Begonia cucullata
Begonia

More Images and Information

Introduction

Begonias are native to India and other tropical countries but are used extensively across the United States. Begonia cucullata is a type of wax begonia that is used heavily in the landscape as a bedding plant, but is also used in container plantings or baskets. There are thousands of begonia cultivars developed for commercial uses but the wax begonia is one of the four original species that was used to breed the common bedding begonias. Because of this, the wax begonia is probably the most popular begonia in the world.

back to top

Description

Begonias are grown for their attractive flowers and/or for the assortment of foliage types. Begonia cucullata grows nearly 24 inches wide and 18 inches tall, creating a mound of glossy, succulent green leaves. The leaves have scalloped edges and are cordate in shape. Flowers are white to pink and produced all summer. Very tiny, fine seeds are produced in great quantities.

back to top

Impacts

Wax begonia has been found in Florida, particularly from the northern and central peninsula west to central panhandle and also in Georgia. Begonias will invade disturbed areas such as roadsides, harvested forests, old fields, overgrazed pastures, and waste places. Because begonias are such prolific seed producers, seeds are thought to be the primary mechanism of dispersal. Begonias can also root very easily, but this mechanism of reproduction may not play a major role under natural conditions.

back to top

Management

Preventative:

The first step in preventative control of begonia is to limit planting and removal of existing plants within the landscape. If possible, removal should occur before seeds are produced. Care must be exercised to prevent seed spread and dispersal during the removal process.

back to top

Cultural:

Inform the public to refrain from purchasing, propagating, or planting begonia due to their ability to escape into natural areas.

back to top

Mechanical:

Hand pull seedlings that germinate, but care must be taken to prevent re-rooting of the cuttings.

back to top

Biological:

There are no known biological control programs for begonia.

back to top

Chemical:  

A broad spectrum herbicide such as glyphosate may be used according to the directions on the manufacturer’s label. A 1% solution is recommended, with retreatment to control seedlings. Pre-emergence herbicides may be effective in controlling seedlings, but research in this area has not been conducted.

back to top

References and Useful Links:

Floridata Homepage

University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension Electronic Data Information Source

Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks. 1998. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp.

The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas

Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems

Invasive Plants of the Eastern United States

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plants Database

back to top

Excerpted from the Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida by:

Greg MacDonald, Associate Professor Jay Ferrell, Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Specialist
Brent Sellers, Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Specialist
Ken Langeland, Professor and Extension Weed Specialist Agronomy Department, Gainesville and Range Cattle REC, Ona
Tina Duperron-Bond, DPM – Osceola County
Eileen Ketterer-Guest, former Graduate Research Assistant