Slender Knotweed
Persicaria serrulata

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. The stems are slender. It is erect and grows 60-90 cm high. When lying along the ground, stems form roots at the nodes. The leaves are alternate and almost without stalks. The leaf blades are long and narrow. They are 11 cm long. They are dark green. At the base they clasp the stems. This forms a sheath with hairs along the fringe. The flowers are small, pink and in spikes. These are 2-9 cm long and have a zigzag shape. The fruit is a 3 sided nutlet. It is smooth and shiny.

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in Mediterranean countries. It grows in moist places. It can grow as a flat plant on the mud at the edge of the water. In Tanzania it grows in swamps from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mediterranean, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia

How it is used for food

The young leaves are chopped, boiled and eaten.

It is eaten all over Malawi. It is common but not popular. It is mainly eaten as a famine food.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Leaves are collected in the dry season.

Its other names

Local names

Mchendeka, Msendeka, Musendeka, Musona, Muswente, Nsendechere, Nsendeka, Nsendekere

Synonyms

Persicaria salicifolia (Brouss. ex Willd.) Assenov [Illegitimate]; Polygonum salicifolium Brouss. ex Willd.; Polygonum serrulatoides H. Lindb.; Polyonum serrulatum Lag.;