East Himalayan begonia
Begonia roxburghii
Family: Begoniaceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows 80 cm tall. There are long red dots on the stems and branches. The leaves are oval and unequal at the base. The flowers are white with a pinkish tinge. The stamen are yellow. The fruit is almost square and has 4 lobes. It is covered with red dots.
There are 900-1,000-1,500 Begonia species.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. In north India and Nepal it grows up to 1,200 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are used in chutney. The stalks are peeled and eaten raw. They are used in salads.
Leaves are sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Leaves, stem, rhizome, leaf stalk
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Alumikri, Anthur, Babarai, Babrai, Baya, Bayia, Bekhoo, Bikhu-hamang, Dieng jajew, Kamchal, Kinchare, Lukhu, Mping, Sekhupdon, Se-khup-thur, Sikai, Sisibaying, Suvat