Begonia palmata

Family: Begoniaceae

What it is like

Begonia palmata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.4

Where it is found

In shady moist places by streams, on rocks of valley, under dense forests of shady stony cliffs, under evergreen broad-leaved forests, on moist rocks; in shrubberies by streams; 100 - 3200 metres

E. Asia - S. China, Himalayas

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The roots are antiphlogistic and astringent. They stimulate blood circulation. A decoction is used in the treatment of haematemesis, amenorrhoea and traumatic stagnant blood collection.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained soil. Plants do not require high light intensities. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7. Plants are probably not winter hardy outdoors in Britain, though they are worth trying in a sheltered woodland position in the milder areas of the country.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in a greenhouse and keep the compost moist in a light position. The seed can be very slow to germinate, sometimes taking a year or more. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division Basal cuttings from tubers in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. laciniata. Roxb.