Begonia Pseudoedulis

Described as a species in 2021, Begonia Pseudoedulis comes from southern Guangxi in China. 

A remarkable and unusual species prized for its deeply textured foliage, intricate patterning and fascinating colouration. Its broad, asymmetrical leaves display a striking mixture of deep forest greens, charcoal tones and vibrant lime, with prominent veins radiating across the surface. Scattered silver-white markings create an almost celestial pattern, while the raised, puckered texture catches the light beautifully. 

Perhaps its most fascinating characteristic is the blue iridescent sheen that can appear across the leaves under suitable lighting conditions. Unlike ordinary leaf pigmentation, blue iridescence in certain Begonia species is produced by specialised chloroplasts known as iridoplasts. These contain microscopic, precisely arranged layers that reflect blue wavelengths of light, creating an almost electric glow. Interestingly, these structures can also improve photosynthetic efficiency in the dim, filtered light of tropical forest understories.