Polygonum

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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.

Description[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.

Uses[edit | edit source]

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.

Species[edit | edit source]

Some of the species in the Polygonum genus include:

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Polygonum Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD