Polygonaceae

P. bistorta L., Sp. PL 360 (1753).
Perennial herb with stout woody rhizomes. Stems ± erect, 20-50 cm. Lower leaves large, ± lanceolate often truncate at the base, borne on winged petioles, light grey-green beneath, darker green above, glabrous. Ochreae large, dark brown. Inflorescence a spike-like head. Flowers almost sessile to clearly pedi-cillate. Perianth pink, 4-5 mm. Nuts matt, brown. 2 subspecies may be recognised:
1. Flowers pale pink, ± sessile (later stalked); inflorescence oblong subsp. bistorta
1. Flowers deep pink, clearly pedicellate; inflorescence oblong-globose subsp. carneum
subsp. bistorta. Syn: P. bistortoides Boiss., Diagn. ser. 1(5): 46 (1844). Ic: Bonnier, Fl. Comp. Fr., Suisse et Belge 9: t. 550 f. 2409 (1927). Fl. 6-7. Damp places, 1200-3500 m.
Described from Switzerland, Austria and France (Hb. Linn. 510/3 photo!).
A2 Bursa: Olympus (Ulu Da.), viii 1913, Frere Leon! A3 Bolu: Aladağ, 1700 m, Alpay 437. A9 Kars: S W Slope of Kisir Da., 2100 m, D. 30443! B2 Kütahya: Murat Da. at Kesik Söğüt, 1200 m, D. 36727! B2 Izmir: Tmolus (Boz Da.), Boiss. B6 Maraş: Binboğa Da., on Işik Da., 2200 m, D. 20009! B7 Erzincan: Keşiş Da. above Cimin, 2450 m, D. 31809! Yozgat: Adkağmadeni to Büyük Nalbant Da., 2100 m, Coode & Jones 2057! C3 Isparta: Anemas Da., 1845, Heldr.! C5 Niğde: Bulgar Maaden, Bal. 778! C10 Hakkari: Cilo Tepe, 3500 m, D. 24039!
Europe, Siberia, W. Iran. Euro-Sib, element.