Eastern knotweed
Polygonum tortuosum

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. The roots are robust. It grows 30-50 cm tall. The branches are forked. The leaves are oval and 2-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They can be hairy. The flowers are small and white or cream. The dry fruit is brown and oval and sharply 3 sided.

The roots are used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on grassy slopes. It grows between 3,600-4,900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet

How it is used for food

The dried leaves are used as a tea substitute. The tender stems are eaten raw or pickled.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, stems, shoots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bakranda, Bakrolya, Chaunle, Chawanle, Cha zhi shen xue ning, Niala, Nyalowa

Synonyms

Aconogonum tortuosum (D. Don) H. Hara; Polygonum peregrinatoris Paulsen; and others