Polygonum lapathifolium - Curlytop Knotweed

Family:	Polygonaceae
Habit:	Annual
Height:	0.75
Synonyms:	P. scabrum. Moench. Persicaria lapathifolium. (L.)S.F.Gray.
Range:	Temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, including Britain. S. Africa.

Polygonum lapathifolium (Curlytop Knotweed) is a Annual which grows to a height of 0.75m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Curlytop Knotweed will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Curlytop Knotweed prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Curlytop Knotweed can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Swampy thickets, shores, damp clearings and cultivated fields in N. America[43].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[200]. Repays generous treatment[1]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Young leaves - raw or cooked[105, 177]. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

• Leaves -
• Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The whole plant is antiseptic and astringent[178]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of stomach complaints and fevers[257]. The plant produces a soft white mass, a froth like that of soap. It is applied externally to burns[272].

• Antiseptic - Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.
• Stomachic - Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts.

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[238].

Other Uses

The plant produces a soft white mass, a froth like that of soap. It is used for bathing and washing clothes[272].

• Soap - Plants used directly as a soap substitute.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

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