More Ground Herbs of the jungle
These are more of the terrestrial herbs of the rainforests - many of these plants have rather limited distribution and their relatively short lives coupled with the need for very moist atmosphere (hence the difficulty in keeping them in cultivation) means they are extremely vulnerable when the natural habitat is destroyed. There are many plants in this category which are found only once or twice. There are also plants, for example, Begonia rajah, which were thought to be extinct after initial collection made in 1800s only to be rediscovered a century later.
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Phylogathis or sometimes called Jungle Pomfret due to its resemblence to our locally popular fish. This is member of Melastoma family is found only in primary forest. Some species have ornamental flowers but they are as a whole, not usually grown due to their need for very moist and shaded condition. |
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This is a tiny begonia is from Thailand - the leaves are less than 3cm wide, no name yet, any suggestions ? |
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This is a photo of a small Begonia found on limestone boulders in Pahang, central Malaysia. The star-burst pattern on the dark green leaves is very distinctive. It is probably B. kingiana. Around the plant are small seedlings of Monophyllea horsefieldii, a one-leaf Gesneriad which inhabits limestone also. |
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This is the famsed "Fire King" Begonia which has hairy leaves and petiole. The back of the leaf is flushed bright pink, hence the name. |
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Begonia brevirimosa from New Guinea is a very unique species and its more tricky than the rest in its cultural requirements. |
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Impatiens (griffithii ?) found growing on G. Ledang at Malaysia. Impatiens has a wide distribution and many of the hybrids found their way into the horticulture trade. |
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Labisia is a genus of ground herbs from family Myrsine. It bears interesting string of red berrries which is quite ornamental. |