Begonia picta aka Painted Leaf Begonia

Begonia picta is a small perennial in the begonia family, Begoniaceae. It comes from the Himalayas and nearby parts of Asia. Its recorded range includes China, India and Pakistan. It grows on shaded banks and rock ledges in wet areas. Records place it up to about 9,186 feet [2,800 metres]. Some plants occur at still higher sites.

This tuberous plant reaches about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. Its low form suits a woodland garden with dappled shade. It flowers from August to September. Each plant bears separate male and female flowers. Seeds ripen from September to October. The leaves, leaf stalks and stems have a sour taste. The source gives no details of flower colour or leaf markings.

Grow it in moist soil that drains well. It can grow in sand, loam or clay. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. Its preferred pH range is 6 to 7. It does not need strong light and grows in partial shade. British growing guidance calls for greenhouse protection. Plants from high Himalayan sites may prove hardier. This remains a possibility, not a firm hardiness claim.

Seed needs light and moist compost in a greenhouse. Sow it on the surface rather than burying it. Germination can take a year or longer. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep them under glass through at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after frost. Division offers another way to raise plants. Basal cuttings from tubers can also be taken in spring.

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. People pickle the sour leaf stalks and stems. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. That does not establish safety for pets or all uses. The source also records several traditional medicinal uses. These include plant juice for headaches and crushed-leaf poultices. It records root juice use for eye complaints and ulcers. These are traditional uses, not evidence of safe or effective treatment. Plant juice also helps fix vegetable dyes to fabric. The source lists no weed potential for this species.