Bistorta emodi subsp. emodi

Snow Knotweed is a prostrate, hairless, branched, woody, perennial herb with a thick root stock. The species name emodi is derived from the Sanskrit word Him for snow. Stems are branched, branches few, prostrate, 10-15 cm long, woody. Leaves are 2.5-5.0 x 1.8-3.0 cm, lanceolate or linear, grass-like, acute, sessile. Midvein is prominent above, slightly immersed, base narrowly edge-shaped, margin curled inward, apex pointed. Inflorescence is an erect, terminal, simple or branched, 3-4 cm, lax flowered raceme on 6-8 cm long slender peduncles. Flowers are 1.5-2.5 mm across. Ochreolae 0.1-0.2 cm long, tubular, glabrous, ovate, acute. Tepals are 4-5-parted, 4-5 mm long, oblanceolate, obtuse, deep red. Stamens are 8, filaments long, filiform, equal. Ovary 1.0-2.0 x 0.5-0.75 mm, trigonous with three styles ,free till middle, stigmas capitate. Nuts 1.5-3 x 0.75-1 mm, trigonous, black, shining, glabrous. Snow Knotweed is found in the Himalayas, from Kashmir to Bhutan, at altitudes of 2500-4000 m. Flowering: July-September.