{"product_id":"begonia-metachroa","title":"Begonia metachroa","description":"\u003cem\u003eBegonia metachroa\u003c\/em\u003e is a small begonia species from Central America with strongly iridescent leaves.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBegonia metachroa\u003c\/em\u003e is something like the forgotten little sister of the ever-popular \u003cem\u003eBegonia pavonina\u003c\/em\u003e . Like \u003cem\u003eB. pavonina\u003c\/em\u003e , it has strongly metallic dark blue to purple iridescent leaves, but remains significantly smaller, with leaves only up to about 6 cm in size. It grows in very dense, compact cushions.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eWhen \u003cem\u003e*B. metachroa*\u003c\/em\u003e grows in shady conditions, the leaves begin to form iridoplasts after some time. These are highly modified chloroplasts that arrange themselves in a crystal-like lattice, allowing them to capture approximately 10% more light than conventional chloroplasts. A side effect of this arrangement is the strong, metallic blue sheen of the leaves, which is best observed from a specific angle in the dark with a flashlight. Even without such \"tricks,\" the effect is visible; the leaves shimmer beautifully greenish to blue, especially in indirect daylight. Iridoplasts are only formed in low light conditions. \u003cem\u003eIf *B. metachroa*\u003c\/em\u003e receives enough light, the leaves simply retain their normal green to bronze coloration.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOur plants grow in relatively light colors, which is why the blue tint isn't always very pronounced. Fortunately, the color change happens quite quickly, so you should be able to observe this effect at home after just a few weeks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It is very difficult to find information about this species. Officially, \u003cem\u003e*Begonia metachroa*\u003c\/em\u003e is a synonym for \u003cem\u003e*Begonia involucrata*\u003c\/em\u003e , which occurs in Central America but bears little resemblance to the \u003cem\u003e*Begonia metachroa\u003c\/em\u003e * cultivated in the wild. The name \u003cem\u003e*Begonia involucrata*\u003c\/em\u003e var. \u003cem\u003e*purpurascens*\u003c\/em\u003e is also used for this plant. Furthermore, the plant we know as \"Metachroa\" may not even be a true species. Some authors suggest it is a hybrid of unknown origin, as it does not appear to flower.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Be that as it may, it is beautiful and another great, iridescent variety that is also easy to care for.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"7cm square pot","offer_id":56318979473785,"sku":"Beg022a","price":34.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/IMG07159.jpg?v=1764905842","url":"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/en\/products\/begonia-metachroa","provider":"Jungle Leaves","version":"1.0","type":"link"}