Common Name:

General Information

Persicaria pubescens is an erect, much-branched branched, annual, occasionally perennial, plant that can grow 60 - 170cm tall[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine.

Known Hazards

A paste made from the whole plant is thrown into a stream to stupefy the fish and make them float up to the surface[].
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

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Range

E. Asia - Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Malaya, Indonesia

Habitat

Wet places in C. and S. Japan[]. Moist ground at elevations from 800 - 2,100 metres in Nepal[]. Along ditches, water sides, field margins; at elevations from sea level to 2,700 metres in China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Persicaria pubescens is found in the warmer parts of the temperate zone and through to tropical areas, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,700 metres[].
Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[]. Repays generous treatment[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a potherb and as a seasoning[, , ]. Unlike many members of this genus, the leaves do not have a peppery flavour[].

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 plant is abortifacient, emmenagogue[]. It is used in the treatment of snakebites[]. A decoction of the plant, combined with onion, is used as a styptic[].
When used with a young pineapple to procure abortion, it mitigates the violent action of the pineapple[].
The bruised plant is applied locally to blistered and swollen feet[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ. Germination is usually free and easy.

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