6 



BEGONIA INCARNATA. 



truly splendid. Indeed there are few plants more remarkable in their foliage, or 

 more interesting in their general appearance, than Begonias. 



Several of the species possess also a peculiar prolific quality, viz. in producing 

 clusters of bulbs or gems in the axils of their leaves, which will germinate when 

 planted, and produce new plants. These bulbs retain their vegetating property 

 nearly as long as seeds ; and being very small, can be transmitted by letter to 

 any distance. Mr. Otto has accordingly availed himself of this singular property 

 for their introduction into this country. The species which possess this pecu- 

 liarity are, B. monoptera, bulbifera, Martiana, diversifolia, and Evansiana. 



The elegant aspect of the present species will at once ensure its admission 

 into every choice collection. Its flowers, which are usually of a flesh-colour (but 

 in well-grown, healthy plants, are occasionally of a rich rose colour), are produced 

 at the extremities of the branches in cymose clusters. These clusters are some- 

 times erect ; but in well-flowered plants they not unfrequently droop in a most 

 graceful manner with the weight of the inflorescence, a circumstance which adds 

 in no small degree to their beauty. 



Fig. 1, male flower ; 2, female flower, showing the winged seed-vessel. 



