The plant commonly known as purple-leaf beggarticks comes in various species.One such plant is known scientifically as Begonia fimbristipula, belonging to the family Begoniaceae and genus Begonia; it is a perennial herb without stems native to China.It grows in regions south of the Yangtze River at elevations between 700 meters and 1,120 meters.The commonly cultivated purple-leaf beggarticks for special vegetables are scientifically known as Gynura bicolor DC., belonging to the family Asteraceae and genus Gynura; it is a perennial herb with young stems and leaves rich in calcium and iron, making it highly nutritious. It also has medicinal uses such as stopping bleeding and fighting viruses, hence its long history of cultivation as a vegetable.
