Polygonaceae

The Polygonaceae, also known as the buckwheat family, is a plant family primarily composed of herbs, though it also includes some trees, shrubs, and vines. These plants are characterized by alternate leaves, with stipules that typically form a sheath around the stem at the base of the leaf petiole. The inflorescences are usually cymes or racemes, and the individual flowers are bisexual with a superior ovary.123

This family includes popular vegetables and ornamental plants. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a notable species, with its seeds used in flour, especially for pancakes, and its plant matter often used in animal feed. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) has edible leafstalks, though its leaf blades are poisonous. Sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera) produces edible fruit used for jellies. Ornamental species include sea grape, giant knotweed, and Mexican coral vine. The family also contains common weeds like spotted smartweed and sorrel.2