#kew

Plant of the Day

Monday 2 February 202

Used as a groundcover in this tropical glasshouse was Begonia microsperma. This is a species from West Cameroon to Gabon. It grows in wet tropical forest habitats and has been found on spray‑soaked rock faces or tree trunks near waterfalls.

Character, book, and author names under the cut

Cumulopuntia boliviana

Princess of Wales Conservatory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Cumulopuntia boliviana is a mat-forming opuntioid cactus native to the high Andes of Bolivia and southern Peru, where it grows in exposed, rocky habitats at elevations often exceeding 3,500 meters. Composed of small, rounded to cylindrical segments densely armed with spines, it is adapted to intense solar radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and prolonged drought. Its compact growth and vivid, often reddish to orange flowers reflect survival strategies shaped by alpine environments with short growing seasons and limited moisture.

|| LOCATION || Outside the Beaumont Tea Shop

Riya had been as many places as she could think of in search of her brother. She stopped by the tea shop for a break and to refresh herself with a sweet treat and hot tea. She mulled over any other possible places, both exasperated and delighted to explore the town.

However, the sight of Nalan made her stand straight from her seat. “Are you going to just disregard the sight of your sister like that?” She knew he was unaware of her presence yet but taunting him was her job as his little sister.

Sean Godsell, Kew House, Kew, 1997