Kingdom Plantae Family Begoniaceae Scientific name Begonia davisii Rank Species | Order Cucurbitales Genus Begonia Higher classification Begonia | |
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Begonia davisii is a plant in the begonia family, Begoniaceae, which was used in the early days of breeding Begonia × tuberhybrida cultivars.
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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.
Description
The plant has a dwarf, tufted habit 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.
Hybridization
The 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.
The cultivar, B. davisii Orangeade, which has double bright copper–orange flowers, is available commercially today.