Polygonum divaricatum

A perennial growing to 1 m tall with flowers from July to August and seeds ripening August to September. Hermaphroditic, insect-pollinated flowers. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and grows in dry or moist soils.

Description

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems are erect and 70-120 cm tall. They have spreading branches. The leaves are sword shaped and 5-12 cm long by 1-2 cm wide.

Edible Uses

Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The root is also edible, though no further details are recorded. Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked, though they are rather small and fiddly to use.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are used as a grain. The young stems are used as a sweet.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

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.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in Inner Mongolia in China.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Siberia, Slovenia,

Cultivation

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 generally free and easy. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant out during summer if they have reached sufficient size, or overwinter in a cold frame and plant out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division can be done in spring or autumn and is very straightforward — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones do better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses

Notes

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Razkrečena dresen, Simeldeg, Suan bu liu, Wulaan chai

References (8)

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List of wild edible plants in Mongolian cuisine
• http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
• Khasbagan, Hu-Yin Huai, and Sheng-Ji pei, 2000, Wild Plants in the Diet of Athorchin Mongol Herdsmen in Inner Mongolia. Economic Botany 54(4): 528-536
• Khasbagan, Yeruhan and Zhao Hui, 2011, Study on Traditional Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants Used by the Mongolians in Xilingol Typical Steppe Area. Plant Diversity and Resources. 33(2): 239-246
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

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