Eastern knotweed
Persicaria capitata

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows along the ground or curves upwards. It keeps growing from year to year. It forms mats. The has glandular hairs. The leaves do not have stalks. The leaf blades are broadly oval and 2-5 cm long. They are green and taper to the base and tip. The central vein is red. The flowers are in round heads. The flowers are pink. The nut is 3 angled. It is dull black.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It can grow in shade and in dry or moist soil. In China it grows between 600-3,500 m above sea level. In Vietnam it grows between 1,300-1,600 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Hawaii, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Indochina, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, St Helena, Taiwan, Tasmania, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The flower spikes are eaten raw. They have a sweet-sour taste. The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable, usually in soup. The ripe fruit are eaten.

The ripe fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or stem cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Babing kaling, Kaflya, Nghe dau, Niaorla, Ratnaulo, Ratneulo, Sambondom-bong, Vankaphal

Synonyms

Cephalophilon capitatum (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) Tzvelev; Polygonum capitatum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don;