Polygala persicariifolia

Polygala persicariifolia is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family (Polygalaceae). It is native to east Africa and Asia.

Description

A hairy annual herb. It grows about 45 cm high. The leaves have short stalks. They are oblong. The flowers are yellow. They are in open flower clusters in the axils of leaves and at the ends of branches. The fruit is a capsule. It is oblong.

Edible Uses

The leaves are eaten as a vegetable and are traditionally used in Nepal for making fermenting cake from which liquor is distilled.

Traditional Uses

In Nepal the leaves are used for making fermenting cake from which liquor is distilled.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 700-1900 m altitude. It grows in shady places. In West Africa it grows in savannah areas. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, East Africa, Guinea, Guinée, Himalayas, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Nigeria, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Thailand, West Africa, Zambia,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed.

Notes

There are about 600 Polygala species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Bijakanne

References (7)

• Burkill, H. M., 1985, The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 4. Kew.
• Fowler, D. G., 2007, Zambian Plants: Their Vernacular Names and Uses. Kew. p 83
• Grubben, G. J. H. and Denton, O. A. (eds), 2004, Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. p 564
• Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 95
• Manandhar, N.P., 2002, Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press. Portland, Oregon. p 374

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