User:Roberta.mccarthy/Fallopia scandens

Description
Fallopia scandens, also known as the Climbing false-buckwheat is a herbaceous perennial or annual plant. Its growth ranges from anywhere between 1 and 5 meters. The Fallopia scandens is native to North America, most commonly found in woodlands or near bodies of water. Considering herbaceous plants grow at a fast rate producing and abundance of flowers and leaves, understanding how to distinguish a particular species is important. The main distinguishing parts of a plant are its flowers, stems/leaves, and fruits. The flowers of Fallopia scandens are located in racemes, which are clusters of flowers on separate stems all developing at equal distances away from a central stem. The flower color is usually a pale green color or sometimes white. There are 5 petals, 8 stamens, and a 3 parted style, to each flower. The leaves of the Fallopia scandens bro alternately growing up to 5 1/2 inches long. The leaves resemble hearts being rounded at the base and pointy towards the end of the leaf. The fruit of the plant is green at the center and produces white ruffles.

Taxonomy
The Polygonum scandens var. scandens is the major synonym for the plant Fallopia scandens. Its scientific name was derrived from Gabriello Fallopia, who was an Italian anatomist in the 16th century. Gabriello Fallopia made the discovery of Fallopian tubes. Scandens, means to climb or sprawl.

Distribution and Habitat
The Climbing false-buckwheat is mostly found in moist wooded areas. Alluvial soil is most conducive to the growth of Fallopia scandens. Alluvial soil is defined as soil deposited by bodies of water such as rivers, streams, etc. The Fallopia scandens is most helpful in regulating areas that are prone to flooding.

Uses and Culture
Fallopia Scandens has no cultural or medicinal significance. It's most important contribution to civilization is its regulatory ability and being able to regulate water levels in certain areas.