Polygonum conspicuum
| Polygonum conspicuum | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Polygonum conspicuum
Propagation: 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.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it is hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It is very closely related to P. japonicum[1] - this report indicates that it could be a very invasive plant since P. japonicum is the Japanese knotweed. It is probably inadvisable to bring this plant into Britain without strict precautions[K]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[2] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[3]. Repays generous treatment[2].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[4].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Range: E. Asia - Japan, Korea.
Habitat: Wet sunny places in lowland, C. and S. Japan[1].
Edibility: Leaves - raw or cooked[5].
Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Dioecious
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._x005F
Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whil
Also Known As: Persicaria conspicua. Nakai.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ohwi, Jisaburo. Flora of Japan. Smithsonian Institution, 1965.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.