Begoniaceae

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秋海棠 - 溪頭自然教育園區 Begonia - Xitou Nature Education Area, Taiwan 20220413200914 01

秋海棠 - 溪頭自然教育園區 Begonia - Xitou Nature Education Area, Taiwan 20220413200002 15

秋海棠 - 溪頭自然教育園區 Begonia - Xitou Nature Education Area, Taiwan 20220413202630

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秋海棠 Begonia - Botanical Garden of National Museum of Natural Science, Taiwan 20220422160737 04

Begoniaceae is a large flowering plant family known for its diverse species of begonias. The family encompasses over 1,800 species distributed across the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Begoniaceae is notable for its unique foliage and flowers, making it popular among horticulturists and plant enthusiasts. This family is characterized by its asymmetrical, often colorful leaves, and unisexual flowers, meaning that each plant has either male or female flowers, but not both.

Description

Members of the Begoniaceae family exhibit a wide range of growth habits, including upright, trailing, and shrubby forms. The leaves of begonias are often highly decorative, with variations in shape, color, and texture. The flowers, which can be either male or female, are typically borne in clusters and display a range of colors from white to pink, red, or yellow. The fruit is a winged capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.

Taxonomy

The family Begoniaceae was established by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu in 1789. It is classified within the order Cucurbitales, closely related to the pumpkin and cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). The family is primarily divided into two genera: Begonia, which comprises the vast majority of species, and Hillebrandia, a single species genus endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Distribution and Habitat

Begoniaceae species are found in a wide range of tropical and subtropical habitats, from rainforests to mountainous regions. They are particularly diverse in South America and Asia, with a significant number of species occurring in Brazil, Mexico, and the Himalayas. These plants typically prefer moist, shaded environments, although some species have adapted to more arid conditions.

Cultivation and Uses

Begonias are widely cultivated for their ornamental value, with numerous hybrids and cultivars developed for garden and indoor use. They are valued for their attractive foliage and flowers, as well as their ability to thrive in shaded conditions where other plants may struggle. In addition to their decorative use, some species of begonias are used in traditional medicine, and their leaves can be edible.

Conservation

Many species within the Begoniaceae family are considered at risk due to habitat destruction, overcollection, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway in various parts of the world to preserve the natural habitats of these plants and to propagate endangered species in botanical gardens and through ex situ conservation methods.