Begonia fimbristipula and Gynura divaricata are natural vegetables.Growth,photosynthesis and fluorescence characteristics of these two vegetables were studied under three light conditions[Full light(L₀),50% canopy cover(L₁),and 70% canopy cover(L₂)].The results showed that:(1)The height and ground diameter of B.fimbristipula and G.divaricata were no significant differences between L₀ and L₁ treatments(P>0.05),the two variables were markedly lower in L₂ treatment than those of L₀ treatment(P<0.05).(2)The maximal net photosynthetic rate(P_max),light compensation point(LCP),and light saturation point(LSP) reduced with decreasing light intensity,no significant difference was found in apparent quantum yield(AQY) among the three light conditions.With the decrease of light intensity,the maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem Ⅱ(F_v/F_m),photochemical quenching index(q_P),photosynthetic electron transport rate(ETR) also reduced,while non-photochemical quenching index(NPQ) increased.(3)The values of these photosynthesis and fluorescence variables of the two vegetables were no significant difference between L₀ and L₁ treatments,whereas these variables were significantly lower in L₂ treatment than those of L₀ treatment.In L₂ treatment,the efficiency of capture excitation energy reduced for chlorophyll molecules of these two vegetables leaves,the amount of light energy was absorbed by photosystem Ⅱ decreased for photochemical electron transfer and increased for heat loss,electron transport activity and energy which was used to electron transport chain also declined,which led to the decrease of net photosynthetic rate,so plant growth was inhibited.These two vegetables have moderate shade tolerance,they can normally grow under the plantation with 50% canopy cover.