Polygonum: Difference between revisions

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'''Polygonum''' is a genus of about 130 species of flowering plant in the buckwheat and knotweed family [[Polygonaceae]]. Common names include '''knotweed''' and '''knotgrass''' (though the common names may refer more broadly to plants from Polygonaceae). In the [[Middle Ages]], the plant was known as '''wayside knotgrass'''.
== Polygonum ==
 
[[File:Polygonum_aviculare_4.JPG|thumb|right|Polygonum aviculare, commonly known as knotgrass]]
 
'''Polygonum''' is a genus of flowering plants in the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Polygonaceae]], commonly known as knotweeds or smartweeds. The genus includes a variety of species that are found in temperate regions around the world. These plants are known for their jointed stems and small flowers.


== Description ==
== Description ==
The genus is characterized by its oval and alternate leaves, stem nodes that are swollen and surrounded by a sheath, and flowers that are small, pink, and bell-shaped. The species are very diverse, ranging from prostrate annual plants under 5 cm high to perennial plants growing up to 3-4 m tall.


== Distribution and habitat ==
Polygonum species are typically herbaceous plants, although some can be subshrubs. They often have a sprawling or climbing habit. The leaves are usually simple and alternate, with a sheathing stipule known as an [[ocrea]] at the base. The flowers are small, often clustered in spikes or racemes, and can be white, pink, or greenish in color.
Polygonum species are found throughout the world, with the highest diversity in temperate regions. They are present in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, coastal areas, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and gardens.
 
== Habitat ==
 
Polygonum species are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including [[grasslands]], [[wetlands]], and disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields. They are often considered [[weeds]] due to their ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions.


== Uses ==
== Uses ==
Many Polygonum species are cultivated as ornamental plants, and some are used in traditional medicine. For example, [[Polygonum bistorta]] is used in European herbal medicine for its astringent properties, and [[Polygonum multiflorum]] is used in Chinese medicine for its supposed anti-aging effects.
 
Some species of Polygonum have been used in traditional medicine for their purported health benefits. For example, [[Polygonum aviculare]], also known as knotgrass, has been used to treat various ailments such as digestive issues and respiratory problems.


== Species ==
== Species ==
Some of the species in the Polygonum genus include:
* [[Polygonum aviculare]], known as common knotgrass
* [[Polygonum bistorta]], known as bistort or meadow bistort
* [[Polygonum cuspidatum]], known as Japanese knotweed
* [[Polygonum multiflorum]], known as fo-ti or he shou wu


== See also ==
The genus Polygonum includes several notable species, such as:
* [[List of Polygonum species]]
 
* [[Polygonum aviculare]] - Common knotgrass
* [[Polygonum cuspidatum]] - Japanese knotweed
* [[Polygonum persicaria]] - Redshank or lady's thumb
 
== Related pages ==


== References ==
* [[Polygonaceae]]
<references />
* [[Knotweed]]
* [[Invasive species]]


[[Category:Polygonum]]
[[Category:Polygonaceae]]
[[Category:Polygonaceae]]
[[Category:Flora]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:05, 15 February 2025

Polygonum[edit]

Polygonum aviculare, commonly known as knotgrass

Polygonum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polygonaceae, commonly known as knotweeds or smartweeds. The genus includes a variety of species that are found in temperate regions around the world. These plants are known for their jointed stems and small flowers.

Description[edit]

Polygonum species are typically herbaceous plants, although some can be subshrubs. They often have a sprawling or climbing habit. The leaves are usually simple and alternate, with a sheathing stipule known as an ocrea at the base. The flowers are small, often clustered in spikes or racemes, and can be white, pink, or greenish in color.

Habitat[edit]

Polygonum species are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields. They are often considered weeds due to their ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions.

Uses[edit]

Some species of Polygonum have been used in traditional medicine for their purported health benefits. For example, Polygonum aviculare, also known as knotgrass, has been used to treat various ailments such as digestive issues and respiratory problems.

Species[edit]

The genus Polygonum includes several notable species, such as:

Related pages[edit]