The science of identification, nomenclature, and classification of plants

In begonias, when the calyx and corolla cannot be differentiated, the petal-like structures are then called tepals. Perianth is the collective name for the sepal and petals when they can be differentiated, and in begonias though these two may look similar, each can be identified anatomically

Cylindrical, or slight tapering in form, and circular in cross section, many Begonias have terete petioles; circular and columnar as in plant stems

At the tip or apex of a leaf or structure; apical

A container or enclosed atmosphere

Pollen sacs of the anther; anther cells

Group of begonias with overly thick upright stems, that don’t branch much, but send up new growth from the base, and then drop their lower leaves and usually only have leaves on the tips Ex. B. ludwigii, B. sulcata, B. ulmifolia

Short jointed stem thickly leaved

Thickly covered with densely matted wool-like hair, curled and appressed, hairs rub off easily

Pointy or tooth-like projections that emanate along a margin of a leaf

Receptacle where filaments are basally attached

Group of begonias named for their growth habit, they grow to some length over the ground and climb, some have glossy leaves that look like a philodendron, but others grow large leaves, and in their native habitat climb up tree trunks, most have white or pink flowers Ex. B. thelmae, B. glabra, B. elaeagnifolia

Cross wise, crossing from side to side, at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of a structure; petiole attachment where the midrib is almost at a 90 degree angle with the petiole, Ex. B. amphioxus

Three winged

Vestite hair or bristle, but often used to include scale or paleae

Having divisions always in three

Having three lobes

Three-parted

Three-furrowed

Angular ovate blade shape, like a trowel, broadest below the middle

With an apex or base squared off as if it had been cut straight across

A leaf apex (tip) that is flat, appearing as if the leaf apex was cut off straight across at a 180 degree angle

A thick, fleshy portion of stem base, rhizome, that bares nodes and buds; underground stem that serves as food storage

Producing or baring tubers; a variety of begonias that have a thick fleshy root base, Ex. B. partita, B. bogneri, as well as double flowered complex hybrids that are popular as a bedding or a greenhouse plant whose flowers can be a small two inches, up to dinner plate size Ex. tuberhybrida, and Non-Stop varieties

A specimen selected to serve as a reference point when a plant species is first named. These specimens are extremely important to botanists who are attempting to determine the correct application of a name