Knotweed family, Polygonaceae
Origin: China
Habitat in the original area: shrubby slopes
Habitus: A woody, winding vine reaching a length of up to 6 metres.
Leaf: The leaf is lanceolate, up to 7 centimetres long with a wedge-shaped or cordate base and a petiole up to 4 centimetres long.
Bloom, fruit: It blooms from June to October. White, sometimes slightly pink blossoms grow in a 50 centimetres long panicle. They consist of 5 petals, which are fused at the base. The fruits are 4 millimetres long shiny black achenes hidden in an exaggerated, persistent inflorescence.
Interesting fact: It is grown to cover fences, pergolas and walls.
