Bayia
Begonia palmata

Family: Begoniaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 20-90 cm tall. It has rhizomes that are 2 cm across. The stems are erect. There are leaves at the base and on the stem. The leaf stalks are 1-4 cm long. The leaves are oval and unequal on opposite sides. They are12-33 cm long by 6-27 cm wide.

There are 900-1,000-1,500 Begonia species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in evergreen broad-leaved forests by streams and on rocks in moist places between 100-3,200 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaf stalk is used as a vegetable. It is also crushed and made into a paste for preparing chutney. The leaves are also used as a vegetable.

Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaf stalk

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bayia, Bikku yulu, Donpolapang, Khagayo, Magar kanche, Mping, Sekhupdon, Sisibaying, Sla-lajaw, Theidon, Thuhaiduong chan-vit

Synonyms

Begonia laciniata Roxb.;