BEGONIA, in botany, a genus of the polygamia monœcia class. The hermaphrodite flower has no calix; the corolla has 5 petals; it has many stamens, and 3 styles; the male has likewise no calix; the corolla has
4 petals; and has a great number of stamens. There is but one species of begonia, viz. the obliqua, a native of India.