black mamba
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black mamba, (Dendroaspis polylepis), species of mamba snake known for its large size, quickness, and extremely potent venom. It lives in sub-Saharan Africa and is one of the continent’s most dangerous snakes.
The average black mamba is 2–2.5 metres (6.6–8.2 feet) long, with a maximum length of 4.3 metres (14 feet). Despite its name, the snake is not black. Instead, it ranges in colour from gray to dark brown, with a lighter underside. The black actually refers to the colour of the inside of its mouth; green mambas and other snakes have white mouths. The black mamba is found in rocky savannas and lowland forests. Unlike the other mamba species, the black mamba is not primarily arboreal, preferring the ground, where it often sleeps in termite mounds or tree hollows. One of the fastest snakes, it is capable of speeds of more than 12 miles (19 km) per hour. The black mamba typically lays 6 to 20 eggs. Prey consists primarily of small mammals and birds.
Although it has an aggressive reputation, the black mamba is generally shy and nervous, and it will use its incredible speed to escape threats. However, if disturbed or cornered, the snake may rear up and threaten with an open mouth and a slightly expanded or flattened neck (or hood) before striking; once a black mamba attacks, it will bite its victim repeatedly. Its extremely toxic venom—two drops of which will reportedly kill most humans—attacks both the nervous system and the heart. Even though most bites are fatal, it is responsible for only a small number of deaths annually, and unprovoked attacks on humans have not been proved. In the wild, black mambas will typically live at least 11 years, while those in captivity have life spans of more than 20 years.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’
Kiersten lives in New Orleans, LA and graduated with her masters degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University in 2019.
She has conducted or assisted on research studies covering trees such as the bald cypress, swamp maple, and water tupelo, as well as important marsh grasses including Juncus, Spartina, and Phragmites.
Kiersten is a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist and regularly volunteers with local community gardens and nonprofits to help restore critical ecosystems along the Gulf Coast.
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About Begonia ‘Black Mamba’
There are over 2,000 species of Begonia, and horticulturalists have created even more varities by cultivating all sorts of shapes and colors! They’re native to tropical regions around the world, but are now found in homes in cold climates as well. Their taxonomy is far more complex than other plants, with species belonging to different cultivar groups. They contain oxalic acid, so be sure to keep them out of reach in homes with pets or children! ⚠️
Taxonomy
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’
Begonia
Begoniaceae
Cucurbitales
How to care for Begonia ‘Black Mamba’
How often to water your Begonia ‘Black Mamba’
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
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Finding light for Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ in your home
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ in your home 🏡.
How to fertilize Begonia ‘Black Mamba’
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant’s nutrients, repot your Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ after it doubles in size or once a year —whichever comes first.
Why is she so droopy and sad? #Begonia
Best advice? It’s a Valentines plant so the pressure is on to keep it alive! Also, the brown spots pictured.. thoughts? This girl needs to live, I’ve only kept begonias outside, not thriving, so all the advice is welcomed. #begonia #valentinesplants #curlyfireflush
Can this be saved? It’s on clearance!! If so, how do I save it. I’ve always wanted one #Begonia #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict #PlantTherapy #PlantGraveyard
My new addition! Any tips on how to care for this guy? #Begonia
Plant Mail Time! How lovely that my plant mail arrived on valentines day 🥰 We have my cactus subscription box, hoya erythrina (that I cant wait to try and sunstress!), a little anthurium magnificum baby and begonia burkillii silver edge that’s not looking too happy. It was very wilted and had curled leaf edges and a stem was broken (which I popped in my prop box). Its had a water and gone into my cabinet so hopefully it recovers (or at least I can manage to prop it) I also bought a beautiful pot that I think a hoya will probably go in 😊 #PlantMail #Hoya #PlantHaul #Begonia #Anthurium #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict
Saved some plants today! I love the way they look on the guest (“plant room”) bedside table next to the biggest fern for $10. My bird of paradise also came in that I got for 50% off. Bought a grow light for it. I cannot wait to see what this room will look like once we get it all back together. #HappPlace #PlantAddict #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #HappyPlants #SucculentLove #NewPlantMom #PlantTherapy #GrowLights #HangingPlants #PlantCorner #plantroom #BirdOfParadise #FernFriends #SucculentSquad #Begonia
Meet Betty, my new baby Angel Wing Begonia. She’s very tiny, but has healthy roots. This will be my first begonia. #Begonia #HappyPlants #NewPlants #NewPlantMom #NewEnglandGregGang #PlantTherapy #AngelWingBegonia #leca #LecaLeague
Help! My poor begonia has been declining rapidly. Does anyone know what is going on with her? She’s got these white spots on her soil, and her leaves look like this.I thought it is fungus and have been treating it with copper fungicide. But it is not helping #Begonia
What’s going on with my begonia? My poor begonia has been declining rapidly. Does anyone know what is going on with her? She’s got these white spots on her soil and her leaves look terrible and she has stopped her rapid growth. I thought it was fungus and have been treating her with copper fungicide, but it is not working. #Begonia
What is the absolute best fertilizer for a Rex begonia? I have terrible luck with keeping houseplants alive and I really want to get it right this time! #Begonia
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ does not have a typical pattern of dormancy. If you notice their growth slowing down substantially, double check that they are getting enough sunlight and water to thrive!
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ is native to Tropics and Subtropics worldwide.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Black mamba
Black mambas are fast, nervous, lethally venomous, and when threatened, highly aggressive. They have been blamed for numerous human deaths, and African myths exaggerate their capabilities to legendary proportions. For these reasons, the black mamba is widely considered the world’s deadliest snake.
Range and characteristics
Black mambas live in the savannas and rocky hills of southern and eastern Africa. They are Africa’s longest venomous snake, reaching up to 14 feet in length, although 8.2 feet is more the average. They are also among the fastest snakes in the world, slithering at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour.
They get their name not from their skin color, which tends to be olive to gray, but rather from the blue-black color of the inside of their mouth, which they display when threatened.
Behavior
Black mambas are shy and will almost always seek to escape when confronted. However, when cornered, these snakes will raise their heads, sometimes with a third of their body off the ground, spread their cobra-like neck-flap, open their black mouths, and hiss. If an attacker persists, the mamba will strike not once, but repeatedly, injecting large amounts of potent neuro- and cardiotoxin with each strike.
Venom
Before the advent of black mamba antivenin, a bite from this fearsome serpent was almost always fatal, usually within about 20 minutes. Unfortunately, antivenin is still not widely available in the rural parts of the mamba’s range, and mamba-related deaths remain frequent.
Encroachment on the black mamba’s territory is not only putting pressure on the species but contributes to more potentially dangerous human contact with these snakes.