Persicaria minor

Persicaria minor, commonly known as Small Knotweed, is a resilient herbaceous plant frequently found in damp, shady habitats. Valued in traditional medicine for its restorative properties, it contains bioactive compounds used to treat inflammation and skin ailments. This versatile botanical offers significant therapeutic potential for holistic wellness and herbal remedies.

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

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized into the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within 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 minor, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In German, it is called der Kleine Knöterich, while in Dutch, it is known as de Kleine duizendknoop. In Sweden, the plant is called Rosenpilört, and in Malaysia, it is commonly known as Kesum. Furthermore, in Welsh, it is identified as Y dinboeth fach.
Language Common Name Source
de Kleiner Knöterich Wikidata
nl Kleine duizendknoop Wikidata
sv Rosenpilört Wikidata
ms Kesum Wikidata
cy Y dinboeth fach Wikidata
pt Polygonum minus Wikidata
hr Mali dvornik Wikidata
cs rdesno menší Wikidata
be Драсён малы Wikidata
fi mietotatar Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the northern reaches of the European continent. It can be found growing within the coastal and inland landscapes of Denmark. Its presence is also documented across the various terrains of Finland. Moving westward, the species inhabits the natural environments of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its range extends into the northernmost territories of Norway.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Persicaria minor, utilizes its slender and creeping stem as a primary structural component to navigate through its natural habitat. The stem serves as the essential conduit for transporting water and nutrients throughout the organism, supporting the development of small leaves and delicate flowers. In many instances, the stem's ability to grow along the ground allows the plant to spread effectively, establishing a presence in the soil through its interconnected growth pattern.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Persicaria minor has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Persicaria minor has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Persicaria minor has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV-1, anger, cognitive function, confusion, mild cognitive impairment.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
HIV-1 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anger 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cognitive function 1 ★☆☆☆☆
confusion 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mild cognitive impairment 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mood 1 ★☆☆☆☆