Polygonum pubescens -
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Habit: | Annual |
| Height: | 0.6 |
| Synonyms: | Persicaria pubescens. (Blume.)Hard. |
| Range: | E. Asia - China, Japan. |
Polygonum pubescens will flower in February to March. the seeds ripen from March to April
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by
Soil Information
Polygonum pubescens 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
Polygonum pubescens prefers soils
Ideal Planting Locations
Polygonum pubescens can grow in semi or areas with no shade.Wet places in C. and S. Japan[58].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- A bog garden plant
Cultivation Details
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[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 disclaimerEdible Rating: 1/5
Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a potherb and as a seasoning[177]. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.
- Leaves -
- Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 0/5
None known
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
None knownCultivars
no recorded cultivarsReferences
Flora of Japan. (English translation)Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965
Flora of China
Author:
Rating: http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher : On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.
Date of Publication : 1994
Plants and People of Nepal
Manandhar. N. P.
Author: Manandhar. N. P.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.
Date of Publication : 2002
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