Taxonomy and Traditional Medicine Practices of Polygonaceae (Smartweed) Family at Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Taxonomy and traditional medicine practices of the family Polygonaceae growing throughout the Rajshahi, Bangladesh was carried out during September 2012 to August 2013. A total of 8 species under 3 genera belonging to the family Polygonaceae were collected and identified. Out of the total number of species Persicaria barbata (L.) Hara, Persicaria limbata (Meissn.) Hara, Persicaria orientalis (L.) Sach, Polygonum plebejum R. Br., Rumex dentatus Linn, Rumex maritimus L. were common and Persicaria hydropiper L., Rumex vesicarius L. was rare species in the study area. For each species botanical name, taxonomic description, local name, habit, habitat, flower colour, flowering season, voucher number and medicinal uses have been mentioned.