Name: Begonia sizemoreae Kiew
Current name: Begonia longiciliata C.Y.Wu
Etymology:
The species epithet sizemoreae honors American plant enthusiast and collector Mary Sizemore, who collected one of the plants used to describe the species.
Synonyms:
Begonia longiciliata C.Y.Wu
First description:
Begonia sizemoreae was scientifically described by Ruth Kiew in 2004. Later taxonomic studies, however, showed that the name is identical to Begonia longiciliata. Today, Begonia sizemoreae is therefore often treated as a synonym of Begonia longiciliata.
Origin / Distribution:
The species is native to northern Vietnam and was later also recorded in Laos. It occurs in humid, forested areas of Southeast Asia.
Growing location / Habitat:
Begonia longiciliata grows terrestrially and rhizomatously in humid forest habitats. It prefers shady to partially shaded locations, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and consistently high humidity.
Temperature:
Temperatures of around 18–26 °C are optimal. Temperatures below 15 °C should be avoided where possible. A consistently warm environment without cold drafts promotes healthy growth.
Description & Notes:
This compact-growing begonia forms a low, rhizomatous clump. Its rounded to broadly heart-shaped leaves have an attractive light- to medium-green pattern and are particularly striking for their long white hairs along the leaf margins and on the leaf surface. The undersides of the leaves can be reddish to dark red, while the young leaves and petioles also appear densely hairy. The pink flowers create a beautiful contrast with the decorative foliage. The name Begonia sizemoreae is now taxonomically obsolete, but remains in common use in horticulture and among collectors.