Nepalese Smartweed
Persicaria nepalensis

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

An erect annual herb. The stems are slender. They are 1-2 mm across. It can lie along the ground or reach up to about 30 cm high. It often branches near the base and also forms roots. The leaves have stalks that have wings. The leaf blades are pale green and 1-5 cm long and 0.6-1 cm wide. The base is wedge shaped and runs into the leaf stalk. The leaves are oval or pear shaped with a few hairs. The flower arrangements are at the top of the plant. They are false spikes. Several arise together from one stalk. The flowers are pink or red. The fruit are lens shaped or occasional triangle shaped. They are 2 mm long and dark brown to black.

There are about 50 Polygonum species. It is invasive in Mexico.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. It is common in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. It occurs from 1200-3,000 m altitude. It grows in disturbed forest and old gardens. In Nepal it grows between 1200-4000 m altitude. It grows on exposed rocky slopes. It also grows in moist shady places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Central Asia, China, Ethiopia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Himalayas, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Sikkim, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tajikistan, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The tender leaves and shoots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are sour.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, stems

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Achiak, Chak-aitu, Gong-sgrer-ming, Gui qiao, Ja-ut, Kangany-machan-pillu, Lanbut, Meija daro aga, Nghe Nepal, Priya ghans, Ratanaulo, Ratnaulo, Ruri, Sat balon, Trod, Uyushayan, Yarung

Synonyms

Persicaria alata (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) Nakai; Persicaria nepalensis (Meisn.) H. Gross; Polygonum alatum Buch.-Ham. ex Spreng.; Polygonum nepalense Meisn.; Polygonum punctatum auct., non Ell.; and others