About Polygonum paronychia Cham. & Schltdl.
Polygonum paronychia Cham. & Schltdl. is a small shrub that can grow either prostrate or upright. It produces many branched brown stems that reach up to 1 meter (40 inches) in length. Stems may grow roots at nodes that come into contact with moist growing substrate. Leaves are alternately arranged along the stems, but most are clustered in bunches near the tips of stem branches. The leaves are shaped linear to lance, with rolled edges and bristly midribs on their undersides. Each leaf bears a large stipule that forms a wide, membranous ochrea. This ochrea can grow up to 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long, and it is persistent. It frays into fibrous, silvery shreds that remain on the plant through all seasons. Flowers grow from the leaf axils. Each flower is up to 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) wide, with five narrow corolla lobes that are white or pinkish. This plant has been used to make a poultice for treating whitlow infections.
