Botany
Polka-Dot Begonia
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This begonia’s leaves carry a natural pattern of silvery spots or streaks, a pigmentation quirk that’s become one of the most eye-catching features gardeners breed for.
Come see if the pattern looks painted or grown — it’s grown.
Additional Information
Begonia leaf patterns come from patches where chlorophyll is reduced or absent, letting other pigments or the leaf’s internal structure show through.
There are over 2,000 recognized begonia species, prized as much for leaf patterns as for their flowers.
Despite the striking spots, the plant still photosynthesizes normally through the green portions of each leaf.