Botanical Name: Begonia Maculata Common Name(s): Polka Dot Begonia Description: Native to Mexico, Madagascar, South Africa, Central America, and Asia, the polka dot plant is a lively and beautiful little plant with brightly spotted leaves that stand out especially well against other plants. Put them in a mass of ferns or ivies, and their colors will stand out in bright contrast. In colder climates it is an annual plant, expected to live for about one year and die off after its sprout. In tropical climates, it is a perennial that lives a long time.