Begoniaceae and Gesneriads Greenhouse

Covering vertical surfaces

Few plants manage to colonize rocky surfaces where there is little humus to be found. Given the lack of competition, these sites are popular with various Gesneriad genera and a few Begonia species. Their tiny seeds – as fine as dust! – are able to penetrate the narrowest cracks, take root in the lichen or moss inside and thrive.

Life in the shade

Everyone knows that most plants seek sunlight in order to perform photosynthesis. As some have evolved, however, they have developed clever adaptations that allow them to thrive in shadier settings.

The leaves of Vanhouttea brueggeri are arranged opposite each other on the stem and set at 90° to the next pair. That way each leaf receives the maximum amount of sunlight without blocking its neighbours.

One of the two opposite leaves on the Columnea sp. stem is larger than the other, making it much more likely to capture sunlight.

The first begonias arrived at the Montréal Botanical Garden in 1937. The collection earned an international reputation thanks to Mr. Teuscher's efforts.