Denseflower knotweed, Common marsh buckwheat
Polygonum glabrum

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A tall erect herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are long and sword shaped but taper towards both ends. The leaves are 20 cm long by 4-5 cm wide. The flowers are in the axils of leaves and at the top of the plant. They are red. The nuts are dark brown and shiny.

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows near water and in marshes. In India it grows from sea level to 1,400 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), China, Dominican Republic (country/location of origin), East Africa, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti (country/location of origin), Himalayas, India, Indochina, Jamaica (country/location of origin), Japan, Lesser Antilles (country/location of origin), Madagascar, Malaysia, Nepal, Northeastern India, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The stalks are broken up, lightly cooked and the centre or pith eaten. The leaves are cooked and eaten in small quantities with other vegetables.

Edible parts

Leaves, roots, seeds, stalks, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aatlaria, Actalaree, Attarali, Bighani, Bihlangani, Chakaifu, Chuvanna mudela mukku, Jioti, Khar arxa, Larborna, Nadi sag, Nghe khong-long, Niru kanigalu, Niru sanne soppu, Paral, Patharua, Pathurua bhelagni, Rakta rohia, Sauri arak, Sckoranna mudela mucca, Sivappu, Takta rohita

Synonyms

Polygonum serrulatum; Persicaria glabra (Willd.) G. de la Maza; Probably now Persicaria glabra (Willd.) M. Gomez;