Persicaria runcinata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cephalophilon runcinatum
• Polygonum runcinatum

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Persicaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several distinct regions. In Northern Europe, its presence is specifically noted within Great Britain. Its distribution extends into the Caucasus region, particularly throughout the Transcaucasus area. Within China, it can be found across three major zones: South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast. This wide-reaching pattern demonstrates the plant's ability to thrive in various continental environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Persicaria runcinata is characterized by its significant adaptability to varied altitudinal gradients, thriving in environments ranging from a minimum elevation of 800 m AMSL to a maximum of 3900 m AMSL. With a mean elevation of approximately 2450 m AMSL, the species is well-suited to high-altitude ecosystems. Although it possesses a distinct ecological niche, its presence in certain regions is noted as being introduced from China, indicating its ability to establish itself in new habitats outside its original native range.

Elevational range max:

3900 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2450 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Habitat :

Introduced from China

Life history

The life history of Persicaria runcinata is characterized by its classification as a perennial, a lifecycle trait that allows the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it typically establishes a robust root system that facilitates survival during dormant periods, enabling it to re-emerge and continue its development year after year. This long-term growth strategy supports its ability to occupy stable habitats, where it can invest energy into vegetative spread and seasonal reproductive cycles. Throughout its life, the plant undergoes distinct stages of development, transitioning from early seedling establishment to mature foliage production, eventually culminating in flowering phases that contribute to its ongoing presence within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Persicaria runcinata is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form that functions as a self-supporting terrestrial plant. It typically exhibits a height that varies depending on environmental conditions, with a minimum height of 0.3 m, a maximum height of 0.6 m, and a mean height of approximately 0.45 m. As a non-climbing herb, it maintains a stable structural presence on the ground without the need for external support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.45 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Persicaria runcinata is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and the development of small, distinct fruits. The flowering period typically commences in May and extends through October, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces inflorescences that are relatively short, ranging in length from a minimum of 0.005 m to a maximum of 0.015 m. Following successful pollination, the plant develops fruits that are quite diminutive; these fruits possess a mean length of 0.25 cm, with individual measurements ranging from a minimum of 0.2 cm to a maximum of 0.3 cm.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Oct

Fruit length max:

0.3 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.25 cm

Fruit length min:

0.2 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.015 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.005 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Persicaria runcinata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,3',4'-trimethylellagic acid.

3,3',4'-trimethylellagic acid

1. Natural product research