Herb latin name: Begonia picta


Family: Begoniaceae (Begonia Family)



Medicinal use of Begonia picta:

The juice of the plant is drunk to relieve headaches. The crushed leaves are used as a poultice on sore nipples. The root juice is used as an eyewash to treat conjunctivitis. It is also consumed in the treatment of peptic ulcers.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
20 cm
(7 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Shady banks and rock ledges in wetter areas, to 2800 metres. Plants are sometimes found at much higher elevations.

Edible parts of Begonia picta:

Leaves - raw or cooked. An acid flavour. The sour tasting leaf stalks and stems are pickled.

Other uses of the herb:

The juice of the plant is used as a mordant to fix the colours of vegetable dyes.

Propagation of Begonia picta:

Seed - surface sow in a greenhouse and keep the compost moist in a light position. The seed can be very slow to germinate, sometimes taking a year or more. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division Basal cuttings from tubers in spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Shady banks and rock ledges in wetter areas, to 2800 metres. Plants are sometimes found at much higher elevations.

Known hazards of Begonia picta:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.