Begonia coccinea (Scarlet Begonia)

Native to southeastern Brazil, this perennial subshrub grows on trees in wet tropical forests. Its upright stems have slightly swollen joints that resemble bamboo canes. It is cultivated for its hanging clusters of scarlet flowers and has contributed to the breeding of ornamental cane begonias. Male and female flowers occur separately on the same plant; only the male flowers carry yellow stamens. The female flowers develop three-winged capsules containing many tiny seeds. It has been introduced to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago. Photographed in Florida.