Polygonaceae  Juss., nom. cons.

pronounced: pol-lig-go-NAY-see-eye

the dock family

ribbon plant The type genus is Polygonum from the Greek πολυς (polys), many and γωνια (gonia), a corner, angle, referring to the many swollen nodes some species have. The Polygonaceae are herbs, shrubs and a few trees with simple, usually alternate, leaves. There is a membranous sheathing stipule called an ochrea. The flowers are radially symmetrical, usually small, and usually bisexual. The perianth is usually in 2 undifferentiated whorls comprising 3 – 6 distinct or basally connate sepals. There are 6 – 9 stamens (commonly 8), distinct or basally connate, and usually in 2 whorls. There is a compound pistil of usually 3 carpels, an equal number of style branches or styles, and a superior ovary containing one basal ovule. After flowering, the sepals often become thickened and enlarged around the developing fruit, which is usually a triangular or 3-winged achene.

Antigonon leptopus - Coral Vine

Homalocladium platycladum - Ribbon Plant

Muehlenbeckia platyclados (syn.) - Ribbon Plant

Persicaria attenuata - Smartweed

Polygonum attenuatum (syn.) - Smartweed

Rheum rhabarbarum- Rhubarb

Photograph © Donald Simpson 2011

Page last updated 28th March 2018