Scientific Name
Begonia semperflorens-cultorum, B. X tuberhybrida
Common Name
Wax begonia, Tuberous begonia

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Begoniaceae
Plant Description
Fibrous rooted or tuberous rooted herb; leaves alternate, simple, broad, toothed, highly variable in texture and color; flowers in small, axillary clusters, 4-parted, with 2 small and 2 large petal-like parts, white, pink, or red, stamens many; fruit a winged capsule.
Origin
Tropical America.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in flower garden as cultivated herbaceous annuals.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Rhizomes (thickened rootstock), tubers, and roots.
Symptoms
Burning of mouth, throat, lips, and tongue, swelling, difficulty with speech and swallowing; possibly nausea and vomiting.
Toxic Principle
Oxalates.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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