Polygonum runcinatum
| Polygonum runcinatum | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Polygonum runcinatum
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: Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[2]. Grows well on a cool bank in a humus-rich soil[3]. Repays generous treatment[1].
This species is not very cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c, though there are probably hardier forms in the wild[3].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[4].
Range: E. Asia - Himalayas in Bhutan and Sikkim.
Habitat: Cliffs and roadside banks, 1000 - 3800 metres[5]. Moist shady places at elevations of 1600 - 3600 in Nepal[6]. Grassy slopes, mountain slopes, wet valleys, thickets in valleys; 800--3900 m[7].
Edibility: Tender young leaves and shoots - raw or cooked as a vegetable[6].
Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
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
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Manandhar, Narayan. Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press, 2002.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.