This stunning species hails from China and possesses velvety leaves and a hardy constitution. It looks rather delicate, but in the terrarium at least, has proven to be a vigorous grower with little care. It blooms often. The undersides of the leaves are bright reddish-pink and visible when viewed directly from the front due to the growth habit of the plant. Somewhat versatile in its coloration, taking on red leaf venation in some conditions, and other times with more silvery venation. It can get rather large, around 16″.
And the flowers, white covered in lots of red hairs! The bottom photo shows the seed capsule on the female flower.
B. cathayaya
Begonia cathayana
Begonia cathayana
Information and photos about collecting seed and raising cathayana from seed can be found here.
