Polygonaceae

 Knotweed Family

Fagopyrum dibotrys (D. Don) H. Hara

Perennial Buckwheat

Nepali: Ban Phappar

This wild buckwheat was growing on the banks of the small pond near the top of Phulchowki. They are tall with clusters of white flowers.

Bistorta amplexicaulis (d.Don) Ronse Decr.

Red Mountain Fleeceflower

Nepali: Chyaau Phool

The red flowers are at the end of a long stem with ovate heart-shaped leaves. The stems are about 15 cm long and showy with red flowers at the end. They grow in the Himalayas from 2100m to 4800m. Flowering occurs in August and September. 

Persicaria nepalensis (Meisn.) Miyabe

Nepal Knotweed

Nepali: Ratnaaulo

Round pink flowers with a pointed ovate leaf at the base. Lower leaves are rhomboid with a round base. It grows as a ground cover in open and weedy areas. It is common throughout the Himalayan region and grows at elevations ranging from 1200m to 4000m.

Persicaria runcinata

(Bush.-Ham. ex D.Don) Masam.

Lobed-leaf Knotweed

Nepali: Ratnaa or Kapre Saag

The pintafid leaves are the main ID characteristic that separates this species from other similar relatives. It is seen across the Himalayas to Taiwan. It grows along the road at an elevation of 2200m up to 3000m. 

Koenigia mollis (D.Don) T.M. Schust & Reveal

Sikkim Knotweed

Nepali: Thotne or Tuknu

This is a tall plant, 2-3m, with large clusters of white to pinkish-white flowers that hang down. The leaves are long and pointed. Small berries or nut-like fruits form after flowering. It is becoming an invasive species in the Nilgiris. Flowering is in August and September. It is found across the Himalayas and in Sri Lanka. It grows at a wide range of elevations from 1000 to 3000m.