Common Name:

General Information

Polygonum runcinatum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a stout rhizome; it produces a cluster of suberect to ascending stems, growing around 30 - 60cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. The plant is sometimes cultivated for medicinal use in China (Hubei)[].

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[].

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas in Bhutan and Sikkim.

Habitat

Cliffs and roadside banks, at elevations frpom 1,000 - 3,800 metres[]. Moist shady places at elevations of 1,600 - 3,600 metres in Nepal[]. Grassy slopes, mountain slopes, wet valleys, thickets in valleys; at elevations from 800--3,900 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

This species is not very cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c, though there are probably hardier forms in the wild[].
Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[]. Grows well on a cool bank in a humus-rich soil[]. Repays generous treatment[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

Tender young leaves and shoots - raw or cooked as a vegetable[, ]. A nutritious vegetable, it is commonly consumed in parts of India[].

We have no specific information for this species, but the seed of most, if not all, members of the genus is edible both raw and cooked, and is potentially a good source of amino acids. Unfortunately the seed is also usually rather small and fiddly to utilize[].

Medicinal

The var sinensis is used medicinally[]. No more information is given.

Other Uses

None known

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.