This rhizomatous perennial has an open clumping habit with upright to arching rounded knobbed leaves. The leaves are light green and have a dark centre marking that resembles an Iron Cross and the greenish cup-shaped flowers appear throughout summer.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12 

Begonia masoniana is naturally found from New Guinea to Indochina growing in tropical forests in a semi-shade protected position. It prefers well-drained organic rich, moist soils and a humid atmosphere and requires wind, frost and drought protection. 

The Iron Cross Begonia is grown for its distinctive foliage and is planted under shrubs in tropical gardens or around water features. It establishes from division in 2 to 3 years and is a popular indoor container plant. ID 1779

Begonia (beh-GON-ee-a) masoniana (mas-O-ie-ar-na)

Begoniaceae (be-gon-ee-AY-see-ee)