Hollyhock begonia
Begonia gracilis
Family: Begoniaceae
What it is like
A herb that keep growing from year to year. It grows 60 cm high and 50 cm wide. The stems are green, slender and erect. They are fleshy and have few branches. The leaves are pale green and fleshy. They are round and 8 cm across. The edges are scalloped. The flowers are pink and 3 cm wide.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It is best in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. It needs a shaded position. It is damaged by drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Mexico, North America, South America
How it is used for food
The leaves and stalks have a sour taste and are eaten with other foods.
The stems are chewed especially by children. The leaf stalks are sold in markets.
Edible parts
Stems, leaves
How it is grown
It can be grown by leaf cuttings, by seed or by tubers.