Himalayan bistort

Himalayan Bistort (Bistorta affinis), also known as Himalayan fleece flower or knotweed, is a hardy, creeping, perennial alpine plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family and the Bistorta genus. It is native to the Himalayas.

The synonyms Polygonum affine and Persicaria affinis were previously used as scientific names.
This plant naturally grows in rocky alpine regions at elevations between 3,000 and 4,800 meters.

It grows to a height of 10–25 cm and spreads horizontally with a thick, short rhizome.
The leaves have a short petiole, a glossy surface, and an elongated oval shape with a prominent central vein. They are 3–8 cm in length, have entire margins, and are alternately arranged.

From July to October, it produces spike-like inflorescences measuring 5–7.5 cm in length. Instead of petals, it has pinkish-colored sepals, which make the flowers last longer. The sepals are divided into five parts, and stamens extend outward from them.

After flowering, the plant produces dark brown, triangular-shaped achene fruits.

Himalayan Bistort is commonly used for mixed planting, garden beds, potted cultivation, and as ground cover.

Its flowers resemble those of Bistorta subsp. japonica (Japanese Bistort).

Origin of the Name
The Japanese name "Himalaya Torano-o" (ヒマラヤトラノオ) means "Himalayan Tiger Tail," referring to the plant’s native habitat in the Himalayas and its flower spikes resembling a tiger’s tail.

Flower Language (Symbolism)
"Attention to detail"

Common Name: Himalayan Bistort (Himalayan fleece flower, knotweed)
Scientific Name: Bistorta affinis
Synonyms: Polygonum affine, Persicaria affinis
English Names: Himalayan Bistort, fleece flower, knotweed
Classification: Kingdom Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Order Caryophyllales, Family Polygonaceae, Genus Bistorta
Native Region: Himalayas
Habitat: Rocky alpine areas, elevations of 3,000–4,800 meters
Growth Type: Perennial, cold-hardy, creeping alpine plant
Height: 10–25 cm
Rhizome: Thick and short
Leaves: Short petiole, glossy, elongated oval shape, prominent central vein, entire margin, 3–8 cm long, alternate arrangement
Blooming Season: July to October
Inflorescence Type: Spike-like, 5–7.5 cm in length
Flowers: No petals, pink sepals, five-lobed sepals, stamens extending outward
Fruit Type: Achene, dark brown, triangular shape
Uses: Mixed planting, garden beds, potted cultivation, ground cover

Related Page:
Himalayan Bistort (Bistorta affinis)
Japanese Bistort (Bistorta subsp. japonica)

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