Vegetable smartweed
Persicaria mollis

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

An erect stout herb. It grows about 2 m tall. It has a straggling stem. The leaves have stalks. They are alternate. The leaves are 5-20 cm long by 2-7 cm wide. There is a leafy structure at the base of the leaf stalk. The leaves have silky hairs underneath. The flowers do not have stalks. They are white or pinkish.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 1200-2400 m altitude. It grows in moist, open places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The tender shoots are boiled and cooked as a vegetable. They are also used for chutney and pickles.

Shoots are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or root offshoots.

Its other names

Local names

Chanwale, Jhotney, Kandyen-pam, Leibung-tharam, Qian ge a si, Sikkim knotweed, Tholne, Thotney

Synonyms

Polygonum molle D .Don; Aconogum molle (D.Don) Hara; Ampelygonatum molle (D.Don) Roberty & Vautier; Coccoloba totnea Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don;