Michelle: I love begonias. Their asymmetrical leaves and different markings.
Megumi: Really? I always paid more attention to the flowers. They're so vibrant and intricate.
Michelle: The flowers are beautiful, especially the color combination
s. But there's something so unique about the leaves. I'm actually on the hunt for a Begonia pavonina with blue leaves.
Megumi: Blue leaves? That's unusual. Why are the leaves blue?
Michelle: It’s a unique adaptation. Begonia pavonina, also called the peacock begonia, grows in low-light conditions. Its blue iridescence helps it capture more light for photosynthesis.
Megumi: Facinating! Do they have blue flowers?
Michelle: No, not blue. White or pink.
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Voice-over
The blue leaves containing a variety of chloroplasts, called iridoplasts, captures red and green light waves which are more common than bright white light on the Malaysian forest floor.
