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Begonias to go on display at Hong Kong Park (with photos)
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     The begonia is a plant rich in diversity and with a variety of hues and shapes. While the flowering species bloom around the year, the foliage species grow with leaves in different shapes and shades. Members of the public now have a chance to take a closer look at various begonias in the upcoming thematic exhibition at Hong Kong Park managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
 
     Begonia sp., commonly known as begonia, belongs to the family of Begoniaceae and the genus of Begonia. With about 1 800 species, Begonia is the sixth largest genus of flowering plants widely distributed over tropical and subtropical regions, including four native species found in Hong Kong.
 
     The Begonia Show will be held at the Display Plant House of the Forsgate Conservatory in Hong Kong Park from December 1 (Friday). About 300 begonias with a rich variety will be displayed at the thematic exhibition, including common species like Begonia cucullata, Begonia rieger and Begonia rex-cultorum. A distinct native species, Begonia hongkongensis, will also be showcased as the highlight of the exhibition.
 
     Begonia hongkongensis is a perennial herb from the family Begoniaceae. The plant bears ovate leaves with irregularly serrated margins. White unisexual flowers blossom in summer. It is one of the native species in Hong Kong with the type specimen collected in Tuen Mun in 1997.
 
     The commonly seen Begonia cucullata has red, light red and white flowers with a glossy green leaf surface and reddish main veins, supported by prominent erect stems. Owing to the resemblance of its flower to a clam, it is also known as "clam begonia". The popular Begonia rieger has exquisite shapes and bright colours with large flowers reminiscent of a blossoming rose. The flowering period falls in winter and lasts for four to six months.
 
     Usually thriving in warm and partially shaded spots, Begonia rex-cultorum belongs to the foliage species which bear leaves in a special shape with serrated edges and short hairs on the underside. The tinge of glossy metallic colour present on the palmately shaped leaf surface is attractive in the layering hue pattern.
 
     In addition to the presentation of over 50 species of begonias, display boards will also be set up to introduce the characteristics, cultivation and propagation methods of begonia, as well as the four native begonia species in Hong Kong. To further enhance public understanding, two sessions of guided tours will be held at 11am and 3pm on every Sunday from December 3 to January 14 next year. Each tour will last for an hour.
 
     Park-goers are welcome to visit the exhibition, which will be open to the public free of charge from 9am to 5pm daily from December 1 to January 14 at the Display Plant House of the Forsgate Conservatory of Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central. For details, please refer to the LCSD website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/hkp/activities/thematic.html.
 
Ends/Thursday, November 23, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:00
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From December 1, about 300 begonias with a rich variety will be displayed at a thematic exhibition to be held at the Display Plant House of the Forsgate Conservatory in Hong Kong Park managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Photo shows Begonia rieger in bright colours.
From December 1, about 300 begonias with a rich variety will be displayed at a thematic exhibition to be held at the Display Plant House of the Forsgate Conservatory in Hong Kong Park managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Photo shows Begonia cucullata.
From December 1, about 300 begonias with a rich variety will be displayed at a thematic exhibition to be held at the Display Plant House of the Forsgate Conservatory in Hong Kong Park managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Photo shows Begonia rex-cultorum with a layering hue pattern.
From December 1, about 300 begonias with a rich variety will be displayed at a thematic exhibition to be held at the Display Plant House of the Forsgate Conservatory in Hong Kong Park managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Photo shows Begonia hongkongensis, a native species in Hong Kong with flowers blossoming in summer.