Begonia ferruginea is a shrub native to the Andes of Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. Colombian records range from about 3,300 to 13,100 feet and include Antioquia, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Santander, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, and Bogotá. Depending on its setting, it may also develop an herb-like or climbing habit in wet tropical vegetation.

The flower stalks, buds, and outer floral surfaces are densely covered with fine hairs. Its vivid red flowers have broad tepals that open around pale reproductive structures, while unopened buds remain enclosed by pointed, hairy segments. The species is not currently assessed on Colombia’s national plant red list, while predictive assessments classify it as not threatened. Photographed in Colombia.