Japanese knotweed, Giant knotweed
Reynoutria japonica

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A climbing herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1-2 m tall. The roots are stiff and woody. They are hollow. Young roots have purplish spots on the surface. The leaves grown singly. They are 5-15 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. The leaves do not have hairs. The flowers are white. The fruit are triangular shaped.

It is used in medicine. It has anticancer properties. There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in forests and humid areas. It grows in wetlands. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Balkans, Bosnia, China, Indochina, Japan, Myanmar, North America, Norway, Romania, Scandinavia, SE Asia, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young shoots and leaves are eaten. They are treated like asparagus. The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat. They can be chilled and served with salad dressing. The young shoots can be used like rhubarb in pies, fruit soups, sweet sauces, jams and puddings. The rhizomes are sometimes eaten.

It is cultivated for its young stems. It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, shoots, rhizomes, roots, tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Bambus, Cotkhi, Dienthat, Itadori, Hhaoqqailhaoqbivaq, Hoathuyetdan, Hotruong, Japanese Fleece-flower, Mexican bamboo, Parkslirekne, Siebold 's Knotweed, Suan gan tong, Tiger stick

Synonyms

Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc.; and many others