Herb, 10-22 cm high. Leaves glabrous, 5-10 x 3-7 cm, ovate, doubly serrate, cordate, acuminate. Petiole 5-8 cm, glabrous. Bract 1.3 cm, ovate, glabrous. Pedicels and peduncles glabrous. Flowers pale pink-white. Male flower: Outer segments 2, ovate; inner segments 2, smaller. Female flower: Segments 3, the outer 2, 8-10 mm, broadly oblong, glabrous; inner lateral, 3-5 mm, oblong. Styles 3, persistent; stigmas branched, papillose; ovary glabrous. Capsule 8-12 mm long, 3-winged; wings 3-5 mm broad, almost equal, horizontal, glabrous. Seeds elongated.

Fl.Per.: July-Sept. Fr. Per.: Oct.

Type: Hab. in Nepalia, Wallich..

Distribution: Temperate Central and Western Himalayas from 1700-2300 m.

Reported from Kotli, Mirpur District and from Panjar, (Stewart, l.c.) but we have not seen any authentic specimens from these areas. The record needs confirmation.

Hiroshi Hara in Ohashi, Fl.E. Himal., Univ. Mus., Univ. Tokyo, Bull. 8,85.1975, has called this species, Begonia dioica Hamilt. ex Don, Prodr. Fl. Nepal 223.1825 and regards Begonia tenella D. Don as a synonym.

Various cultivated forms of begonias are widely grown for their beautiful, variegated leaves and showy flowers. Some species have medicinal value as well. Propagated by leaf or stein cuttings or tubers, they respond best to moist shady locations.