Begonia carolineifolia aka Palmate Begonia

Begonia carolineifolia, also known as the palm leaf begonia, palmate begonia, or hand begonia, is a flowering plant native to central and southern Mexico and northern Central America. This evergreen perennial grows up to 1m tall and has an erect, branched, woody rhizome. Its palmate leaves are dark green and divided into 6-10 lance-shaped leaflets. During late winter and spring, it produces pale pink flowers in rounded clusters, each measuring about 1cm across. This begonia variety has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Begonias, in general, encompass a vast range of species, with over 2,000 known types. Through horticultural efforts, even more varieties have been created, showcasing a diverse array of shapes and colors. Originally hailing from tropical regions worldwide, begonias have now found their way into homes in colder climates. However, their taxonomy is notably intricate, as different species belong to various cultivar groups. It's important to note that begonias contain oxalic acid, making it necessary to keep them out of reach in households with pets or children.