BegoniaBegonia salaziensis
Category
- Forests
Description
Begonia salaziensis is native to Mauritius and Reunion. It is part of the Begoniaceae family which comprises over a thousand species distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions in the Americas, Asia and Africa. The plant can measure between 50cm and 2 meters in height and has bright green leaves with two unequal halves.
Habitat and ecology
The plant is frequently found in humid mountain vegetation but mostly below cliff vegetation in areas such as Le Pouce, Mt Ory, Grand Peak and Corps de Garde. Its inflorescence occurs between November and March, producing male and female small white-pink flowers. It produces fleshy berries which turn orange when they ripen.
Conservation and threats
Begonia salaziensis is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’, its population has reduced over the past years and the species is restricted to a few localities. The plant, however, is easy to propagate and can be used in landscape and restoration projects.
Did you know?
Begonias do not have true petals but colorful sepals.
References
Rutty, R. (TPTNC). 2000. Begonia salaziensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2000: e.T39460A10239643. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2000.RLTS.T39460A10239643.en. Downloaded on 01 June 2018.
http://www.jardinbotaniquedenancy.eu/fileadmin/documents/cjbn/Plante_du_mois/Begonia_salaziensis.pdf
