I've already found a picture of Little Miss Mummey in the Begonias forum search engine that looks like my cane. I'd like to get confirmation from the experts here though, so please let me know what you think.

Many decades ago I and a few other folks in San Antonio started the Alamo Chapter of the ABS. I was in the Air Force at the time and eventually had to move on, but I'm glad to see that the chapter has survived, grown and has even hosted the Southwest Conference and ABS conventions a few times. In those days I had thousands of begonias, primarily canes and rhizomatous. Still love the canes, being old-school I especially like the Kusler and Nuss hybrids.

One of my favorites back then was B. 'Gigi Fleetham', low-growing, jet-black leaves with pure white flowers. A hanging basket of it in bloom was a stunning sight. Is it still in collections or offered for sale anywhere???

Russ Hammer, central Fla

Hi Russ,

Your cane sure looks like Little Miss Mummey so I think you nailed it.

Never heard of Gigi Fleetham but it sounds neat. There is a Gigi out there but it is not the same since it is not black. You could post your question on the Yahoo begonia group or Planet Begonia on FB. Someone there may have it and willing to share, trade, or sell.

http://stevesleaves.com/store#!/~/product/id=9477923

Thanks hc, I've posted a query at Steve's Leaves and will do the same at other begonia sites and forums. Gigi Fleetham was a 1962 Lenore Olivier X Lenore Olivier hybrid by Kusler, ABS #177. Like many vintage begonias, it may not have survived the test of over 50 years of new hybrids and lack of interest in maintaining antique begonias for future enthusiasts. But, hopefully some enthusiasts from my generation may still have it and other canes 'of the day' in their collections.

Outstanding canes I remember... Anna Christine, FloBelle Moseley, Hanna Serr, Kenilu, Lenore Olivier, Lil O'Neill, Marguerite DeCola, Nokomis, Orpha C. Fox, Pickobeth, Posey Wahl, Question Mark, Tom Ment, Tom Ment II, Wayne Newton.

Thanks again,

Russ