Trailing watermelon begonia
Pellionia repens

Family: Urticaceae

What it is like

A herb. The stems lie along the ground. It grows 20 cm tall. The leaves are alternate. They are oval and 2-11 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The edges are wavy. There are some rounded teeth along the edge. The flowers are in groups above the axils of the leaves. They are small and white to yellow. The fruit is dry and oval.

It is used in Chinese medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in dark damp places between 800-1,100 m above sea level in southern China. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Begonia rambat

Synonyms

Pellionia daveauana N. E. Br.; Polychroa repens Loureiro;