Himalayan knotweed
Polygonum polystachyum

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

An erect shrubby plant. It grows 2 m tall. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are oblong or sword shaped and have a long point. They are 10-25 cm long. They usually have some soft hairs underneath. The flowers are white or pale pink. They have a scent. They are in clusters 15-45 cm long at the ends of branches. The flowers are 6 mm across. Probably now Koenigia polystachya (Meis.) Schuster & Reveal

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

In the Himalayas it grows between 2,000-4,000 m altitude. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The twigs and flowers are used in the preparation of pickles. They are eaten as a pot herb. The stalks are eaten raw or peeled and stewed like rhubarb.

Edible parts

Seeds, flowers, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Amldandi, Chuchi, Nia lu, Pang xia mei duo, Sarai, Snya lo, Tror

Synonyms

Possibly now Persicaria polystachyum (Wallich ex Meissner) Gross;