Cutflower Nomenclature

Scientific/Botanical Name:

Genus: Begonia

Specie: B. lucerna

Variety/Cultivar:

English Name:

 

Common Name:

Angel Wing Begonia, 'Lucerna' Begonia, 'Corallina de Lucerna' Begonia

Botanical Family:

Name in Latin: Begoniaceae

Name in English: The Begonia Family

The Plant

Origin: Brazil

Growth Habit: Arching, Bushy, Clump-forming, Spreading

Flower: monoecious, quite showy and long-lasting- brilliant, coral-red, drooping clusters

Blooming Period: Summer

Leaf: smooth, silver/white-spotted leaves with their red undersides are especially attractive.  leaves are narrow ‘Angel Wings’, often red-veined.

Usage:

Ornamental house plant and seasonal garden plant

Care and Handling

Soil: general potting , but can handle heavier soil which makes it good for garden planting

Amount of water: moderate

Nutrition: feed with regular fertilizer

Special handling: likes humidity. Does not like cold weather. Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant, good for hanging.

Special feature/remarks:

Named in honor of Michel Begon, 1638-1710. He was a French promoter of botany and one time official superintendent of Santo Domingo (Haiti). What makes this specimen unique is its connection to one of the world’s most famous scientists, Albert Einstein.

When crossed with other begonias it produced what are known today as the Superba Hybrids.