Painted leaf begonia
Begonia picta

Family: Begoniaceae

What it is like

A herb with reddish stems. The leaves are alternate and 8-10 cm long by 6-9 cm wide. They are broadly oval. The edge is irregular and with slight teeth. They are hairy and have pink patches. The flowers are stalked and pink. The fruit are winged. One wing is much longer than the other.

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

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It occurs throughout Nepal between 1000-2500 m altitude. It grows in moist, shady places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Tibet

How it is used for food

The leaf stalk and stem are sour and are pickled. They are also used for jam. They are also eaten as a pot-herb.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaf stalk

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or the rhizome.

Its other names

Local names

Alumikri, Koltheidon, Lundiara, Madukermara, Magarkanche, Magar kanchi, Maikhi phagla, Makhrabi, Mping-kokralik, Pakkan chatta, Patharchati, Prugyu, Shovaparnee

Synonyms

Begonia erosa Wallich; Begonia rex Putzeys;