秋海棠科
學名:Begonia formosana (Hayata) Masam.
臺灣特有種植物,分佈於中、低海拔陰溼環境,在溪谷或步道旁很容易看到。歪斜的葉有著不規則的深淺裂片,形狀像水鴨的腳掌而得名。雌雄異花,可以仔細觀察兩種花有什麼不一樣?葉柄和莖含有蟻酸及水分,味道酸酸鹹鹹的,被暱稱為野外的酸梅汁,可作為野外解渴的植物,但是淺嘗及止,不宜多吃以免蟻酸累積過多造成腸胃不適。
Endemic to Taiwan, Formosana Begonia is distributed in the humid environment at middle and low altitudes, easily found along valleys and trails. The asymmetrical leaves with irregular deep lobes are shaped like the soles of teal's feet, hence the Chinese name. Male and female flowers are different; can you tell the difference between them? The petioles and stems contain formic acid and water which tastes sour and salty can be consumed to quench thirst, hence the nickname “plum juice in the wild”. However, advisable to control the intake amount, over-eating might cause excessive formic acid accumulation and symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.
秋海棠屬多年生草本,臺灣特有種。分佈於臺灣低海拔至中海拔地區林下陰涼潮溼的路旁。葉卵形歪斜,長15~21cm、寬8~18cm,不規則疏齒或重齒緣,葉面或有白斑。雌雄異花,花色粉紅。
A perennial herb in the genus Begonia, endemic to Taiwan. It is distributed along the roads in cool and humid areas under the forest in the low-to-middle-altitude areas of Taiwan. Leaves asymmetrically ovate, 15-21cm long, 8-18cm wide, leaf margin with irregularly sparse dentation or double dentation, some with white flecks on the leaf surface. Dioecious, flower pink.
半日照溫暖環境,高濕度可以促進生長。夏天需遮陰不可曝曬。栽培介質需排水良好、富含有機質。每季施用一次長效性肥料。扦插法繁殖。
The plant grows well partial sun and warm environment and thrives vigorously in high humidity. It needs shaded from sun exposure in summer. Well-drained soils rich in organic matter is preferable. Apply long-active fertilizer once a season. Cutting propagation is used.
於山野道路旁陰濕地廣泛生長,是良好的水土保持的地被植物。莖含蟻酸,直接摘取食用有生津止渴的功效,但不宜多食。
It grows widely in shady wetlands along mountainous roads; an excellent groundcover for the use of soil and water conservation. The stem contains formic acid which can be eaten fresh to quench thirst, but over dosage is not recommended.