Polygonum
Polygonum
Polygonum (pronounced: /pəˈlɪɡənəm/), is a genus of about 130 species of flowering plant in the buckwheat and knotweed family Polygonaceae.
Etymology
The name Polygonum is derived from the Greek words "poly", meaning many, and "gonu", meaning knee or joint. This refers to the many jointed stem of the plants in this genus.
Description
Commonly known as knotweed or smartweed, Polygonum species are annual or perennial herbs with a cosmopolitan distribution. They are characterized by their swollen nodes, which give the stem a jointed appearance. The leaves are simple, and arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are small, and usually pink or white, arranged in terminal or axillary inflorescences.
Species
Some of the well-known species of Polygonum include:
- Polygonum aviculare - Common knotweed
- Polygonum bistorta - Bistort
- Polygonum cuspidatum - Japanese knotweed
- Polygonum persicaria - Redshank
Uses
Many Polygonum species are used in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia. For example, Polygonum multiflorum is used in Chinese medicine for its supposed anti-aging properties. Some species are also used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.
Related Terms
- Polygonaceae - The family to which Polygonum belongs.
- Node (botany) - A part of the stem of a plant.
- Inflorescence - The arrangement of flowers on a plant.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polygonum
- Wikipedia's article - Polygonum
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