User:Dynastiwillis/Persicaria nepalensis

Persicaria nepalensis
Persicaria nepalensis, commonly known as Polygonum nepalense, is an angiosperm propagated in wetland habitats. P. nepalensis contains 1-2 flowering buds, those of which range from 1.5-3 mm in size. The leaves of this plant, on the other hand, are 4-10 mm in size, translucent, and exist in a shade of ocrea brown. In order to increase functionality, the roots of this plant sprout from the proximal nodes. Grown annually, this herbaceous plant is typically cultivated in the Southern regions of the globe, East and South Asia, Oceania, and East Africa. These tropical environments foster growth due to their humidity or wetness, a necessity of plants belonging to the Polygonaceae (Knotweed) family.

History
Persicaria nepalensis is an angiosperm classed as a paleotropical species, or a species that belongs to the floristic kingdom present within tropical habitats. Scientifically known as Persicaria nepalensis (Meisn.) H. Gross, this flowering plant was discovered between the years 2010 and 2013. Research affirms that this weed was originally discovered in August of 2011 near the Western Bieszczady Mountains. Two years later, in 2013, this discovery was confirmed by additional locations spotted in close proximity.

Persicaria nepalensis is native to Madagascar, as well as the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. As time progressed, P. nepalensis was eventually introduced to Germany, Italy, the Americas, and Poland. During its early years of discovery, the first known Polish interaction of Persicaria nepalensis occurred near the village of Baligród and it surrounding areas. Another major area known for the growth and origin is the Himalayas.

Taxonomy
Persicaria nepalensis (Meisn.) H. Gross belongs to the Plantae kingdom and Caryophyllates order. More specifically, this plant is apart of the Polygonaceae family, also known as the knotweed family, and falls under the genus Persicaria.

Characteristics/ Botany
Persicaria nepalensis is an invasive plant that can grow up to 50 cm tall in height. Leaf orientation is alternate and they exist up to 5 cm in length, depending on environmental conditions and adaptations. These leaves exhibit an ocrea brownish or hyaline color with a petiole 0.1-3 cm long. This annual, herbaceous plant sprouts flowers that are bundled in dense heads and appear whitish, creamy-white, or in bluish-hues or pinkish-hues. The flowers produced by Persicaria nepalensis are present in heads that vary between 6 and 9 mm (in diameter).

This species is highly variable. Stamens are 5(-8), filaments can range from 0.5-1.5 mm in length, and flowers are 2.5-4.0 x 1.0-2.0 mm. Above the Persicaria nepalensis ' simple, glandular hairy stem sits flowers that contain 4-5 tepals. In addition, it is a standing erect. High fertility rates and physical environmental adaptations have allowed P. nepalensis to grow exponentially.

Habitat and Cultivation Methods
Distribution and domestication of P. nepalensis can be found in the United States of America. States containing this vertical plant include but are not limited to Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts, among others. In New York specifically, this plant can be found in the city's roadsides, disturbed sites, and thickets in mesic/ wet-mesic soils. Aside from various native habitats and the Americas, P. nepalensis can also be found in Europe, although it is uncommon. More commonly known as the Nepalese smartweed, P. nepalensis exists in tropics containing high altitudes and is rarely found in temperate areas. This plant prefers "mountain slopes and river valleys as growth exceeds in damp areas."

Persicaria nepalensis displays agricultural, culinary, and medicinal properties. The cultivation of this plant is important for not only the containment of invasive species, but the application of its other properties. For example, it can exist as a poultice in order to properly treat open wounds while also possessing the capability of being digested, both raw and cooked. In Africa, this invasive species hinders yields of other crops, including cash crops such as coffee. Classified as a weed, expansion of this invasive species is anticipated. As a result, cultivation and usage will increase rapidly.