Pale Knotweed is an erect, persistent annual plant with long, reddish
stems up to 1.8 m. Stems in contact with damp soil or water may develop
adventitious roots from the nodes. Flowers are pale pink or whitish, very
small, in spikes 2-7 cm long, 4-7 mm in diameter, running up the tips of
the branches. Leaves are alternately arranged along the stem, 6-20 cm
long, 1-6 cm wide, lanceshaped, borne on a short stalk 5-22 mm long, and
with indented, often pink to brown central and lateral venation. The lower
surface of the leaves is covered in glands, with fewer on the upper
surface. Flowering: June-October.
Medicinal uses: The whole plant is antiseptic and astringent.
An infusion has been used in the treatment of stomach complaints and
fevers. The plant produces a soft white mass, a froth like that of soap.
It is applied externally to burns.
Identification credit: Gurcharan Singh
Photographed in Botanical Garden, Srinagar, Kashmir.
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The flower labeled Pale Knotweed is ...