Persicaria amphibia - Amphibious Bistort - (Polygonaceae)

Amphibious Bistort

Amphibious Bistort, a member of the Knotweed family (Polygonaceae), has two forms; one grows in water with leaves that float on the surface, while the other grows on land that can be quite some distance from water.

In the shallow margins of ponds and lakes, Amphibious Bistort creats a wonderful flush of colour which often encroaches onto the shore, where its leave become rather elongated rather than heart-shaped as they are in water.

This photograph was taken in Wales at Kenfig Pool at Kenfig National Nature Reserve in Wales in July.