Polygonum marinense

Polygonum marinense
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Polygonum
Species: P. marinense
Binomial name
Polygonum marinense
T.R.Mert. & P.H.Raven 1965

Polygonum marinense is a rare North American species of flowering plants in the buckwheat family known by the common name Marin knotweed. It is endemic to California, where it is known from just a few locations north and east of San Francisco Bay.[1]

The taxonomy of the plant is uncertain. It has been suggested that the species may be native to the Mediterranean, and that the California specimens may actually be introduced.[2][3] If, however, it is a true Bay Area endemic, the plant is rare and threatened by habitat destruction and disturbance.[4] It is a resident of salt marsh and other wet coastal habitat.

Polygonum marinense is an annual herb producing a ribbed, reddish stem growing prostrate or erect to a maximum height near 40 centimeters (16 inches). The narrow oval or lance-shaped leaves are alternately arranged along the slender stem. Each reddish leaf has a funnel-shaped stipule that wraps around the leaf base to form an ochrea. Flowers occur in the leaf axils. They are greenish with white or pink-tinged edges.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Calflora taxon report, University of California, Polygonum marinense T. Mert. & Raven, Marin knotweed
  2. 1 2 Flora of North America, Polygonum marinense T. R. Mertens & P. H. Raven, 1965. Marin knotweed
  3. ↑ Mertens, Thomas Robert & Raven, Peter Hamilton. 1965. Madroño 18(3): 87–88
  4. ↑ California Native Plant Society Rare Plant Profile
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