Family: Polygonaceae
Author: (Walter) Shinners
Bibliography: Sida 3: 115 (1967)
Year: 1967
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Brunnichia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & SE. U.S.A.
Description
The American buckwheat vine, known scientifically as Brunnichia ovata, stands as an intriguing and adaptable member of the Polygonaceae family. Healthily flourishing across the central and southeastern regions of the United States, this perennial vine is well-regarded for its unique ecological contributions and distinctive aesthetic.
Characterized by its penchant for climbing and sprawling, the Brunnichia ovata vine typically thrives in moist, well-drained soils, often found along riverbanks, floodplains, and wetlands. Its resilience in these diverse habitats showcases the vine’s hardiness and adaptability to various environmental conditions.
The foliage of the American buckwheat vine is notable for its heart-shaped leaves, which are a verdant green, providing a lush, vibrant backdrop against which its flowers stand out. Blooming from late spring through early summer, the flowers are small yet strikingly beautiful, typically forming in loose, drooping clusters. These delicate blossoms can range in color from white to greenish-white, adding a subtle yet charming visual appeal to the landscape.
As the flowering period concludes, the vine produces its characteristic seed pods. Resembling buckwheat, these seed pods are both a source of its common name and a functional element of its reproductive strategy. These seeds serve not only to propagate the species but also play a role in local food webs, as various wildlife species consume them.
Brunnichia ovata’s ecological importance extends beyond its aesthetic value. The vine provides shelter and forage for a range of insects and small animals, contributing to the biodiversity of its native regions. Additionally, it acts as a natural stabilizer for soil in riparian zones, helping to prevent erosion and maintain the structural integrity of its habitat.
First described in the literature by (Walter) Shinners in Sida 3: 115 (1967), the American buckwheat vine’s botanical nuances and ecological roles have been documented, underscoring its significance within both botanical and ecological studies.
In summary, the American buckwheat vine (Brunnichia ovata) is a robust and ecologically valuable plant that enhances the landscapes of the central and southeastern United States. Its hardiness, distinctive flowers, and ecological functions make it a noteworthy species within its native habitats.
Common Names
Eng: american buckwheat vine, buckwheat vine, redvine
En: American buckwheat vine, Buckwheat vine, Redvine
Synonyms
- Rajania ovata (Walter)
- Brunnichia cirrhosa (Gaertn.)
- Polygonum claviculatum (Meisn.)
- Rajania caroliniana (J.F.Gmel.)
- Fallopia cirrhosa ((Gaertn.) Hofer ex M.Gómez)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 8, 2021 by Pier Jackson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Shannon the cannon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 21, 2014 by EOL − jenniferwilcox (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 14, 2014 by EOL − Linda Gail Price (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 21, 2014 by EOL − jenniferwilcox (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 21, 2014 by EOL − jenniferwilcox (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 29, 2015 by EOL − grbfrog (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Aug 15, 2015 by EOL − Lynn Michael (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:37576-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2889382)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Brunnichia ovata (Walter) Shinners)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine