Botanical characteristics of seeds and harmfulness of water pepper (Persicaria hydropiper)

Family: POLYGONACEAE

Polygonaceae contaminate crop produce with single-seeded nutlets or nutlets within perianths. Nutlets in perianths are ovate-elongated, slightly compressed. Perianth segments fully enclose the nutlets and are easily rubbed off. Color is brownish-green or brown. Length 2.5–3.5 mm, width 2–3 mm, thickness 1–2 mm. Nutlets are ovate-oval, weakly trihedral, slightly compressed, pointed at the top, and rounded-widened at the base; flat nutlets are also encountered. The fruit hilum is usually covered by perianth remnants. The surface is fine-grained, matte or glossy. Color is dark brown or brown. Length 2.25–3 mm, width 1.75–2.25 mm, thickness 0.75–1.75 mm. Infests winter and spring cereals, primarily in low-lying areas. Distribution: European part of the Russian Federation (almost universally), Caucasus, Western and Eastern Siberia, Central Asia, Far East. Toxic properties: Fruits of water-pepper have a pungent, peppery taste; when mixed into flour, they impart a bitter flavor.