It does look like boliviensis and your seed should be viable. The photos I've seen of Skaugum in the past was always with a little toddler where the plant was as big or bigger than the little boy.

https://www.dutchbulbs.com/product/Skaugum_Begonia

https://www.google.com/search?q=begonia+skaugum&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjJ_defiunUAhWGjz4KHQSPCb8Q_AUIBigB&biw=1184&bih=528

Yes, those pictures are pretty well known. I guess my general question is, if a begonia produces seed, is some % of those seeds necessarily viable?

Or conversely, would the seed pod ever mature, or even be carried by the plant, if the seeds were not viable?

Thanks!

I do not know about Skaugum's chances of producing viable seed (I would ask folks who have ever had it but apparently there are no takers on this web site and I don't know anyone personally who has bought this particular begonia). If the pod develops and ripens without falling off, then I would say chances are good you have viable seed. Try it and report back on your observations. Being that this is not Skaugum (more than likely the true boliviensis based on that photo), I would say your chances went way up. Good Luck in your endeavors.

Comparing my picture to the stock photos, I'm inclined you agree that mine is the species, and not b.'Skaugum', which isn't a bad thing. The Skaugum flowers look rounder and more open, and the proportions of the leaves are also different--relatively wider than the species'. The corms were huge, and as long as it looks good, I'm happy with it.

I tried starting some leaves in water 10 days ago, which failed quickly, but small stem cuttings started at the same time still look sound, although no roots are visible yet. In both cases, the starts are in sealed zip lock bags, in medium shade. Several seed pods are fat, and holding on firmly.

Thanks Woebegonia for that info. I stored seed in the refrigerator after hearing some of the other begonia growers talk about that on other forums and I vouch that this method works very well. I had some seed probably 4 years old that I sowed recently. A lot of those seeds germinated - some quickly, some much slower. Not all packages germinated but that is another matter.

I also found some seed left in packages but in the ambient air of the basement while I was cleaning the basement recently. Sowed all those a little before the refrigerated seed and not one package has germinated.

Lesson learned - keep your seed cool!