Habitat:
Begonia oxyanthera is native to tropical Central and West Africa, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (Bioko and Río Muni), Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It occurs in humid lowland and submontane evergreen forests, growing on shaded rocky slopes, stream banks, and forest margins, typically between 200 and 1,200 metres elevation. This species prefers deep shade and consistently moist microclimates, often in granite outcrops and near cascades in primary forest zones.
Description:
Begonia oxyanthera is a robust, erect to sprawling herbaceous species that can reach up to 60 cm in height, with succulent stems and asymmetric leaves borne alternately. The leaves are broadly ovate to obliquely cordate, 8–15 cm long, and display irregularly toothed margins with prominent venation and a glossy green upper surface. The underside is often tinged with red. Inflorescences are erect cymes, arising from the leaf axils or terminally. Male flowers have four tepals, while female flowers have five, all pale pink to rosy white, each 1.5–2.5 cm across. The ovary is inferior and winged, and the species is known for its distinctive long-pointed (acuminate) anthers, reflected in the name “oxyanthera.” It is similar in habit to Begonia squamulosa, but can be separated by its larger flowers, elongated anthers, and more coriaceous foliage.
Cultivation:
Grow Begonia oxyanthera in shade to filtered light or deep shade. Daytime temperatures should remain between 20–26 °C, with nighttime lows of 14–18 °C. Maintain high humidity (70–90%) and avoid sudden temperature fluctuations. Use a well-drained, organic-rich substrate, such as leaf mould mixed with sphagnum and perlite. Water regularly to keep the substrate lightly moist but not soggy. The species prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–6.8). Feed with a diluted balanced fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during active growth. Best grown in terraria, humid greenhouses, or tropical shade gardens.
Specifications:
Plant Size:
Plant Family: Begoniaceae
Plant Passport: Begonia oxyanthera B 140084 C 14332 D GB