Polygonum rumicifolium

Royle ex Bab.

PolygonaceaeLeavesSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below

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Yiching Lin

What to Eat

Edible parts: Leaves, Seeds

Young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. The seed can also be eaten raw or cooked, though it is quite small and fiddly to work with.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people. Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Having said that, a number of common foods such as sorrel and rhubarb contain oxalic acid and the leaves of most members of this genus are nutritious and beneficial to eat in moderate quantities. Cooking the leaves will reduce their content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.

Where to Find It

It the Himalayas it grows between 2,700-4,300 m altitude.

Afghanistan, Asia, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet,

Countries: United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei, Bhutan, China, Georgia, Indonesia, Israel, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mongolia, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

A robust leafy herb. The stems are pale and 15-120 cm long. The leaves are dock-like. They are green and rather fleshy. They are 8-13 cm long and broadly oval or heart shaped. The flowers are small and green in the axils of leaves and in clusters at the ends of branches. They are in dense clusters.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it is hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade. Repays generous treatment. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagation: Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually straightforward. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant out during summer if they have grown sufficiently. If not, keep them in a cold frame over winter and plant out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division can be done in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can go directly into their permanent positions. Smaller divisions are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established, then planted out in late spring or early summer.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Other Uses

None known

Wikipedia

A perennial species with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade in light woodland or full sun, preferring moist soil.

Notes

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Names & Synonyms

Possibly now Aconogonum rumicifolium

References (3)

Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Polunin, O., & Stainton, A., 2006, Flowers of the Himalaya, Oxford India Paperbacks. p 343 (As Aconogonum rumicifolium)
Singh, H.B., Arora R.K.,1978, Wild edible Plants of India. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. p 33