Begonia davisii

Begonia davisii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Species:
B. davisii
Binomial name
Begonia davisii

Begonia davisii is a plant in the begonia family, Begoniaceae, which was used in the early days of breeding Begonia × tuberhybrida cultivars.[1][2]

It was discovered by the Victorian plant collector Walter Davis (after whom it was named) near Arequipa in Peru and was first introduced to England in 1877.[3][4]

Description

The plant has a dwarf, tufted habit[4] with broadly ovate–cordate leaves, which are glossy bluish-green above and purplish beneath, with a slightly lobed serrated margin; the flowers are rich orange-scarlet in colour, arranged in threes on erect red-coloured scapes 6 inches (150 mm) to 8 inches (200 mm) high.[3]

Hybridization

The dwarf habit and erect flowers characteristic of this species were taken advantage of by John Seden, who rapidly evolved several garden forms, including a dwarf race of hybrids suitable for summer-bedding which became popular in Victorian England.[3][5]

The cultivar, B. davisii Orangeade, which has double bright copper–orange flowers, is available commercially today.[6]

References

  1. ^ John E. Bryan (2002). Bulbs. Timber Press. p. 121. ISBN 0-88192-529-2.
  2. ^ Geoff Bryant. "Tuberhybrida Cultivars". Country, Farm & Garden. Retrieved 18 November 2008.
  3. ^ a b c James Herbert Veitch (2006). Hortus Veitchii (reprint ed.). Caradoc Doy. p. 457. ISBN 0-9553515-0-2.
  4. ^ a b Hortus Veitchii. p. 232.
  5. ^ Hortus Veitchii. p. 459.
  6. ^ "Begonia davisii Orangeade". www.seeds-by-size.co.uk. Retrieved 18 November 2008.[dead link]