James Burghardt
Family
Begoniaceae
Botanical Name
BEGONIA convolvulacea
Plant Common Name
Morning Glory Begonia
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Climbing and rambling over rocks or up tree trunks, the morning glory begonia has pretty white flowers in spring and glossy green leaves that look both grape and maple leaf-like. A succulent perennial vine that is frost tender, it is native to the extreme southeastern coastal plain of Brazil. Although called "morning glory", it has neither flowers nor twining stems like real morning glory vines,(Convolvulus).
The thin, fleshy but plastic-like leaves are a glossy bright green and range in shape from circular to kidney-shaped, always with angular edges and occasional lobes. If growing upon a tree or across the ground, roots will emerge from the leaf nodes on the stem. In spring, fleshy branched structures arise from the bases of leaves and display the small ivory male and female flowers. The male flowers are the prominent ones that help make the branched flower stem look like a combination of a lit chandelier and candelabra.
Grow morning glory begonia in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial sun to partial shade locations. Protect from winter frosts and excessive heat in summer, it tends to grow its finest when it is not overly hot. Grow it upon a post, tropical tree (dead or alive) or use in as a rambling groundcover or hanging basket specimen.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Tropical, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
