Ban pire
Persicaria microcephala

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A herb. It lies along the ground and the tip is raised. It grows 100-120 cm high and spreads 1.5-2 m wide. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are 1.3-11 cm long by 0.8-5.5 cm wide. They are oval to sword shaped. The base abruptly narrows into a winged leaf stalk. The flowers are white or pink. They occur in clusters at the ends of branches.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 1200-1800 m altitude. It grows in moist, open places. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The tender portions are cooked as a vegetable. The leaves are boiled and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Delap, Madhu solin

Synonyms

Polygonum microcephalum D. Don; Polygonum graciale Hook.f.; Polygonum podocephalum Klotzsch; Polygonum sphaerocephalum Wall.; Polygonum staticiflorum Wall. ex Meissn.; Polygonum wallichii Meissner;