begonia

[ bih-gohn-yuh, -goh-nee-uh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any tropical plant belonging to the genus Begonia, including species cultivated for the handsome, succulent leaves and waxy flowers.

begonia

/ bɪˈɡəʊnjə /

any plant of the genus Begonia , of warm and tropical regions, widely cultivated for their ornamental leaves and waxy flowers: family Begoniaceae

Origin of begonia¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus), named after Michel Bégon (1638–1710), French patron of science; -ia

Origin of begonia¹

C18: New Latin, named after Michel Bégon (1638–1710), French patron of science

Among foliage plants such things as coleus, dusty miller, begonia, and some geraniums are adaptable.

The begonia leaf may be treated in various other ways and still give good results.

Begonia leaves, however, will throw out young plants from the main veins when these veins or ribs are cut.

Mr. Herbert Spencer (speaking of the reproduction, by budding, of a Begonia-leaf) recognizes a power of the kind.

But any leaf of begonia can be made to develop into a new plant, giving rise to germ-cells.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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