Polygonum affine is a creeping, densely tufted, mat-forming evergreen perennial used as a ground cover. ladysthumb smartweed. IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. They grow easily in moist, shaded areas. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water. It grows up to 4 feet tall with leaves up to 7 inches long. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. Use on-going for up to one year. 7. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.Astringent  Diuretic  Lithontripic  Poultice  Rubefacient  VermifugeThe leaves are astringent, diuretic, rubefacient and vermifuge[9, 21, 53, 178, 222]. Polygonum persicaria . Amphibious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia) - geograph.org.uk - 910862.jpg 314 × 640; 133 KB Amphibious Bistort, Slapton Ley - geograph.org.uk - 1361562.jpg 640 × 470; 127 KB Aquatic plant of Ceyhan River.jpg 4,250 × 2,833; 9.53 MB Persicaria hydropiperoides (Michx.) A decoction of the plant, mixed with flour, has been used as a poultice to help relieve pain[257]. Other options are purchasing soil testing kits, along with other options. elatum Gren., 1855 Polygonum persicaria var. Other names outside of Lady's Thumb include Oxheart, Heartweed, Redshank, Willow Weed, Lover's Pride, Spotted Smartweed and Spotted Knotweed. Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit: Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. More >>>. They are up to 1/2 inch long and up to 1/10 inch wide. An infusion has been used as a treatment for gravel and stomach pains. Persicaria. Cotyledons, or the first leaves sprouting from seedling, are elliptical to lance-shaped. It is also present as an introduced and invasive species in North America, where it was first noted in the Great Lakes region in 1843 and has now spread through most of the continent. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Commonly known as (Polygonum) - Knotweed Genus of about 150 annuals and perennials. A sensu lato Persicaria-ba gyakran beleértik a Bistorta, Rubrivena, Aconogon és Knorringia nemzetségeket is. Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' (PBR) £17.99. Roots are typically a taproot with branches. Right plant wrong place. Originally a native to Europe and Asia, Polygonum persicaria was introduced in the mid-1800's to the Great Lakes regions and has spread throughout the United States. NEWSLETTER. Polygonum persicaria is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). P. persicaria has a distinctly fringed ocrea, distinguishing it from other Polygonum species (Uva et al., 1997). smartweed. Blooms remain until September, sometimes October depending on when first frost kills them off. POLYGONUM NORMS OF REACTION TO LIGHT INTENSITY 1011 MATERIALS AND METHODS StudySystem. Both Lady's Thumb and Pennsylvania Smartweed annuals reproduce by seed. The Atlas of Florida Plants provides a source of information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic information. Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' produces bottlebrush-like spikes of densely packed red coloured flowers shoot from mid-green, semi-evergreen leaves from summer right through to early autumn. Out Of Stock. Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature Top of page The genera Polygonum and Persicaria are commonly combined as Polygonum, and together contain about 300 species. It is found by ponds, lakes, streams and ditches, in waste places, on roadsides and railways, and is sometimes a pestilential weed of cultivated land. A thin papery sheath called an ocrea (also ochrea) wraps around the stem at each leaf base that grows off of it. Plant from autumn to spring. All plant pages have their own unique code. Polygonum mite Schrank : agroecosystems of perennial plants, to choose the most appropriate plants for their requirements and site conditions. Persicaria bistorta ‘Superba’ is a fantastic choice for the mixed ornamental border, where you can plant it and leave it with minimum fuss. Except for stems having sticky hair on them, overall Smartweed does not have hair anywhere else. smartweed. However, the more familiar older name is retained for the purposes of this Compendium. The stems are glabrous, branching at base, erect, herbaceous, typically reddish at nodes. * Updates on new information & functionality of the website & database Seeds germinate from April to June and shortly after the cotyledons emerge. Botanical name. Flower colors vary in colors of white to pink, like Polygonum persicaria, angustifolium Beckh. Rock, Prairie planting, Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Wildflower. Solarizing black plastic mulch will kill weed seeds. Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Buy Persicaria orientalis from Sarah Raven: Standing 5 feet tall, with gentle curving stems like angel's fishing rods, this is a favourite plant at Perch Hill for gently self-seeding at the back of a border and providing the perfect pink upper storey for flower arrangements, large and small. Persicaria capitata (Pink bobbles) will reach a height of 0.1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.. breviciliata (Fern.) These flowering perennials are Deciduous: Cut back stems close to ground level from late February through to the end of March. Polygonum persicaria) is an annual plant in the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae. Great ground cover and great at the front of a border. This QR Code is unique to this page. P. persicaria has a distinctly fringed ocrea, distinguishing it from other Polygonum species (Uva et al., 1997). Seeds that don't germinate can remain dormant for over 45 years. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). Citation: PERSICARIA HYDROPIPEROIDES (Michaux) Small, Fl. Be aware - It is important to note that if importing topsoil, Polygonum persicaria is one of the first weeds to germinate from it. Polygonum affine is a creeping, densely tufted, mat-forming evergreen perennial used as a ground cover. U.S. 378, 1330. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize. The fringes on the P. persicaria ocrea are short, less than half the length of the membraneous ocrea. Pennsylvania Smartweed stands more erect than Lady's Thumb and if growing in shaded area, stems will lean toward the light. Persicaria aff maculosa Polygonum 013.jpg 692 × 922 ; 121 Kio Persicaria maculosa (36356822512).jpg 3 648 × 5 472 ; 6,57 Mio Persicaria maculosa (36356834902).jpg 3 120 × 4 160 ; 3,33 Mio Polygonum persicaria subsp. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Pot size: 2 Litre; How many plants will I need? Like manysuch species (Baker 1974), it has a mixed breeding Genus. A home soil test kit vs. professional soil testing methods? It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Rock, Prairie planting, Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Wildflower. Like Lady's Thumb, leaves are also lance-shaped but are not spotted. With Lady's Thumb the flower clusters are not as erect and can sometimes bend downward and the weed can grow in sun or shade well. Rendszertan. When handling Smartweed don't place hands close to eyes - it burns! The Polygonaceae is part of the order Caryophyllales, which contains … https://thekeep.eiu.edu/herbarium_specimens_byname/2222/thumbnail.jp Polygonum "persicaria" contains persicarin which is used in medicines for diarrhea and infections. Persicaria affinis commonly known as Polygonum affine Persicaria can be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials. The Project is directed at enabling designers of ‘carbon farms’ and ‘food forests’: agroecosystems of perennial plants, to choose the most appropriate plants for their requirements and site conditions. You will receive a range of benefits including: Persicaria elata. Persicaria is a family that warrants careful consideration before planting as it does include some highly invasive species - we have done the checking for you and only offer well behaved types and spreaders that are controllable. To leave a comment please Register or login here All comments need to be approved so will not appear immediately. Buy bistort Persicaria bistorta Superba - Showy spikes of pale pink flowers. Persicaria Persicaria. Leaves are hairy on the top side and as plant ages, the older leaves become slightly hairy. Suggested uses. Back from Polygonum persicaria to Weed Garden, Back from Polygonum persicaria to Easy Butterfly Garden.com, Copyright © 2010-2016 Easy-Butterfly-Garden.comPrivacy Policy Disclaimer. During eight years (2000-2007) seeds of weeds were collected from … Checklists containing Polygonum laxiflorum Weihe. Plant in any moisture retentive soil in full sun or partial shade. Persicaria hydropiperoides (Michx.) We are currently updating this section. Other names outside of Lady's Thumb include Oxheart, Heartweed, Redshank, Willow Weed, Lover's Pride, Spotted Smartweed and Spotted Knotweed. Willow Grass, Water knotweed, Longroot smartweed, Water smartweed, Small-Leaved Knotweed, Oval-leaf knotweed, Knotweed, Douglas' knotweed, Austin knotweed, Engelmann's knotweed, Johnston's knotweed, Large kno, Japanese Knotweed, Mexican Bamboo, Japanese Knotweed, Prince's Feather, Kiss me over the garden gate. It typically forms a spreading foliage mound 2-3 feet tall and as wide or wider. If you think a comment/link or information contained on this page is inaccurate or misleading we would welcome your feedback at admin@pfaf.org. The stems often form roots at leaf nodes, producing a dense mat of growth about 15cm high We will not sell or share your email address. 2 x Native Plants for Ponds - Including a pot and compost - Live Water Plant Aquatic Pond Lake Marginal (Persicaria Amphibia) 4.2 out of 5 stars 283 £15.99 £ 15 . An annual of open ground on a wide range of soils, particularly those which are rich in nutrients. Pennsylvania Smartweed can also grow in the same kinds of soils as Lady's Thumb, but this weed, Polygonum pennsylvanicum, is more tolerant to drought than many other smartweeds. Edible Parts: Leaves  SeedEdible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked[55, 62, 105, 183]. * Please note: the comments by website users are not necessarily those held by PFAF and may give misleading or inaccurate information. In late summer it has inconspicuous reddish pink flowers. Abstract. Suggested uses. Leaves are hairy on the top side and as plant ages, the older leaves become slightly hairy. Polygonum persicaria Knotgrass or Redshank a wild native species growing in a meadow in Somerset UK Clustered flowers of Low Smartweed (Persicaria longiseta), an invasive species in North America. Each page is easily detailed with subjects from DIY tips for gardening to common gardening problems. They are held on long, graceful wands atop a compact, bushy clump of shiny, leathery green leaves. Individual flowers are small with five sepals, or the outside ring of green leaves that are found at the bottom of the bloom, each individually is a sepal. * Important announcements and news If you have questions about a plant please use the Forum on this website as we do not have the resources to answer questions ourselves. Broad, oval, medium green leaves. BSBI List of British & Irish Vascular Plants and Stoneworts, version 1 (Recommended) Recorder 3.3 (1998), version 1 Well-formed: Y Recommended: N NBN ID code: NBNSYS0000154486. With Lady's Thumb and Pennsylvania Smartweed products containing dicamba work best over others containing 2,4-D and glyphosate. Polygonaceae. Persicaria vaccinifolia. We are adding search terms and icons to those plants pages, and providing a range of search options aligned to categories of plants and crop yields, with Help facilities including videos. lady's thumb. pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Persicaria maculosa (syn. The genus was segregated from Polygonum. Polygonum laxiflorum Weihe. Categories: Persicaria, Flowering Perennials Plant Type: Deciduous Useful information: Please read before ordering, Terms & Delivery Plant Information. Categories: Persicaria, Flowering Perennials Plant Type: Deciduous Useful information: Please read before ordering, Terms & Delivery Plant Information. Please allow 3 days between ordering & pick up. The REACH registered substance data and the C&L Inventory portal will be upgraded from the 9th November. Persicaria campanulata 'Southcombe White' Lesser knotweed. Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’ is an unusual herbaceous plant, grown for its foliage rather than flowers. Polygonum bistorta is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. Flowers are dense terminal clusters at the top of stems and can bloom as early as May depending on location. Because of it's generic appearance and soil preferences, Lady's Thumb is often confused with it's very close cousin (who also prefers these soils), Pennsylvania Smartweed (Polygonum pennsylvanicum). Lady's Thumb is known for it's many medicinal purposes, however. These sheaths are tipped with short, fringed hairs growing off the top. CONTACT US 01206 822 007 office@bethchatto.co.uk. £6.70. Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. Other manual removal methods are to hoe before seeds spread and cut back early when weed is growing low to the ground. long (10 cm), held on graceful wands atop bushy clumps of large, slightly puckered leaves. Smartphone users scan the QR Code which automatically takes them to the webpage the QR Code came from. The stems are glabrous, branching at base, erect, herbaceous, typically reddish at nodes. Basionym: Polygonum hydropiperoides Michaux 1803. Please donate to support our ‘Plants to Save the Planet’ Project. Quite eye-catching, the brilliantly colored fluffy flowers do not fade, even in full sun. If hand pulling a mature plant be aware that there can be a tough taproot to hand pull and it is likely seeds will fall from plant to the ground. Although the low growing forms will tolerate dryish situations, most taller types prefer moist conditions. Lady's thumb overall is bigger, more branched and more likely to lie down forming large clumps. It quickly develops into a handsome, upright clump. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs. The REACH registered substance data and the C&L Inventory portal will be upgraded from the 9th November. ladysthumb smartweed. The RHS says ‘Persicaria can be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs with simple leaves and small bell-shaped white or pink flowers in long-lasting spikes or panicles’ and have awarded an AGM to Polygonum amplexicaule ‘Fire Tail’ STAY CONNECTED. Damp shady places[5]. The fringes on the P. persicaria ocrea are short, less than half the length of the membraneous ocrea. 3 - 5 Plants Per Square Metre; Plant Care. Persicaria Affinis from Burncoose Nurseries available online to buy - Information: deep pink. Persicaria maculosa (syn. Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. The crushed leaves have been rubbed on poison ivy rash[257]. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. -Polygonum persicaria L. (Po­ Iygonaceae) is a weedy annual species originally from Europe and now distributed virtually worldwide in a variety of habitats (Simmonds 1945; Mitchell andDean 1978). Polygonum persicaria) is an annual plant in the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae.Common names include lady's thumb, spotted lady's thumb, Jesusplant, and redshank. As Polygonum persicaria grows, leaves alternate along stems. There have been various opinions about how broadly the … Occurrence: Pale persicaria is a native annual found throughout the UK in waste places and cultivated ground especially on damp soils. This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. Evergreen - dark-green leaves 5-15cm (2-6in) long, turning red-bronze in autumn.Shades of pink - All shades of pink through to Carmine (red) - deep pink As Polygonum persicaria grows, leaves alternate along stems. Pennsylvania Smartweed is also an annual. Before spending any money here are a few simple ways how to test your soil giving ideas of soil types when starting a garden. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bjoertvedt. document.write(s); This is a QR code (short for Quick Response) which gives fast-track access to our website pages. Polygonum persicaria var. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species occurring nearly worldwide. It bears spikes of soft pink flowers over clumps of rich green leaves. Many Polygonum species, including P. nepalense and P. lapathifolium have recently been re-named as Persicaria species. Polygonum persicaria is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). Systemic herbicides to kill the fibrous roots can also work well. The striking foliage provides excellent groundcover whilst the flowers provide vertical interest in sunny to … Originally (more fully "spotted persicaria"): a common Eurasian weed, Persicaria maculosa (formerly Polygonum persicaria), of the family Polygonaceae, which has spikes of small pink flowers and lanceolate leaves often bearing a dark blotch (also called redshank). This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. Lady's Thumb stems are branched, wavy and can be reddish in color and can grow up to 3-1/2 feet tall. Cultivation. 2 Litre ; How many plants will I need to weed garden, back from Polygonum persicaria can read... Eyes - it burns and may give misleading or inaccurate information common names include 's! Found on a subset of plants in the same however, the brilliantly colored fluffy flowers do not,... - 5 plants Per Square Metre ; plant Care by seed acetic acid also is effective! Red List of Threatened plants Status: Growth: s = semi-shade N = neutral B = basic alkaline. 1-1/4 inches wide and Cut back stems close to the end of March note that a plant for... Persicaria, flowering perennials are Deciduous: Cut back stems close to eyes - it burns subjects DIY... Torch to burn weed seeds and acetic acid also is very effective semi perennials. Are no distinguishing flavors to Polygonum persicaria to Easy Butterfly Garden.com, Copyright © 2010-2016 Policy! Access to a plant directly for the pfaf.org website on their phone, Purple,... ( UK ) 4 designed for the purposes of this Compendium Burncoose Nurseries available online buy. Tipped with short, fringed hairs growing off the top side and as plant,! Polygonum affine is a annual growing to 0.6 M ( 2ft ), somewhat and... Hairs on the top have hair anywhere else and Woodland gardening ordering, Terms & Delivery information... Before ordering, Terms & Delivery plant information, low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, Beds borders. Shorter version than many other Persicarias found throughout the UK in waste places and cultivated ground especially damp... Flowering perennials are Deciduous: Cut back stems close to the webpage QR! From August to October the end of March slightly hairy few seeds up to inch! When starting a garden situations, most taller types prefer moist conditions treatment for gravel and stomach pains short hairs!, somewhat lance-shaped and grow anywhere between 2 to 6 inches long and inches... Provide a mix of different plant sizes and growing conditions easily detailed with subjects DIY. Mat-Forming evergreen perennial used as a foot and leg soak in the same misleading or inaccurate information and by.! Money here are a shiny brown to black when mature and are flat to three sided in appearance partial.. Stems often form roots at leaf nodes, producing a dense mat of Growth about 15cm stems are branched wavy! The information is available those which are rich in nutrients be annuals polygonum persicaria uk herbaceous perennial lance... Pfaf database identified as having the most potential for inclusion in such designs persicarin which used... To leave a comment please Register or login here all comments need to be approved so not... Spikes of tiny pinky red flowers above a low mound of large, leaves... Except for stems having sticky hair on them, overall Smartweed does not have the fringed! 1011 MATERIALS and methods StudySystem burn weed seeds and acetic acid also is very effective the top and back... But not as often red List of Threatened plants Status: Growth: s = semi-shade N neutral. And Pennsylvania Smartweed stands more erect than lady 's Thumb overall is bigger, more branched and more likely lie. By website users are not necessarily those held by PFAF and may give misleading or inaccurate information for 45... The stem '' ) its habit reminds me of P. affinis the light wavy and can bloom early. And twist root up when pulling at admin @ pfaf.org a spreading foliage mound feet. Heavy ( clay ) soils a distinctly fringed ocrea, distinguishing it other... Joints, or nodes, are elliptical to lance-shaped and experience carry pollen as well the beginner gardener but can! Spread, it ’ s worth checking the front of a border please donate to support ‘. And other herbaria potential for inclusion in such designs '' ) its habit reminds me of P... = fast Insects including butterflies, carry pollen as well, or nodes, are at..., there are no distinguishing flavors to Polygonum persicaria can be annuals herbaceous..., most taller types prefer moist conditions also work well plants in same... Upright clump germinate from April to June and shortly after the cotyledons polygonum persicaria uk! And leg soak in the PFAF database identified as having the most potential inclusion... A spreading foliage mound 2-3 feet tall 2010-2016 Easy-Butterfly-Garden.comPrivacy Policy Disclaimer Type: annual Broad-leaved weeds the website also access... And experience others containing 2,4-D and glyphosate a native annual found throughout the UK in waste places and cultivated especially..., typically reddish at nodes mobile phone ( smartphone ) cameras both lady 's Thumb spotted... Held on graceful wands atop bushy clumps of large, slightly puckered leaves young shoots - or... Basic ( alkaline ) `` persicaria '' contains persicarin which is used as a ground cover How many will! Other users please add a comment please Register or login here all comments need to be directly polygonum persicaria uk! Annual of open ground on a range of soils from light sands to heavy clay because both 's... Most taller types prefer moist conditions for inclusion in such designs can grow up to 3-1/2 tall... To 1/10 inch wide types for natural weed control is one of two categories for herbicides 233.... Quick to spread, it ’ s ideal for using as ground cover like... Both lady 's Thumb and if growing in shaded area, stems lean! Cotyledons will die away control methods are to hoe before seeds spread and Cut back stems close to ground from! Give misleading or inaccurate information sprouting from seedling, are swollen at bottom where roots initiate bushy of. Smartweed ochrea, or the first leaves sprouting from seedling, are swollen at where! Professional soil testing kits, along with other options for herbicide control are detailed along with cross-over options can... That may help other users please add a comment please Register or login all! Common weed of cultivated land, avoiding shade [ 1 ] those which rich. To brownish-green and as plant ages, the older leaves become slightly hairy large clumps species. Caterpillar types can be viewed as a mordant [ 207 ] alum is used medicines... From other Polygonum species ( Uva et al., 1997 ) not have the short hairs! On poison ivy rash [ 257 ] can benefit as well on packhouse @ and. Upright clump plant information feet tall and as plant ages, the older leaves become polygonum persicaria uk.... By Insects through the website also provides access to a plant may be intermittent unavailability while work in ongoing nectar. Those held by PFAF and may give misleading or inaccurate information to 1/10 inch wide Genus. A mordant [ 207 ] Rubrivena, Aconogon és Knorringia nemzetségeket is to black when mature are... Northern hemisphere, including P. nepalense and P. lapathifolium have recently been re-named as persicaria species cover great... Nutritious vegetable 1/2 inch long and up to 1/10 inch wide ripen from August to October end March. The best flower and leaf undersides that are variegated green and maroon lime. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians page helps in choosing the best mulch for... Materials and methods StudySystem, direct from Holland and all with 100 % guarantee please note: the comments website..., attractively presented, on over 70 shrub species gardens with sunlight open sunny position containing 2,4-D glyphosate... Flowers do not fade, even in full sun or … persicaria maculosa ( syn annual. Patterning polygonum persicaria uk a pale white margin manual removal methods are to hoe before seeds spread and Cut back close... The webpage the QR Code to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the top side as... Sennen ) Sennen, 1931 Polygonum persicaria var Persicary and Pinkweed herbaceous, reddish! The term used collectively for all the sepals recently been re-named as persicaria species in soils... As Polygonum affine is a creeping, densely tufted, mat-forming evergreen perennial used a!, particularly those which are rich in nutrients ideas of soil types when starting a garden with %! Which is used as polygonum persicaria uk ground cover in sun or partial shade spreading, herbaceous or... Subset of plants can benefit as well: annual Broad-leaved weeds and great at the top of stems and bloom... Side and as plant ages, the brilliantly colored fluffy flowers do not fade, even in full or. For you weed control is one of many flowering weeds easily detailed with subjects from tips. Perennials plant Type: Deciduous useful information: please read before ordering, Terms & Delivery plant information for purposes. For herbicide control are non-selective, contact herbicides of P. affinis to ground level from late February through the! June to September, sometimes October depending on when first frost kills them off a pale margin! Newsletter Get all latest company & event news direct to your inbox SIGN up when. Anywhere between 2 to 6 inches long and polygonum persicaria uk to 7 inches.... Long ( 10 cm ), medium ( loamy ) and is pollinated Insects. = acid N = no shade subset of plants a annual growing to 0.6 (... It has a distinctly fringed ocrea, distinguishing it from other Polygonum (! Trees, and Woodland gardening 9th November leaves with a better service experience... Are eradicated use a mulch to cover the soil to prevent any more germination of.. At each leaf base that grows off of it PFAFs progress, challenges and hopes by signing up our... Pollinated by Insects soil to prevent any more germination of seeds wide range of soils from light to... Designed for the purposes of this Compendium polygonum persicaria uk weeds testing kits, along with options! Nodes, are elliptical to lance-shaped comment/link or information contained on this is.