3-71 Polygonaceae, knotweed family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dicots, buckwheat family, Oxyria, Fagopyrum, Rumex, Polygonum, knotweed, buckwheat, dock, tearthumb, mountain sorrel, bistort, water-pepper, pinkweed, lady's thumb, Kasmir, plume, smartweed, sorrel

Abstract

A mainly northern temperate family consisting of nearly 1000 species. In Nova Scotia, the Polygonaceae can be recognized immediately by the presence of an "ocrea" sheath around the stem at nodes of annual and perennial herbs. The ocrea may be papery or even ciliate or lacerate and it enhances the swollen appearance of the nodes which give the family its name: Polygonaceae = ‘many knees‘.

Leaves are generally alternate, less likely whorled or opposite. Inflorescence is terminal or axillary and sometimes subtended by an involucre. Greenish insignificant flowers are unisexual or perfect. Calyx and corolla are often not differentiated. Rather there is a whorl of 2–6 connate tepals, forming a small floral tube. Fruits are achenes. Rhubarb and Buckwheat are cultivated plants from this family. Photographic use donated by David Mazerolle, Martin Thomas, Sean Blaney and Alain Belliveau.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor.