Polygonum macrophyllum

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A small herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has a thick fibrous rootstock. The stems are 10-15 cm tall. The leaves are oblong to sword shaped and have parallel sides. They are 3-12 cm long by 0.1-3 cm wide and the base is rounded or heart shaped. They are hairy underneath. The flowers are pink or red. They are in groups 2-7 cm long at the top of the plant.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Sichuan. In Nepal it grows between 2,700-4,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Northeastern India, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The roots are eaten fresh. They are also crushed and eaten with barley or maize. The seeds are ground to make flour.

The seeds are a significant food.

Edible parts

Root, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ban jia lin bu, Rong bu, Spang ram

Synonyms

Bistorta macrophylla (D. Don) Sojak; Bistorta sphaerostachya (Meisen.) Greene;