Persicaria capitata

Pink bubble persicaria

Persicaria capitata, commonly known as Capitata Knotweed, is a resilient perennial celebrated for its striking, rosette-forming foliage. Native to parts of Asia, this ornamental plant features dark, heart-shaped leaves. Beyond its aesthetic appeal in landscaping, it holds traditional significance in various herbal practices for its unique botanical properties.

  • Scientific name: Persicaria capitata
  • Family: Polygonaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Persicaria.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Polygonaceae WCVP
Genus Persicaria WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Persicaria capitaata, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In German, it is called Knöpfchen-Knöterich, while in Japanese, it is known as ヒメツルソバ. In Spanish, the name used is Polygonum capitatum, and in Dutch, it is referred to as kogelduizendknoop. Finally, in Chinese, the plant is called 头花蓼.
Language Common Name Source
de Knöpfchen-Knöterich Wikidata
ja ヒメツルソバ Wikidata
es Polygonum capitatum Wikidata
nl kogelduizendknoop Wikidata
zh 头花蓼 Wikidata
sv Slingerpilört Wikidata
pt Polygonum capitatum Wikidata
ast Polygonum capitatum Wikidata
cs rdesno hlavaté Wikidata
pl Rdest główkowaty Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found inhabiting parts of Great Britain and Ireland. Its range extends further north into the territory of Sweden. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is also present within the borders of Austria. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the region of Czechia-Slovakia.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Persicaria capitata, is highly valued in traditional medicine, where various parts are utilized for their therapeutic properties. In many pharmacological applications, the whole plant is harvested to ensure a complete profile of its bioactive compounds. Depending on the specific preparation method required for a remedy, practitioners may use the whole herb to create infusions or decoctions. Ultimately, the medicinal efficacy is often derived from the whole plants, ensuring that the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers are all integrated into the treatment.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
whole plants 1 ★☆☆☆☆
whole plant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
whole herb 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Persicaria capitata has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CAT, Chlorophyll a, MDA, POD, SOD.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
CAT 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Chlorophyll a 1 ★☆☆☆☆
MDA 1 ★☆☆☆☆
POD 1 ★☆☆☆☆
SOD 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Persicaria capitata has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gout, gouty arthritis, hyperuricemia, urinary calculus, urinary tract infections.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
gout 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gouty arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperuricemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
urinary calculus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
urinary tract infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆