Chinese indigo
Persicaria tinctoria

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 75 cm tall.

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant but can grow in temperate places. It is sensitive to frost. It grows in moist valleys and along stream banks. In China it grows between 200-1,000 m above sea level. It is best in full sun, a fertile soil and a humid climate.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Europe, Indochina, Korea, SE Asia, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten. The seeds are eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are easily grown from seeds. Plants the seeds where the plants are to grow.

Its other names

Local names

Nghe cham

Synonyms

Ampelygonum tinctorium (Aiton) Steud.; Persicaria tinctoria (Aiton) Spach; Pogalis tinctoria (Aiton) Raf.; Polygonum tinctorium Aiton;