| Species
        & HybridsThis
        page is presented by Society Vice Chairman Jeff Rhodes.
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      | SpeciesSpecies are botanical plants that grow naturally. When a species begonia
        is crossed with another of the same variety the resulting plants will
        come true.
 Hybrids
 Hybrids are the result of crossing two different varieties. The only
        way to reproduce a hybrid is by vegetative means.
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      Rex Cultorum | 
    
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        All plants of the Rex Cultorum group of begonias are 
        hybrids. Most are rhizomatous. They are grown primarily for their 
        ornamental foliage. Leaves come in numerous colours and patterns, and 
        various metallic sheens, together with a variety of leaf surfaces and 
        textures. Leaf size can be anything from under 3” up to 12” or more. 
        Whilst the rex Cultorum group do produce flowers, these are 
        insignificant. 
        
        To produce the most colourful foliage it is essential 
        that they receive the exact amount of light. Heavily filtered light and 
        no direct sunlight is the norm. Preferably a daytime temperature of 70F, 
        a little lower at night. Try to avoid sudden changes in temperature.  
        Some varieties will become dormant or semi-dormant during winter if the 
        temperature drops too low. If so, watering should be reduced. Humidity 
        is important, but the range between different varieties is large. More 
        trial and error. 
        
        Watering is crucial with rex begonias; they 
        need to be moist but not wet. Over watering will lead to rot on leaves 
        and rhizomesFeed regularly to give the best colour to the foliage.
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        B.'benitochiba' | 
    
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       | An attractive hybrid, being a cross from 
      B.`Filigree` x B.luxurians. Rex.  Upright-stemmed, medium leaved. Flowers 
      are reddish-pink produced in late summer. It was Introduced 1973 by Misono 
      in Japan. It needs a bit of T.L.C to keep it looking nice. It can be a bit 
      touchy in hot and humid conditions.  There is a similar cultivar listed as 
      B.`Benichoma`  This is possibly due to a miss-spelling. | 
    
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      Cane like     
      Rhizomatous     
      Shrub-like     
      Tuberous / Semi tuberous     
      Thick stemmedSPECIES & 
      HYBRIDS TITLE PAGE
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