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Gazania Species
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Begonia
Begonia is one of the largest angiosperm genera with over 15,00 species and about 82 hybrids. The species are terrestrials, herbs and occur in subtropical and tropical moist climates in South and Central America, Africa and Asia.Trerrestrial species in the wild are commonly upright-stemmed, rhizomatous or truberous. The plants are monoecious with unisexual male and female flower occurring separately on the same plant. The male contains numerous stamens; the female has a large branched or twisted stigmas. In most species the fruit is winged capsules containing numerous minute seeds. The leaves, which are often large and variously marked, are usually asymmetric. Because of their showy flowers of white, pink, scarlet or yellow colours and often attractively marked leaves, many species and innumerable hybrids are cultivated. The American Begonia society classify begonia into several major groups – Cane-like, shrub-like, tuberous, rhizomatous, rex, trailing stemmed or thick stemmed.
Cultivation : Most species are from tropical regions and therefore they and their hybrids require warm temperature. Most plants require bright shade; few will tolerate full-sun, especially in the warmer climate. In general, begonia requires a well-drained growing medium that is neither constantly wet nor allow to dry out completely. Many begonias will grow and flower year-round but tuberous begonias usually have dormant period, during which the tubers can be stored in a cool and dry place.
Begonias of semperflorens group are frequently grown as bedding plants outdoors. Tuberous begonias are frequently grown as container plants. Most begonias can be grown outdoors year-round in subtropical or tropical climates but in temperate climates begonias are grown outdoors as annuals, or as house or as greenhouse plants.
Most begonias are easily propagated from stem cutting. In addition, many can be propagated from leaf cuttings or even section of leaves, particularly members of rhizomatous and rex group.
Disease and Cure : Most problems with begonias involve moisture, either too much or too little of it. The problem most likely to be faced is powdery mildew, indicated by a dusty, grayish coating on the leaves. Botyritis appears as a grayish-white mould on dead leaves that eventually spreads to living parts of the plant. Both diseases can be controlled by spraying with a fungicide such as Baycor. Weevils nibble the plant. Mites can be problem with tuberous begonias due to too dry condition and can be controlled by maintaining adequate humidity.