Polygonum runcinatum

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A small trailing herb. The stems are angled. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are the shape of an arrowhead with 2 unequal lobes. The leaves are 2-18.5 cm long by 1.7-7.5 cm wide. They have coarse teeth. There can be hairs on the mid vein above. The flowers are white or pink and in groups at the ends of the stalks.

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 1600-3600 m altitude. It grows in moist, shady places. It often grows near water. It grows between 800-3,900 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Young shoots and leaves are cooked as a vegetable. The tender shoots are eaten as chutney. They are also boiled with dried fish. They are also fried. The leaves and flowers are eaten raw as well as cooked and they taste like rhubarb.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Houpei-vu, Kapre sag, Lagasidi, Nghe bao, Nobito, Puri, Ratna, Ratnaulo, Ruri

Synonyms

Persicaria morrisonensis (Hayata) Nakai; Persicaria runcinata (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) H. Gross; Polygonum morrisonense Hayata; Polygonum panduriforme H. Lev. & Vaniot;