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Lingnan Suibi (Notes from Lingnan): Begonia flowers originally have no fragrance, except for the autumn begonia at Qingyuan Guiyuan Cave and the spring begonia at Zhaoqing Yangxia, whose fragrance is particularly strong.

Qunfang Pu (Collection of Formulas) records: Also known as "August Spring," it is a herbaceous plant with pink flowers that are very delicate and charming, and leaves green like kingfisher feathers. There are two varieties of this flower; those with red veins on the underside of the leaves are common varieties, while those with green veins have more elegant charm when blooming.

Daguan Lu (Record of Grand Observations) records: Autumn begonia is also called "Heartbreak Grass" (Duan Chang Cao). Its roots and leaves are toxic; dogs and horses die after eating them, and drinking water in which the flowers have been soaked harms humans.

Zhangzhou Fu Zhi (Local Gazetteer of Zhangzhou Prefecture) records: The seedlings of autumn begonia grow every year, with very brittle stems. The back of the leaves displays chaotic red patterns, said to be blood from lovesickness. It is相传 (traditionally said) that an ancient person vomited blood onto the steps due to excessive longing, and this plant subsequently grew there, hence also named "Grass of Longing" (Xiang Si Cao). When one flower fades, two sprout beside it; from two, four emerge; from four, eight appear, embodying the imagery of the Taiji symbol, exceptionally elegant and gorgeous.

Hua Jing (Mirror of Flowers) records: Autumn begonia is also named "August Spring," ranking first among autumn-colored flowers. The plant is short with large leaves, the backs of which have many red silk-like lines resembling rouge, forming distinct boundary patterns. The flowers open outward, blooming gradually until the last flower forms bell-shaped seeds growing on lateral branches. The flowers are delicate, graceful, and charming. Its variant species come in yellow and white colors, also known as "Heartbreak Flower" (Duan Chang Hua).

Zhou Kaiyun stated: Folk tradition holds that the yellow center inside the autumn begonia flower contains severe poison, and consuming too much can cause death. I once accidentally ingested some, spending the night in panic and alarm. In haste at my lodging, with no antidote available, I could only resign myself to fate. However, the next day I was unharmed. Ding Xianrong stated: When autumn begonia leaves first grow in Shan-zuo (Shandong), children compete to pick and eat them. They taste slightly sour, generate saliva, and enhance lip color, making them look like they are coated with cinnabar, thus proving they are non-toxic.

Yaoxing Kao (Examining Drug Properties) records: Begonia prefers growing in shaded areas, so its nature is cold, making it suitable for cases of high fever. It tastes sour and has a cold nature without toxicity. Mixed with honey and applied to the face, it moistens the skin and flesh; its dried form, crushed to extract juice, treats sore throat (from Yaoxing Kao).

Baicao Jing (Mirror of Hundred Herbs) states: To treat tinea and kill parasites, soak the leaves and flowers in honey and add them to women's facial cosmetics.

Wuli Xiaoshi (Small Knowledge of Physical Things) records: Silver tarnish can be removed using dark plums, Sanysuan Ye (Oxalis corniculata leaves), or autumn begonia leaves.

Begonia Honey (from Jiusheng Kuhai): Pick red autumn begonia flowers, remove the stamens/centers, mix evenly with white honey, steam and sun-dry ten times until fully integrated. Apply in winter mornings after washing the face; it enhances complexion and treats wind-blown tinea and prickly heat.

Cihang Huoren Shu records the method for preparing Begonia Honey: Take one large cup of premium white honey, mix with freshly picked red autumn begonia petals. Slightly crush the flowers and blend into the honey. Sun-dry daily or steam several times until it becomes mud-like; the honey takes on the color of the begonia. Alternatively, add a small amount of fine Hibiscus powder for a beautiful luster and to prevent facial skin from cracking in the cold.