Species
Persicaria capitata
Etymology
Persicaria: Medieval name referring to the likeness of the leaves to a peach tree
capitata: From the Latin capitus 'head', with a knob-like head or tip
capitata: Having a head, referring to growth habit
Common Name(s)
pink headed knot weed
Family
Polygonaceae
Flora Category
Vascular - Exotic
Structural Class
Dicotyledonous Herbs other than Composites
Synonyms
Polygonum capitatum
Habitat
Terrestrial. Favours dry banks in full sun (DoC, 1998). Problem only in open rocky areas; requires full light (Cameron 1996).
Features
Trailing plant, often used as garden ground cover. Fine hairs on leaves and stems, giving distinctive red colour and pattern. Distinctive pink flower heads, numerous, over long season, about 1.5cm across (DoC, 1998).
Flowering
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Flower Colours
Red / Pink
Year Naturalised
1958
Origin
Warm temperate Himalaya
Reason For Introduction
Ornamental
This page last updated on 19 Mar 2010