Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Plants

Begonia

Begonia is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae, with more than 2,000 species.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Begonia is a large genus of flowering plants with over 2,000 species. It is widely grown as an ornamental houseplant and garden plant, especially in Canada.

What it is

Begonia is a genus in the family Begoniaceae, named after Michel Bégon, a French patron of botany. With more than 2,000 species, it is one of the largest genera of flowering plants. Most are perennial and can be grown for their colourful flowers or decorative foliage.

Why it matters

Begonias are popular ornamentals worldwide. In Canada, they are common indoor houseplants and seasonal outdoor plants in warmer months. They are valued for their bright blooms and attractive leaves, making them a staple in shaded gardens and containers.

Key details

Begonias are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They thrive in moist, humid habitats such as forest understories. Cultivation usually requires protection from strong sun and dry conditions, which suits them for indoor life in cooler climates.

In short

  • Begonia is one of the largest flowering plant genera.
  • Most species are tropical and subtropical.
  • Grown for colourful flowers and foliage.
  • Named after Michel Bégon.
Canadian angle

Begonias are widely grown in Canada as indoor houseplants and as seasonal outdoor ornamentals during warmer months.

Quick questions

What is a begonia?
A begonia is a flowering plant in the genus Begonia, part of the family Begoniaceae, known for ornamental flowers and foliage.
How many begonia species are there?
There are more than 2,000 described species, making Begonia one of the largest genera of flowering plants.
Are begonias houseplants?
Yes. Many begonias are grown indoors as houseplants, especially in cooler climates.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/begonia
    Supports: Genus description, species diversity, tropical/subtropical origin, naming after Michel Bégon, ornamental use
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begonia
    Supports: General taxonomy, species count, distribution, ornamental cultivation
  3. Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew — https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:327437-2
    Supports: Accepted genus status and native range
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/plants/plants/begonia
    Supports: Habit, distribution, and general description
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begoniaceae
    Supports: Family placement and composition