Uses
Toxic parts
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
[1].
Edible uses
Notes
Tender young leaves and shoots - raw or cooked as a vegetable
[2].
Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.
Material uses
There are no material uses listed for Polygonum runcinatum.
There are no medicinal uses listed for Polygonum runcinatum.
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
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.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Polygonum runcinatum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil
[3] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade
[4]. Grows well on a cool bank in a humus-rich soil
[5]. Repays generous treatment
[3].
This species is not very cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c, though there are probably hardier forms in the wild[5].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits
[6].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Polygonum runcinatum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Polygonum runcinatum.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Polygonum runcinatum
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
References
-
? Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
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? 2.02.12.2 Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-527-6 (2002-00-00)
-
? 3.03.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
-
? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
-
? 5.05.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. ISBN 0-330-37376-5 (1998-00-00)
-
? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
-
? [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)
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