rhizomatous begonia
Noun: A type of flowering plant belonging to the genus Begonia, characterized by having a rhizome—a thick, horizontal, often hairy or shaggy creeping stem that grows at or just below the soil surface. This modified stem stores nutrients and allows the plant to spread and produce new shoots and roots.
This term is used specifically in botany and horticulture to classify and describe a major group of begonias distinguished by their growth habit from tuberous, fibrous-rooted, or cane-stemmed begonias. - The rhizomatous begonia is prized for its attractive foliage and ability to form a dense ground cover in shady gardens. - For successful propagation, divide the rhizomatous begonia at the rootstalk in early spring.
- As a horticultural classification: The term is used to specify care requirements, as rhizomatous begonias typically prefer indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering, differing from other begonia types.
- When repotting a rhizomatous begonia, ensure the rhizome is placed on the soil surface and not buried deeply.
- Rhizome (n): The defining horizontal stem of these plants.
- Begonia rex-cultorum (n): A famous subgroup of rhizomatous begonias, commonly called "rex begonias," known for their spectacularly colored and patterned leaves.
- Stoloniferous (adj): A related growth habit where plants spread by above-ground runners (stolons), contrasted with the typically subsurface growth of a rhizome.
- Rhizomatous begonia has no direct single-word synonym. It can be described periphrastically as:
- Begonia with a creeping rootstalk
- Rhizome-forming begonia
This specific botanical term is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.
- any of numerous begonias having prominent shaggy creeping stems or rhizomes