The Northwest European pollen flora, 43 : Polygonaceae

Abstract

The family Polygonaceae consists of some 40 genera with ca. 800 species. Its distribution is cosmopolitan, but chiefly in the northern temperate regions. The Polygonaceae are of special interest as some of its members are grown as crops (e.g. Fagopyrum esculentum, Rheum officinale), while others are well-known weeds (e.g. Polygonum aviculare, Rumex acetosella). According to Nowicke and Skvarla (1977) the Polygonaceae is one of the most eurypalynous families among the dicotyledons.