秋海棠屬多年生草本，原產於中國南部、印度、越南等地。地下有匍匐根莖，卵形左右不對稱葉，長可達33cm，寬可達21cm，葉面深綠，帶灰綠色或銀色馬蹄形斑紋，葉背綠色與紫紅色。雌雄異花，花粉紅色，雌花子房有一片翼狀突起。本種是觀葉秋海棠系統中的蛤蟆秋海棠類的主要育種親本。

A perennial herb in the genus Begonia, native to southern China, India, Vietnam and so on. Underground rhizomes, ovate leaves asymmetrical, up to 33cm long and 21cm wide. The upper surface dark green with grayish green or silver horseshoe-shaped markings; green and purple-red beneath. Dioecious, pink flowers, female flower ovary with a wing-like protuberance. This species is the main breeding parent of painted-leaf begonia which is one of foliage ornamental begonias.

半日照溫暖環境，高濕度可以促進生長。夏天需遮蔭不宜曝曬。栽培介質需排水良好且富含有機質。每季施用一次長效性肥料。扦插法繁殖。

The plant grows well in 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.

秋海棠屬植物的葉片與植株型態千變萬化，部份種類花朵也相當可觀，具有很高的觀賞價值，是世界各地植物園與植物愛好者的收集品。中大型種可作為室內或戶外遮蔭處的造景使用，小型種可作為盆栽收集欣賞或成為組合盆栽的材料。

Begonias are highly prized for their variegated patterns and intriguingly shaped leaves; some of them can produce considerable flowers which is highly ornamental and extremely popular among botanical gardens and collectors around the world. The medium and large varieties can be used for landscaping in indoor or outdoor shades, while small ones can be grown in individual pots or assorted pots to add interests.