Pink knotweed

Description:

This plant used to be known botanically as Polygonum capitatum but now has been reclassified into a new genus, Persicaria. It was introduced from Himalaya. It is a trailing plant. It is known also as Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Smartweed and Pink Bubble Persicaria. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine where its aerial parts are used to brew a tea which is consumed for the treatment of a range of urological disorders, such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections. An in-vitro study reported that traditional use of this plant for the treatment of urinary tract infections can be attributed to the presence of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents found in the plant. Persicaria capitata has also been found to contain antioxidants.

Habitat:

Favours moist rocky areas and full sunny area. This one is growing wildly near the gate.