Fairchild Botanic Garden

Common name: pavana (English)

Family: Begoniaceae (Begonia)

Distribution: Honduras

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Description: Begonia popenoei, sometimes called the white begonia, is a terrific garden performer that is native to Central America. Its leaves are dinner plate in size, and a mound of these leaves on a mature plant will stand up to 3.5 feet tall. In late winter, B. popenoei produces white panicles of flowers that stand a foot above the foliage. The white begonia is a rhizomatous plant. It tolerates quite a lot of direct sunlight, however you may feel more comfortable giving it a break from the hottest summer afternoon sun. You can also plant it in bright light within a shady area and it will perform very well.