Begoniaceae

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Begoniaceae A family of mostly succulent herbs or undershrubs, which are almost entirely tropical, comprising 2 genera and about 900 species. The stems are pointed, with alternate, simple, often unequal-sided leaves. They are monoecious, and the flowers are usually irregular, borne in cymes, and showy. There are 2–5 free sepals and petals, and many stamens in the male flower; and the ovary is usually inferior. The fruit is a capsule or berry. Begonia (890 species) is much cultivated, but is not hardy in climates with frosty winters.