Begoniaceae - Begonia family

Monoecious herbs or subshrubs, usually fleshy. Leaves alternate, simple, often asymmetric. Stipules present. Flowers ± zygomorphic, in terminal axillary cymes; sepals and petals not distinguished (and hence referred to as tepals). Male flowers: tepals 2-5; stamens numerous; female flowers: tepals 2-5(-9), ovary inferior, usually angled or winged; styles 2-6. Fruit a capsule or berry.

Worldwide: 2 genera and c.900 species, tropical and warm areas.

Zambia: 1 genus and 3 taxa.