Polygonaceae: an uncommon upright, hairless perennial to 30cm, of upland areas, often found beside streams. The flowers are greenish with a red margin, in loose, upright spikes from July-August. The fruit are flat, board-winged. The leaves are entirely basal, and rounded to kidney-shaped. Widespread in Britain but only locally common in upland and northern areas. Native to the mountains of the northern temperate zone, including Britain.
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a pleasing acid taste. A very nice addition to salads, and they can also be fermented into a sauerkraut for winter use.
The leaves are rich in vitamin C and are used to treat scurvy. The roots, stems and leaves are cooked and eaten in the treatment of dysentery.
Surface sow seeds spring in a cold frame or greenhouse. The seed germinates within 2 weeks. Prick the seedlings out into individual pots as soon as they are ripe and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer.
Prefers a moist well-drained rocky soil in a sunny position or partial shade. Easy.