Begonia x tuberhybrida Voss

Begonia × tuberhybrida var. grandiflora Voss, Begonia Tuberhybrida Group, Begonia tuberosea hort

Begoniaceae

Hybrid Tuberous Begonia, Tuberous Begonia

Begonia tuberhybrida is a complex group of cultivars developed from hybridization of several Andean species such as B. boliviensis with pink flowers or B. pearcei with yellow flowers (Dewitte et al. 2011; USDA, ARS 2012). Other parental Andean species used in hybridization include Begonia veitchii and B. davisi. Tuberous begonias are cultivated and not found wild.

Tuberous begonias thrive best in a mild cool summer climate and are totally intolerant of high temperatures or very high humidity levels or frost. The ideal conditions for tuberous begonias are areas where evening temperatures do not fall below 15 °C and where day temperatures are less than 27 °C (on average). They grow best in partial to dappled shade, in well-drained fertile loamy-acidic soil rich in humus. The plants need frequent watering and fertilization and need protection from strong winds. Container plants may be brought indoors in fall and grown as winter houseplants.

The fleshy leaves and flowers are edible (Laferriere 1990, 1992; Deane 2007–2012) raw or cooked and used in salads (Deane 2007–2012). Chopped begonia petals are mixed into a food processor or mixer with soft cream cheese, strawberry or other jelly or jam and some juice or liquid to prepare Begonia spread. The brightly coloured flowers have a delicious light, lemon taste and a crisp texture (Anonymous 2012). Snipped petals are used as a garnish in salads and sandwiches or whole petals dipped in flavoured yogurt and serve as an appetizer.

A large heterogeneous Begonia group with tuberous roots, complex and diversified because of crossing and backcrossing. Plants are small annual/perennial, tuberous herb growing to 30–45 cm high in a compact bushy habit with thick tuberous roots. Leaves alternate, 5–10 cm long, cordate to ovate with undulating or dentate margin, glossy green simple with lobed margin and pinnate venation with succulent green or reddish petioles (Plate 1). Flowers in few-flowered axillary cymes. Flower with male and female flowers on the same plant. Flowers small 1.5–2 cm to large, 5–7 cm, showy, waxy, roselike, single (4–5 tepals) or double flowers with multiples whorls of tepals of variable brightly colours of red, pink, purple, orange, yellow with ruffled-toothed or smooth margins (Plates 1 and 2).