Persicaria hydropiper
Persicaria hydropiper
Safety & Hazards
The gland-dotted leaves are used as a fish poison[ 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. 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 Title Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Publication Author Bown. D. Publisher Dorling Kindersley, London. Year 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31 Description A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant. ].
Botanical Description
Persicaria hydropiper is an erect, annual plant with much-branched stems that form roots at the lower nodes. It can grow 40 - 70cm tall[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. , 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food ad medicine. It is cultivated for its edible leaves in Japan[ 116 Title Oriental Herbs and Vegetables, Vol 39 No. 2. Publication Author Brooklyn Botanic Garden Publisher Brooklyn Botanic Garden Year 1986 ISBN - Description A small booklet packed with information. ], where the variety 'Fastigiatum' (syn Persicaria maximowiczii) is the form normally used[ 58 Title Flora of Japan. (English translation) Publication Author Ohwi. G. Publisher Smithsonian Institution Year 1965 ISBN - Description The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader. , 116 Title Oriental Herbs and Vegetables, Vol 39 No. 2. Publication Author Brooklyn Botanic Garden Publisher Brooklyn Botanic Garden Year 1986 ISBN - Description A small booklet packed with information. ].