Buckwheat (
Fagopyrum esculentum) is an annual herb which originated in Eurasia and member of the Polygonaceae plant family.
Appearance
Buckwheat has finely haired stems which grow to a height of 20-60 cm.
- Leaves: Broadly triangular-arrow-shaped, alternate, lower leaves are long-stalked.
- Flowers: White to pink, 5 petals, 8 stamens, an inflorescence of dense compact clusters at the top of the plant.
- Fruit: dry, 1-seeded achene 0.5-0.7 cm long, smooth, shiny, 3-angled. They bloom between June-Sept.
Toxic components
Buckwheat can cause
photosensitivity in horses, resulting from exposure to a chemical known as fagopyrin, which is found in buckwheat. Buckwheat leaves contain the highest amounts.
