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Polygonum perfoliatum
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The Polygonum perfoliatum plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, India. It is a member of the Polygonaceae family. Some home gardeners know the variety as Persicaria perfoliata. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
Latin Name: Polygonum perfoliatum
Family: Polygonaceae
Author: L.
Known Hazards: 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[238].
Mature Height: 1.8 Mature Width:
Habitat: Wet thickets and by rivers in lowland all over Japan[58].
Propagation Notes: 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.
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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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