Watersmart weed
Persicaria pulchra

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A creeping herb that grows in water. It has hollow stems. It roots at the nodes. It can be 2 m long. Much of the plant is under water. The leaves are very hairy. They are sword shaped and taper to the tip. They sheath the stem at the base. The flowers are small and white. The occur in clusters which are erect and nodding.

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs widely throughout the tropics. It grows in marshes and roadside ditches. It grows in wet grass savannah. It grows between 100-300 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Benin, Burkina Faso, China, East Africa, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Philippines, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, West Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are used in salads. The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bakoan, Bendet, Chachabean, Dekerngude, Funte, Jangkong, Johong beraleh, Lukantamila, Musokapale, Nyakisumbi, Pai-nam, Pukut chareng

Synonyms

Polygonum pulchrum Blume; Polygonum tomentosum Willd. [Illegitimate];