Bistorta amplexicaulis explained

Bistorta amplexicaulis (synonym Persicaria amplexicaulis), the red bistort or mountain fleece, is a species of flowering plant in the buckwheat family Polygonaceae, native to China, the Himalayas, and Pakistan. It is a damp-loving herbaceous perennial growing to 1.20NaN0 tall and wide, with heart-shaped pointed leaves, downy beneath, and narrow spikes of rose-red or white flowers in summer.[1] [2]

Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, including 'Firetail'.[3]

Etymology

The Latin specific epithet amplexicaulis means "clasping or embracing the stem", and refers to the leaves' habit of growing around the stem.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Book: RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. 2008. Dorling Kindersley. United Kingdom. 978-1405332965. 1136.
  2. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242339456 Flora of China, Polygonum amplexicaule D. Don, 1825. 包茎拳参 bao jing quan shen
  3. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail'. 25 May 2013.
  4. Book: Harrison, Lorraine. RHS Latin for gardeners. 2012. Mitchell Beazley. United Kingdom. 9781845337315. 224.