Polygonum viviparum

Polygonum viviparum, also known as Alpine Bistort or Viviparous Knotweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to the Arctic and Alpine regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Description

Polygonum viviparum is a perennial herb that grows up to 5-40 cm tall. The leaves are lanceolate to elliptical, and the flowers are small, pink, and arranged in a spike. The plant is unique in that it produces bulbils in the axils of the upper leaves, which fall to the ground and grow into new plants, a form of asexual reproduction known as vivipary.

Habitat and Distribution

Polygonum viviparum is found in a variety of habitats, including tundra, alpine meadows, and rocky slopes. It is adapted to cold, harsh climates and can be found at elevations up to 4,000 meters. Its distribution spans across the Arctic and alpine regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Uses

The bulbils of Polygonum viviparum have been used as a food source by indigenous peoples in the Arctic. They are rich in starch and can be eaten raw or cooked. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Conservation Status

While Polygonum viviparum is not currently considered threatened, its habitat is vulnerable to climate change. Warming temperatures could lead to a reduction in its range and population size.

See Also

• Polygonaceae
• Vivipary
• Arctic flora

References

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