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Houttuynia cordata
  • Tsi

a perennial member of the Houttuynia genus in the family Saururaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Partial sun
    Partial sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • permanent shade
    Permanent shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsaquatic
    Aquatic
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Houttuynia cordata has 0 edible uses listed
Houttuynia cordata has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Teder young shoots and leaves - raw or cooked as a pot-herb[1][2][3][4][5]. The leaves and young shoots are harvested in the spring when about 8cm long[6]. Strongly aromatic according to one report[4] whilst others say that it is rather smelly and somewhat like rotten fish[7][8]. Our experience is that the leaves have a delicious orange-like smell and make a marvellous flavouring in salads[K]. One report says that there are two distinct chemotypes of this species. Plants from Japan have an orange scent, whilst those from China have a smell resembling coriander leaves (Coriandrum sativum)[9]. Some people seem to really like this leaf, others are indifferent to it or strongly dislike it[K]. It also varies quite considerably according to the time of year. In the spring and summer it has a very acceptable flavour, but by autumn a distinct bitterness has crept in[K].

Root - cooked[10][4]. Same comments on the smell as for the leaves[7].

Fruit[4]. No further details[K], but the fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds[11].

Fruit

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Root

Unknown use

Material uses

A good ground cover plant[11]. Plants do not form a weed-suppressing cover[K]. A spreading plant, it should be spaced about 45cm apart each way[12].
There are no material uses listed for Houttuynia cordata.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The whole plant is antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antimicrbial, antiphlogistic, antiviral, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, laxative and ophthalmic[3][13][14][15][16][17][9][18][19]. A decoction is used internally in the treatment of many ailments including cancer, coughs, dysentery, enteritis and fever[17]. Its use is said to strengthen the immune system[16]. Externally, it is used in the treatment of snake bites and skin disorders[9]. The leaves and stems are harvested during the growing season and used fresh in decoctions[9].

The leaf juice is antidote and astringent[17]. A root extract is diuretic[17][18]. The root is also said to be used in medicinal preparations for certain diseases of women[18][20]. The rhizomes yield a sterol, resembling sitosterol, which stimulates the secretion of antibiotic substances from a gram-positive spore-forming bacillus[18].

An active substance, effective in the treatment of stomach ulcers, has been extracted from the plant[18].

Unknown part

Antibacterial
Antidote
Antiphlogistic
Astringent
Depurative
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Febrifuge
Laxative
Ophthalmic
Women's complaints
Antiinflammatory
Antiviral
Hypoglycaemic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring[21][22]. Very quick and easy, it can be done successfully at almost any time in the growing season[K]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Houttuynia cordata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a moist to wet soil or shallow water, partial shade and a sheltered position[23][21][22][9]. Whilst it grows best in a bog garden, it will succeed in moist garden borders[24] and has also grown fairly well in a dry soil in Cornwall[K]. It succeeds in full shade[12].

Plants are hardy to about -15°c[25], the top growth is killed back by frost though the roots are much hardier. Even the roots, though, can be killed in severe winters[22]. A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties[25]. 'Chameleon' has very attractively variegated leaves with the same flavour as the species[K]. The bruised leaves emit a strong citrus smell rather like orange peel[K]. Plants have a widely spreading root system and are very invasive, though they are easier to control in drier soils[11]. Creeps harmlessly between ferns[25]. Cultivated as a salad crop in Vietnam[3] and in W. China[25]..

Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[24]. Plants growing in an area with a high rabbit population were not eaten by them although other plants growing nearby were attacked[K].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Houttuynia cordata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Houttuynia cordata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Houttuynia cordata
Genus
Houttuynia
Family
Saururaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]
Medicinal uses
[3][13][14][15][16][17][9][18][19][20]
Material uses & Functions
[11][12]
Botanic
[26][11][27]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
aquatic
Sun
partial sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Soil surface
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    vigorous
    Mature Size
    0.6 x 1 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:Houttuynia cordata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Houttuynia cordata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Houttuynia cordata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Houttuynia cordata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    "image:Houttuynia cordata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Haywood. V. H. Flowering Plants of the World. Oxford University Press ISBN 0-19-217674-9 ()
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-527-6 (2002-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Vegetables Macmillan Reference Books, London. ISBN 0 333 62640 0 (1995-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.59.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.2 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Oriental Herbs and Vegetables, Vol 39 No. 2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1986-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
    15. ? 15.015.1 Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants. ()
    16. ? 16.016.116.2 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.217.317.4 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.118.218.318.418.5 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.1 Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea World Health Organisation, Manila ISBN 92 9061 120 0 (1998-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.1 Medicinal Plants of Nepal Dept. of Medicinal Plants. Nepal. (1993-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.1 Brown. Shade Plants for Garden and Woodland. ()
    22. ? 22.022.122.2 Muhlberg. H. Complete Guide to Water Plants. E. P. Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-7158-0789-7 (1982-00-00)
    23. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    24. ? 24.024.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    25. ? 25.025.125.225.3 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    26. ? Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press (1984-00-00)
    27. ? [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)

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    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Houttuynia_cordata&oldid=77808"
    Facts about "Houttuynia cordata"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familySaururaceae +
    Belongs to genusHouttuynia +
    Functions asGround cover +
    Has binomial nameHouttuynia cordata +
    Has common nameTsi +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partFruit +, Leaves + and Root +
    Has edible useUnknown use +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has growth rateVigorous +
    Has hardiness zone5 +
    Has imageHouttuynia cordata.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has mature height0.6 +
    Has mature width1 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntibacterial +, Antidote +, Antiphlogistic +, Astringent +, Depurative +, Diuretic +, Emmenagogue +, Febrifuge +, Laxative +, Ophthalmic +, Women's complaints +, Antiinflammatory +, Antiviral + and Hypoglycaemic +
    Has primary imageHouttuynia cordata.jpg +
    Has search namehouttuynia cordata + and tsi +
    Has shade tolerancePermanent shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has sun preferencePartial sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameHouttuynia cordata +
    Has water requirementsaquatic +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedYes +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata +, Houttuynia cordata + and Houttuynia cordata +