Which flowering plant genus was named to honor Michel Bégon?

The flowering plant genus named to honor Michel Bégon is Begonia.

French botanist and monk Charles Plumier coined the name after encountering begonia species in the Antilles. He chose it to honor Michel Bégon, a French colonial official, plant collector, and patron of botanical exploration. The name first appeared in print in 1700.

Begonias belong to the family Begoniaceae and include more than 2,000 species. They are mainly tropical and subtropical plants from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Many are popular houseplants because of their colorful flowers and striking, asymmetrical leaves.

A common mix-up is assuming the name refers to Bégon's own botanical discoveries. Instead, the genus was named for his support of Plumier and his interest in plants. In 1753, Carl Linnaeus consolidated Plumier's original specimens under the name Begonia obliqua.