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> Volume 61
(July/August 1994) Spotlight on: B.
sutherlandii
by Daniel Haseltine
B. sutherlandii is a native of Natal, and was
discovered by P.C. Sutherland, Surveyor- General of Natal, in 1864. It was
found growing in moist, shady places at an altitude of some 3,500 to 5,000
feet, where it blooms from December to January.
B. sutherlandii is tuberous, with a tuber whose
size depends on the growing area. Stems are long and slender and delicate,
and form trailing branches. Pale green leaves are slightly serrated on the
edges and tipped with reddish-copper. The leaves appear to have a reddish
dot at the apex where leaf and stem are joined. Its flowers are lovely,
delicate, and orange.
CULTURE
This begonia should be kept out of hot sun and drying
winds. In fall it will form small bulbils at the leaf axils; these can be
propagated for new plants. B. sutherlandii will go dormant, even
when grown under lights, and will return to renew its growth for another
season.
 Drawing by Nannette Watkins.
This article first appeared in the Chicago
Begonian.
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