Buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum
 
	
Cultivated for its grain-like seeds and as a cover crop
	
domesticated food plant raised in Asia.
	
Buckwheat is not wheat, as it is not a grass.
 
Pros
	
cover crop - green manure adds organic matter and valuable soil nutrients
	
a fast-growing, semi-succulent plant which suppresses weeds 
	
attracts beneficial insects and pollinators with its flowers
	
high pollen and nectar source - bees make strongly-flavoured, dark honey from buckwheat
	
produces nutritious triangular seeds. 
	
extracts soil phosphorus from soil return it to the soil in a more useable form
	
thrives in warm, moist conditions
	
 it is frost tender so easily killed as a cover crop or break crop
	
Can be planted between rows of grapes in vineyards or orchards
 
 
Cons
	
Not frost tolerant
	
	
Be careful when feeding to stock grain can cause a skin rash or hay can
	
cause intestinal disturbances in livestock if consumed frequently or in large quantities