Begonia maculata

Native to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this evergreen subshrub has upright, cane-like stems and grows about 3 to 4 feet tall. Its asymmetric leaves have silvery-white spots above and maroon undersides. Hanging clusters of white or pale pink flowers include separate male and female blooms. The flowers have unequal tepals, with stamens in male flowers and stigmas in female flowers. Grown as a houseplant or container plant, it can be propagated by stem cuttings. Its sap can irritate skin, and ingestion is toxic to pets. Photographed in Florida.