Overview of Polygonum viviparum L.
Polygonum viviparum L. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is commonly known as alpine bistort, viviparous knotweed or viviparous smartweed. This plant is native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and can be found in high mountain meadows, tundra, and rocky slopes.
General Appearance of Polygonum viviparum L.
Polygonum viviparum L. has a stem that grows up to 20 cm tall and produces basal leaves that are lance-shaped, dark green, and shiny on the top. The leaves are 3-10 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers of the plant are small, pinkish-white, and arranged in a dense cluster that is 2-3 cm long. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer, and the fruit is a small, shiny, dark brown achene.
Uses of Polygonum viviparum L.
Polygonum viviparum L. has several traditional uses. The Inuit people of Alaska and Northern Canada used the roots of the plant to treat various ailments such as coughs and colds. The roots were also used as a poultice to treat wounds and sores. In addition, the plant has been used as a food source by the Indigenous people of Alaska. The leaves, stems, and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked.
Furthermore, the plant has been used in modern medicine to treat diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders. It is also being studied for its potential to treat cancer, as it contains several compounds that have shown anti-cancer activity in vitro.
Light Requirements
The plant Polygonum viviparum L. typically requires moderate to high levels of sunlight for optimal growth. While it can tolerate some shade, it will not thrive in conditions with limited access to sunlight. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in open areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Polygonum viviparum L. is a cold-adapted plant, which means it can survive under low temperatures that many other plant species cannot. The ideal range of temperatures for this plant is between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). However, it can also tolerate temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F), making it suitable for growth in some of the coldest regions on the planet.
Soil Requirements
The plant Polygonum viviparum L. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this species is between 6.0 and 7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it does not do well in soils that are waterlogged or too acidic. It is also important to note that this plant is adapted to growing in nutrient-poor soils, so excessive fertilization is not necessary and may even be detrimental to its growth.
Cultivation Methods
Polygonum viviparum L. prefers light to moderate shade and well-drained soil. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. This plant also prefers cooler temperatures and grows well in high altitude areas.
If you want to grow it in your garden, you can plant seeds in the spring or early autumn. It's essential to plant the seeds at a depth of about 1 cm and keep them moist until germination. Germination can take about four to six weeks.
Watering Needs
Polygonum viviparum L. requires regular watering but doesn't tolerate waterlogged soil. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
If the weather is dry, water the plants deeply once a week. If it's raining regularly, you may not need to water your plants as frequently.
Fertilization
Polygonum viviparum L. doesn't require heavy fertilizing, but it benefits from a light application of fertilizer in the early spring. It's best to use an organic fertilizer because it releases nutrients slowly and doesn't damage the plant's roots.
You can also add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant in the early spring. This helps to improve soil structure, and the nutrients will gradually be released to the plant.
Pruning
Polygonum viviparum L. doesn't require regular pruning, but you can remove dead leaves and stems when you notice them. It's also possible to trim back the plant to keep its shape, but don't cut back more than a third of the plant's height at once.
If you prune your plants, it's best to do it in early spring before the new growth starts. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing new growth rather than healing pruning cuts.
Propagation of Polygonum viviparum L.
Polygonum viviparum L., also known as alpine bistort or viviparous knotweed, is a hardy perennial plant native to mountainous regions. The plant can be propagated using various methods mentioned below:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation in Polygonum viviparum L. is through its seeds. The seeds should be collected in late summer or early fall when the plant flowers and the seed heads turn brown. The collected seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool dry place for later sowing.
Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, preferably in early spring. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge, which usually takes around two weeks. The seedlings should be spaced at least 15 cm apart. The plant will start blooming from the second year of growth.
Plant Division
Polygonum viviparum L. can also be propagated through division. It is best to divide the plant in spring or early fall. This method is especially useful for mature plants that have overgrown their space or for those with a congested root system.
The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be gently separated into sections. Each section should have a few healthy stems and roots attached. The sections can be planted immediately in well-draining soil with adequate spacing, and the soil should be kept moist until the new growth appears.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation in Polygonum viviparum L. is through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken during the summer months from the stem tips just below the flower heads. The cutting should be about 8-10 cm long and should have a few leaves on it.
The cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone powder and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cutting establishes roots and develops new growth. Once the cutting is well-rooted, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagation in Polygonum viviparum L. is relatively easy and can be done using any of the above methods, depending on the resources available.
Disease Management
Polygonum viviparum L. is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, in some instances, the following diseases may affect the plant:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal infection that causes yellowing and spotting of leaves. To manage this disease, remove affected leaves and spray the plant with a suitable fungicide.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that produces orange pustules on the leaves. To manage rust, remove affected leaves and spray the plant with a suitable fungicide.
- Wilting: This disease is caused by a soil-borne pathogen that attacks the roots of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. The best way to manage wilting is to plant in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering.
Pest Management
The following pests may affect Polygonum viviparum L.:
- Aphids: These small insects attack the plant by feeding on sap. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a suitable insecticide or wash them off with a strong blast of water.
- Spider mites: These pests suck the sap from the plant and leave a fine webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a suitable insecticide or wash them off with a strong blast of water.
- Slugs and snails: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and damage. To manage slugs and snails, use a suitable bait or trap to catch and remove them.
