Polygonum sibiricum

Laxm.

PolygonaceaeLeavesSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below

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Yiching Lin

What to Eat

Edible parts: Leaves, Seeds

Both the leaves and seed can be eaten raw or cooked. The seed 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 grows from sea level to 5,100 m above sea level. It grows in salty deserts and near salty lakes.

Afghanistan, Asia, Central Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Russia, Sikkim, Tajikistan, 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, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

A herb. The rhizomes are slender. The stems can lie along the ground. They are 25 cm tall. They branch from the base. The leaf blade is narrowly oval and 3-10 cm long by 2-15 mm wide. The fruit are dry and black and shiny. They are 3 sided.

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. It is often found wild on saline soils. 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 dwarf perennial reaching just 0.2 m with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Flowering occurs July to September with concurrent seed ripening. Accommodates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils as well as saline soils, across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH levels. Grows in semi-shade or full sun with preference for consistently moist soil.

Notes

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Names & Synonyms

Polygonum arcticum Pall. ex Spreng.and others

References (5)

Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 481
Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 5
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List of wild edible plants in Mongolian cuisine
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Singh, H.B., Arora R.K.,1978, Wild edible Plants of India. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. p 33