Begonia davisii is a plant in the begonia family, Begoniaceae, which was used in the early days of breeding Begonia × tuberhybrida cultivars.[1][2]
| Begonia davisii | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Begoniaceae |
| Genus: | Begonia |
| Species: | B. davisii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Begonia davisii | |
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
editThe 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
editThe 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
edit
- ^ John E. Bryan (2002). Bulbs. Timber Press. p. 121. ISBN 0-88192-529-2.
- ^ Geoff Bryant. "Tuberhybrida Cultivars". Country, Farm & Garden. Retrieved 18 November 2008.
- ^ a b c James Herbert Veitch (2006). Hortus Veitchii (reprint ed.). Caradoc Doy. p. 457. ISBN 0-9553515-0-2.
- ^ a b Hortus Veitchii. p. 232.
- ^ Hortus Veitchii. p. 459.
- ^ "Begonia davisii Orangeade". www.seeds-by-size.co.uk. Retrieved 18 November 2008.[dead link]