Black bindweed, Climbing buckwheat
Fallopia convolvulus

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

It is a climbing plant. It grows as an annual. The stems twine. The leaves end abruptly and are heart shaped. The leaf stalks are long. The flowers are white. They are in loose clusters at the ends of the plant. The fruit are a dull black colour.

There are about 9 Fallopia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist shady places. In Pakistan it grows between 1,500-3,500 m altitude. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bhutan, Bosnia, Britain, Central Asia, China, Czech Republic, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Luxembourg, Mongolia, Nepal, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Russia, SE Asia, Spain, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The seeds are made into a kind of porridge. The flour is also used for pancakes. The leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Corn bindweed, Divlja heljda, Habichuelones, Nghe bim

Synonyms

Bilderdykia convolvulus (L.) Dumort.; Polygonum convolvulus L.; and others