Polygonum bellardii

Erect, usually much-branched annual, to c. 1 m high. Ochreas 4–12 mm long, soon disintegrating. Lower leaves lanceolate to oblong, 12–45 mm long, 2–5 mm wide, soon deciduous, margins flat, lateral veins not obvious; leaves in flowering part much reduced and bract-like. Flowers 1–3 in axillary clusters; perianth c. 3 mm long, the segments shortly united at base, the outer 3 segments green with white or pink margins, the inner 2 largely white or pink. Fruiting perianth slightly enlarged, to c. 4.5 mm long, the segments becoming more or less prominently reticulate-veined. Nut with 3 more or less equal concave faces, c. 3 mm long, shining brown. Flowers Nov.–Feb.