begonia

Begonias have not really been high on my list of blooming plants because they are annuals and I tent to plant perennials. However this year the gazebo has had a lovely red begonia hanging in a basket. Native to Latin America, Asia & South America, there are over 1400 species of begonia that are related to the squash family. One ounce of begonia seed can produce over 2 million seedlings, no wonder that they are some of the smallest seeds in the plant world. In researching folklore remedies it appears that begonias have been used to reduce fever in South America. In Asia, the roots and flower infusions are used to stimulate blood circulation and eliminate toxins. The juice of the plant has been used to relieve headaches. And certain species have been used form everything to amenorrhea to snakebites.