Polygonum Polygonum, Jordan ex Boreau

17. P. rurivagum Jordan ex Boreau View in CoL , Fl. Centr. Fr. ed. 3, 2: 560 (1857).

Like 15 but smaller; leaves linear or linear-lanceolate, acute or acuminate; those of the main stem 15-35x 1 -4 mm,

those on the branches much smaller; ochreae longer (up to 1 cm), brownish below; flowers few; perianth-segments narrow, scarcely overlapping; nut 2-5-3-5 mm, slightly exserted from perianth. 2« = 60. Usually a weed in fields. Distribution uncertain; mainly in W. & S.C. Europe, but extending north-eastwards to Sweden. P. neglectum Besser , Enum. Pl. Volhyn. 45 (1821), originally described from Lithuania, is said to differ in its more or less uniformly sized leaves, its frequently procumbent habit, and its smaller nut. Plants from U.S.S.R. and from C. Europe have been referred here, but the status of the taxon is not clear. P. scythicum Klokov in Kotov, Fl. RSS Ucr. 4: 650 (1952) from the S. Ukraine is very similar.