Polygonum tomentosum
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
A perennial herb. It grows 0.5-1.5 m tall. It can float. The stems have stripes. The stems are 1.5 cm across. The leaves are sword shaped and have a white coating. The flower spikes occur at the top of the plant. The flowers are white. The dry fruit looks like a lens with 2 prominent sides.
There are about 50 Polygonum species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in wet parts of tropical Asia.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Asia, Cambodia, Central Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Indochina, Madagascar, Malawi, Myanmar, Nigeria, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa
How it is used for food
The young shoots are eaten in soups.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Kanteang hae, Kan traing he, Nghe nuoc