winter. (Garden, pl. 96.)B. fuchsioides(Fuchsia-like).* S. Stem tall, drooping, herbaceous, smooth, green, tinged with red.l.copious, distichous, 1½in. long, oblong-ovate, slightly falcate, serrated, smooth; margins tinged with red.fl.in branching pendulous panicles, numerous, rich, deep scarlet. Capsule wings two very short and one long. Summer. New Grenada, 1846. A handsome greenhouse plant, useful for covering pillars, &c. SYN.B. miniata. (B. M. 4281.)B. f. miniata(vermilion).l.smaller than in type.fl.cinnabar red. (F. d. S. 8, 787.)B. gemmipara(bud-bearing). S. Stem 1ft. high, from a tuberous root-stock, succulent,l.ovate-acuminate, cordate, lobed, smooth above, pilose below.fl.medium-sized, white, or with rose stripes, on pendulous, axillary peduncles; sometimes the peduncles bear, instead of flowers, quadrangular cups, which are closely packed with oblong viviparous bulbils. Summer. Himalaya. (C. H. P. 14.)B. geranifolia(Geranium-leaved).* Rootstock tuberous. Stem 1ft. high, erect, angular, succulent, green, with a purplish tinge, branched dichotomously.l.cordate, cut into unequal serrated lobes, green; margins red, whole plant perfectly smooth;peduncles terminal, bearing two to three flowers, which are inclined, drooping while in bud; outer petals orbicular, red, the two inner obovate, waved white. Summer. Lima, 1833. (B. M. 3387.)B. geranioides(Geranium-like).* T. Rootstock fleshy. Stemless.l.radical, somewhat reniform, lobed, serrated; surface scabrid, deep green; leafstalks red, hairy.fl.white, in lax, drooping panicle. Summer. Natal, 1866. A pretty, though delicate, species. (B. M. 5583.)B. glandulosa(glandular-leaved).* Stem a stout rhizome, scaly. Leafstalks thick, terete, erect, hairy, 9in. high.l.6in. broad, fleshy, cordate, lobed, green; veins dark.fl.on tall, dark, erect scapes, numerous, greenish-white. Capsule wings, one very large, blunt. Costa Rica, 1854. SYNS.B. hernandiæfolia,B. nigro-venia. (B. M. 5256.)

B. Fischeri(Fischer's). Similar toB. falcifolia, except that the foliage is unspotted, and the flowers are white and small. Brazil, 1835. (B. M. 3532.)

B. foliosa(leafy).* S. Stem slender, branching, fleshy.l.small, ovate-oblong, dark green, numerous, distichous on stems.fl.small, numerous, white, tinged with pink. Summer. New Grenada, 1868. Useful for growing hanging baskets. SYN.B. microphylla. (Ref. B. 222.)

B. frigida(frigid). S. Stem 1ft. high, smooth, green, succulent.l.cordate, acuminate, lobed, serrated, slightly pilose; upper side coppery-green, beneath deep rose-red, especially upon the veins.fl.small, white, in erect branching cymes. Capsule wings two long, one short. Summer. Country unknown, 1860. (B. M. 5160.)

B. Frœbeli(Frœbel's).* T. Stemless.l.numerous, cordate, acuminate, green, covered with purplish-velvety hairs.fl.in tall, lax, drooping, branching cymes, brilliant scarlet, large. Winter. Ecuador, 1872. A beautiful flowering plant, useful for conservatory work in winter. (Garden, pl. 96.)

B. fuchsioides(Fuchsia-like).* S. Stem tall, drooping, herbaceous, smooth, green, tinged with red.l.copious, distichous, 1½in. long, oblong-ovate, slightly falcate, serrated, smooth; margins tinged with red.fl.in branching pendulous panicles, numerous, rich, deep scarlet. Capsule wings two very short and one long. Summer. New Grenada, 1846. A handsome greenhouse plant, useful for covering pillars, &c. SYN.B. miniata. (B. M. 4281.)

B. f. miniata(vermilion).l.smaller than in type.fl.cinnabar red. (F. d. S. 8, 787.)

B. gemmipara(bud-bearing). S. Stem 1ft. high, from a tuberous root-stock, succulent,l.ovate-acuminate, cordate, lobed, smooth above, pilose below.fl.medium-sized, white, or with rose stripes, on pendulous, axillary peduncles; sometimes the peduncles bear, instead of flowers, quadrangular cups, which are closely packed with oblong viviparous bulbils. Summer. Himalaya. (C. H. P. 14.)

B. geranifolia(Geranium-leaved).* Rootstock tuberous. Stem 1ft. high, erect, angular, succulent, green, with a purplish tinge, branched dichotomously.l.cordate, cut into unequal serrated lobes, green; margins red, whole plant perfectly smooth;peduncles terminal, bearing two to three flowers, which are inclined, drooping while in bud; outer petals orbicular, red, the two inner obovate, waved white. Summer. Lima, 1833. (B. M. 3387.)

B. geranioides(Geranium-like).* T. Rootstock fleshy. Stemless.l.radical, somewhat reniform, lobed, serrated; surface scabrid, deep green; leafstalks red, hairy.fl.white, in lax, drooping panicle. Summer. Natal, 1866. A pretty, though delicate, species. (B. M. 5583.)

B. glandulosa(glandular-leaved).* Stem a stout rhizome, scaly. Leafstalks thick, terete, erect, hairy, 9in. high.l.6in. broad, fleshy, cordate, lobed, green; veins dark.fl.on tall, dark, erect scapes, numerous, greenish-white. Capsule wings, one very large, blunt. Costa Rica, 1854. SYNS.B. hernandiæfolia,B. nigro-venia. (B. M. 5256.)

FIG. 229. BEGONIAHERACLEIFOLIA.

B. gogoensis(Gogoan).*l.peltate, ovate-orbicular, oblique, acute when young, with a bronzy metallic hue, ultimately changing to a deep velvety-green, intersected by the paler midribs and veins; the under surface deep red.fl.pale rose, in a lax panicle. Gogo, in Sumatra, 1881. A very handsome, ornamental-foliaged species.B. gracilis(slender).* T. Stem erect, unbranched, very succulent,l.thinly scattered along stems, half heart-shaped, slightly hairy, lobed, denticulate-ciliate.fl.on short axillary peduncles; umbel of few male and female flowers, two larger petals serrate, colour pink. Capsule winged, green. Mexico, 1829. In axils of leaves between stipules a cluster of bulbils are borne; these may be gathered and sown as seeds. This and its varieties,annulata,diversifolia,Martiana, &c., are beautiful summer flowering greenhouse Begonias, requiring a sandy peat soil and shade. When well grown, they are exceedingly ornamental. (B. M. 2966.)B. Grahamiana(Graham's). Synonymous withB. albo-coccinea.B. grandiflora(large-flowered). Synonymous withB. octopetala.B. grandis(great). A variety ofB. Rex.B. grandis(great). Synonymous withB. Evansiana.B. grandis(great). Synonymous withB. vitifolia.B. Griffithii(Griffith's). Stemless; rhizome subterraneous.l.large, obliquely-cordate; margin crenate, hairy; surface granulated, colour a dark green; margin purple, zoned with grey, under side green, centre and margin deep purple.fl.on cymes, large, white internally, outside tinged with blush, slightly pilose. Capsule tubercled, one wing large, projecting. Winter. India, 1856. (B. M. 4984.)B. Hasskarlii(Hasskarl's). Synonymous withB. peltata.B. heracleifolia(cow-parsnip leaved). Rootstock thick, fleshy.l.radical, on long pilose stalks, palmate, large, bronzy green; margins toothed, hairy. Flower-stalks long, stout, erect, hairy, many-flowered.fl.rose-coloured. Capsule wings nearly equal. Spring. Mexico, 1831. This and the following varieties are handsome both in foliage and flowers. SYNS.B. jatrophæfolia,B. punctata,B. radiata. See Fig. 229. (B. M. 3444.)B. h. longipila(long-haired).l.greyish in middle; outer portions dark bronzy, blotched with green. Whole plant covered with long, stiff, fleshy hairs.fl.as in the type.B. h. nigricans(dark). This differs from the type in having foliage of a blackish tint all round the margins of the lobes, and the petals of the flowers nearly white. (B. M. 4983.)B. h. punctata(dotted).l.green, reddish near margin.fl.rose-colour, with deep red spots on the outside.B. herbacea(herbaceous).* Rhizome creeping.l.oblong-acute, lanceolate, toothed, ciliated. Flower-stalks shorter than leaves; male flowers in a cymose head, white, small; female flowers solitary, on very short stalks. Spring. Brazil, 1873. A small species, very succulent, with the appearance of a primrose when not in flower. SYN.B. attenuata. (G. C. 1873, 679.)B. hernandiæfolia(Hernandia-leaved). Synonymous withB. glandulosa. (Seemann.)B. hernandiæfolia(Hernandia-leaved). Synonymous withB. nelumbiifolia. (Gardens.)B. hernandiæfolia(Hernandia-leaved). Synonymous withB. peltata. (B. M. 4676.)B. hirsuta(hairy). Synonymous withB. humilis.B. Hookeri(Hooker's). A variety ofB. semperflorens.B. Hookeriana(Hooker's). S. Stem woody, 5ft. to 6ft. high, branching, covered with minute rusty tomentum.l.ovate, unequal sided, blunt, 8in. long, tomentose, like the stem.fl.in axillary cymes, small, white. Spring. Brazil, 1850.B. humilis(dwarf).* Stem erect, fleshy, hairy.l.semicordate-oblong, acuminate, ciliate-serrate, hairy above, smooth beneath.fl.few, in cymes, small, white. Capsule unequal winged. Summer. Trinidad, 1788. Annual. SYN.B. hirsuta.B. humilis(dwarf). Synonymous withB. suaveolens. (B. R. 294.)B. hybrida floribunda(many-flowered).* A very beautiful summer blooming hybrid betweenB. fuchsioidesandB. multiflora.fl.bright rose, medium sized, produced in abundance. Summer. One of the best.B. hydrocotylifolia(Penny-wort-leaved).* Stem succulent, short, creeping.l.rotundate cordate, almost equal-sided; petiole short. Whole plant hairy. Flower-stalks 1ft. high, pilose.fl.in cymose head, medium-sized, dipetalous, rose-coloured, as also are pedicels and stalk. Capsule wings equal-sized, large. Summer. Mexico, 1841. (B. M. 3968.)B. h. asarifolia(Asarum-leaved). Leaves and flowers smaller than in the type, the latter white. Mexico.B. imperialis(imperial).* Stem rhizomatous, short, thick.l.large, broad, ovate-acute, cordate, rugose, hairy, dark olive-green; nerves banded with greyish-green colour.fl.in cymes, white, medium-sized.fr.unequal winged. Mexico, 1861. A handsome foliage species. (I. H. 1860, 262.)B. i. smaragdina(emerald-like).l.shining emerald green.B. incana(hoary). Stem erect, fleshy, tomentose.l.leathery, peltate, oblong-acute, sub-angular, whitish beneath. Flower-stalks long.fl.in small downy panicles, white. Winter. Mexico, 1840. SYN.B. auriformis.B. i. auriformis(ear-like).l.divided at the base, not peltate.fl.glabrous.B. incarnata(fleshy).* S. Stem erect, fleshy, 2ft. high, smooth; nodes swollen, reddish, spotted.l.on short, smooth petioles, unequally cordate, acuminate, sinuately-serrate, green.fl.large, rose-coloured, handsome; peduncles terminal, nodding. Capsule with unequal wings, the largest acute. Winter. Mexico, 1822. SYNS.B. aucubæfolia,B. insignis,B. Lindleyana. (B. M. 2900.)B. i. maculosa(spotted).l.spotted with white.B. i. metallica(metallic-leaved).l.with a bronzy-purple metallic lustre.B. i. papillosa(papillose). Foliage margined with bright rose; upper surface covered with little papillæ. (B. M. 2846.)B. i. purpurea(purple-leaved). Foliage deep bronzy-purple.B. Ingramii(Ingram's).* A garden hybrid, raised at Frogmore in 1849, fromB. fuchsioidesandB. nitida. It combines the characters of the two parents. A useful winter-flowering plant; may be grown out of doors in summer. (G. M. B., p. 153.)B. insignis(remarkable). Synonymous withB. incarnata.B. involucrata(involucrate). S. Stem erect, tall, angular, covered with a reddish tomentum.l.oblique, ovate-acuminate, cordate; margins toothed and ciliate.fl.enclosed in a wrapper, or involucre, when young; peduncles graceful, bearing umbel of white, largish flowers. Capsule wings unequal, the largest falcate. Winter. Central America.B. jatrophæfolia(Jatropha-leaved). Synonymous withB. heracleifolia.B. Josephi(Joseph's). Stemless.l.radical, on petioles 6in. to 10in. long, ovate-acuminate, three-lobed, or orbicular, with numerous acute lobes, slightly pubescent; scape 1ft., branched.fl.small, rose-coloured. Capsule wings unequal; upper margins horizontal. Summer. Himalaya.B. Kunthiana(Kunth's).* S. Stem erect, smooth, slender, purple-brown.l.on short petioles, lance-shaped, acuminate, regularly serrated, smooth, dark green above, bright crimson below.fl.axillary, on short nodding peduncles, white, large, handsome. Summer. Venezuela, 1862. A pretty species. (B. M. 5284.)B. laciniata(cut-leaved).* Rhizome thick, fleshy. Stem short, thick, jointed, reddish, woolly.l.large, 6in. to 10in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, unequally cordate; margins irregularly cut, serrated; upper side green, under dull, rufous.fl.on short axillary peduncles, large, white, tinted with rose. Capsule wings, one very long, others short. Spring. Nepaul to Birma, South China, 1858. SYN.B. Bowringiana. (B. M. 5182.)B. Leopoldi(Leopold's). A hybrid fromB. GriffithiiandB. splendida, with large variegated foliage. 1858.B. Lindleyana(Lindley's).* S. Stem erect, fleshy, covered with ferruginous hairs.l.on long petioles, peltate, ovate, acute, 5in. to 6in. long, 3in. to 4in. wide, irregularly lobed, toothed, green above, tomentose below.fl.on branching peduncles, medium sized, white. Winter. Guatemala.B. Lindleyana(Lindley's). A garden synonym ofB. incarnata. (Gardens.)B. longipes(long-stalked). S. Stem 3ft. or more high, stout, succulent, furrowed, covered with glands.l.large, rotundate-cordate; margin irregular, serrated, both sides green, pubescent when young.fl.numerous, small, white; peduncle 1ft. long, branched. Winter. Colombia, 1829. (B. M. 3001.)B. longipila(long-haired). A variety ofB. heracleifolia.B. lucida(shining). Synonymous withB. scandens.B. Lynchiana(Lynch's). S. Stem erect, tall, succulent, smooth.l.fleshy, 10in. long, oblique, ovate-cordate, crenulate, green, smooth.fl.axillary, in drooping cymes, numerous, large, deep reddish-crimson. Winter. Mexico, 1880. One of the finest of the tall-growing winter-flowering species. When well managed, the flower-heads are almost a foot in diameter. SYN.B. Roezlii, of gardens. (B. M. 6758.)

B. gracilis(slender).* T. Stem erect, unbranched, very succulent,l.thinly scattered along stems, half heart-shaped, slightly hairy, lobed, denticulate-ciliate.fl.on short axillary peduncles; umbel of few male and female flowers, two larger petals serrate, colour pink. Capsule winged, green. Mexico, 1829. In axils of leaves between stipules a cluster of bulbils are borne; these may be gathered and sown as seeds. This and its varieties,annulata,diversifolia,Martiana, &c., are beautiful summer flowering greenhouse Begonias, requiring a sandy peat soil and shade. When well grown, they are exceedingly ornamental. (B. M. 2966.)

B. Grahamiana(Graham's). Synonymous withB. albo-coccinea.

B. grandiflora(large-flowered). Synonymous withB. octopetala.

B. grandis(great). A variety ofB. Rex.

B. grandis(great). Synonymous withB. Evansiana.

B. grandis(great). Synonymous withB. vitifolia.

B. Griffithii(Griffith's). Stemless; rhizome subterraneous.l.large, obliquely-cordate; margin crenate, hairy; surface granulated, colour a dark green; margin purple, zoned with grey, under side green, centre and margin deep purple.fl.on cymes, large, white internally, outside tinged with blush, slightly pilose. Capsule tubercled, one wing large, projecting. Winter. India, 1856. (B. M. 4984.)

B. Hasskarlii(Hasskarl's). Synonymous withB. peltata.

B. heracleifolia(cow-parsnip leaved). Rootstock thick, fleshy.l.radical, on long pilose stalks, palmate, large, bronzy green; margins toothed, hairy. Flower-stalks long, stout, erect, hairy, many-flowered.fl.rose-coloured. Capsule wings nearly equal. Spring. Mexico, 1831. This and the following varieties are handsome both in foliage and flowers. SYNS.B. jatrophæfolia,B. punctata,B. radiata. See Fig. 229. (B. M. 3444.)

B. h. longipila(long-haired).l.greyish in middle; outer portions dark bronzy, blotched with green. Whole plant covered with long, stiff, fleshy hairs.fl.as in the type.

B. h. nigricans(dark). This differs from the type in having foliage of a blackish tint all round the margins of the lobes, and the petals of the flowers nearly white. (B. M. 4983.)

B. h. punctata(dotted).l.green, reddish near margin.fl.rose-colour, with deep red spots on the outside.

B. herbacea(herbaceous).* Rhizome creeping.l.oblong-acute, lanceolate, toothed, ciliated. Flower-stalks shorter than leaves; male flowers in a cymose head, white, small; female flowers solitary, on very short stalks. Spring. Brazil, 1873. A small species, very succulent, with the appearance of a primrose when not in flower. SYN.B. attenuata. (G. C. 1873, 679.)

B. hernandiæfolia(Hernandia-leaved). Synonymous withB. glandulosa. (Seemann.)

B. hernandiæfolia(Hernandia-leaved). Synonymous withB. nelumbiifolia. (Gardens.)

B. hernandiæfolia(Hernandia-leaved). Synonymous withB. peltata. (B. M. 4676.)

B. hirsuta(hairy). Synonymous withB. humilis.

B. Hookeri(Hooker's). A variety ofB. semperflorens.

B. Hookeriana(Hooker's). S. Stem woody, 5ft. to 6ft. high, branching, covered with minute rusty tomentum.l.ovate, unequal sided, blunt, 8in. long, tomentose, like the stem.fl.in axillary cymes, small, white. Spring. Brazil, 1850.

B. humilis(dwarf).* Stem erect, fleshy, hairy.l.semicordate-oblong, acuminate, ciliate-serrate, hairy above, smooth beneath.fl.few, in cymes, small, white. Capsule unequal winged. Summer. Trinidad, 1788. Annual. SYN.B. hirsuta.

B. humilis(dwarf). Synonymous withB. suaveolens. (B. R. 294.)

B. hybrida floribunda(many-flowered).* A very beautiful summer blooming hybrid betweenB. fuchsioidesandB. multiflora.fl.bright rose, medium sized, produced in abundance. Summer. One of the best.

B. hydrocotylifolia(Penny-wort-leaved).* Stem succulent, short, creeping.l.rotundate cordate, almost equal-sided; petiole short. Whole plant hairy. Flower-stalks 1ft. high, pilose.fl.in cymose head, medium-sized, dipetalous, rose-coloured, as also are pedicels and stalk. Capsule wings equal-sized, large. Summer. Mexico, 1841. (B. M. 3968.)

B. h. asarifolia(Asarum-leaved). Leaves and flowers smaller than in the type, the latter white. Mexico.

B. imperialis(imperial).* Stem rhizomatous, short, thick.l.large, broad, ovate-acute, cordate, rugose, hairy, dark olive-green; nerves banded with greyish-green colour.fl.in cymes, white, medium-sized.fr.unequal winged. Mexico, 1861. A handsome foliage species. (I. H. 1860, 262.)

B. i. smaragdina(emerald-like).l.shining emerald green.

B. incana(hoary). Stem erect, fleshy, tomentose.l.leathery, peltate, oblong-acute, sub-angular, whitish beneath. Flower-stalks long.fl.in small downy panicles, white. Winter. Mexico, 1840. SYN.B. auriformis.

B. i. auriformis(ear-like).l.divided at the base, not peltate.fl.glabrous.

B. incarnata(fleshy).* S. Stem erect, fleshy, 2ft. high, smooth; nodes swollen, reddish, spotted.l.on short, smooth petioles, unequally cordate, acuminate, sinuately-serrate, green.fl.large, rose-coloured, handsome; peduncles terminal, nodding. Capsule with unequal wings, the largest acute. Winter. Mexico, 1822. SYNS.B. aucubæfolia,B. insignis,B. Lindleyana. (B. M. 2900.)

B. i. maculosa(spotted).l.spotted with white.

B. i. metallica(metallic-leaved).l.with a bronzy-purple metallic lustre.

B. i. papillosa(papillose). Foliage margined with bright rose; upper surface covered with little papillæ. (B. M. 2846.)

B. i. purpurea(purple-leaved). Foliage deep bronzy-purple.

B. Ingramii(Ingram's).* A garden hybrid, raised at Frogmore in 1849, fromB. fuchsioidesandB. nitida. It combines the characters of the two parents. A useful winter-flowering plant; may be grown out of doors in summer. (G. M. B., p. 153.)

B. insignis(remarkable). Synonymous withB. incarnata.

B. involucrata(involucrate). S. Stem erect, tall, angular, covered with a reddish tomentum.l.oblique, ovate-acuminate, cordate; margins toothed and ciliate.fl.enclosed in a wrapper, or involucre, when young; peduncles graceful, bearing umbel of white, largish flowers. Capsule wings unequal, the largest falcate. Winter. Central America.

B. jatrophæfolia(Jatropha-leaved). Synonymous withB. heracleifolia.

B. Josephi(Joseph's). Stemless.l.radical, on petioles 6in. to 10in. long, ovate-acuminate, three-lobed, or orbicular, with numerous acute lobes, slightly pubescent; scape 1ft., branched.fl.small, rose-coloured. Capsule wings unequal; upper margins horizontal. Summer. Himalaya.

B. Kunthiana(Kunth's).* S. Stem erect, smooth, slender, purple-brown.l.on short petioles, lance-shaped, acuminate, regularly serrated, smooth, dark green above, bright crimson below.fl.axillary, on short nodding peduncles, white, large, handsome. Summer. Venezuela, 1862. A pretty species. (B. M. 5284.)

B. laciniata(cut-leaved).* Rhizome thick, fleshy. Stem short, thick, jointed, reddish, woolly.l.large, 6in. to 10in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, unequally cordate; margins irregularly cut, serrated; upper side green, under dull, rufous.fl.on short axillary peduncles, large, white, tinted with rose. Capsule wings, one very long, others short. Spring. Nepaul to Birma, South China, 1858. SYN.B. Bowringiana. (B. M. 5182.)

B. Leopoldi(Leopold's). A hybrid fromB. GriffithiiandB. splendida, with large variegated foliage. 1858.

B. Lindleyana(Lindley's).* S. Stem erect, fleshy, covered with ferruginous hairs.l.on long petioles, peltate, ovate, acute, 5in. to 6in. long, 3in. to 4in. wide, irregularly lobed, toothed, green above, tomentose below.fl.on branching peduncles, medium sized, white. Winter. Guatemala.

B. Lindleyana(Lindley's). A garden synonym ofB. incarnata. (Gardens.)

B. longipes(long-stalked). S. Stem 3ft. or more high, stout, succulent, furrowed, covered with glands.l.large, rotundate-cordate; margin irregular, serrated, both sides green, pubescent when young.fl.numerous, small, white; peduncle 1ft. long, branched. Winter. Colombia, 1829. (B. M. 3001.)

B. longipila(long-haired). A variety ofB. heracleifolia.

B. lucida(shining). Synonymous withB. scandens.

B. Lynchiana(Lynch's). S. Stem erect, tall, succulent, smooth.l.fleshy, 10in. long, oblique, ovate-cordate, crenulate, green, smooth.fl.axillary, in drooping cymes, numerous, large, deep reddish-crimson. Winter. Mexico, 1880. One of the finest of the tall-growing winter-flowering species. When well managed, the flower-heads are almost a foot in diameter. SYN.B. Roezlii, of gardens. (B. M. 6758.)

FIG. 230. BEGONIAMACULATA, showing Habit, Section of Capsule, and Flower.

B. maculata(spotted).* S. A woody shrub. Stems branching, smooth.l.oblique, ovate-oblong, leathery, slightly undulate; margins entire, under side bright crimson, above green, with numerous large round blotches of silvery white.fl.in drooping panicles, coral-like, handsome. Capsule with one long, narrow wing. Summer. Brazil, 1821. (B. R. 666.) There are numerous varieties of this species, some with leaves almost green, others with the markings more striking than in the type; in the flowers they differ also, ranging from white to coral-red. The beautifulB. corallinais probably a variety of this. SYN.B. argyrostigma. See Fig. 230.B. magnifica(magnificent).* S. Stem erect, fleshy, smooth.l.ovate, unequal sided, toothed.fl.in terminal, cymose panicles, rosy-carmine, 1½in. long. New Grenada, 1870. (R. H. 1870, 271.)B. magnifica(magnificent). Synonymous withB. ferruginea.B. malabarica(Malabar).* Stem thick, succulent, 2ft. high, branching.l.numerous, cordate, acute, unequal-sided, crenate or serrate, hairy above and sometimes below, or altogether glabrous, spotted white.fl.rose-coloured; peduncles axillary, short, few-flowered. Capsule wings equal, joined above and below. Summer. Malabar and Ceylon, 1828.B. dipetalais made a variety of this, by Sir Joseph Hooker, in "Flora of British India." (L. B. C. 1730.)

B. magnifica(magnificent).* S. Stem erect, fleshy, smooth.l.ovate, unequal sided, toothed.fl.in terminal, cymose panicles, rosy-carmine, 1½in. long. New Grenada, 1870. (R. H. 1870, 271.)

B. magnifica(magnificent). Synonymous withB. ferruginea.

B. malabarica(Malabar).* Stem thick, succulent, 2ft. high, branching.l.numerous, cordate, acute, unequal-sided, crenate or serrate, hairy above and sometimes below, or altogether glabrous, spotted white.fl.rose-coloured; peduncles axillary, short, few-flowered. Capsule wings equal, joined above and below. Summer. Malabar and Ceylon, 1828.B. dipetalais made a variety of this, by Sir Joseph Hooker, in "Flora of British India." (L. B. C. 1730.)

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