About Begonia maculata Raddi
Begonia maculata, commonly called the polka dot begonia, has the scientific name Begonia maculata Raddi. The specific epithet maculata means "spotted". This begonia species is native to southeast Brazil, where it grows naturally in the understory of the Atlantic rainforest. Confirmed native occurrences have been recorded in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. It has been introduced to Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina. Its leaves are oblong and olive drab in color, marked with silver dots. The undersides of the leaves are red-purple. The plant produces clustered white or pink flowers with yellow centers, all borne on a single stem.
