Tsi, Chameleon, Rainbow Plant, Chameleon Plant

Houttuynia cordata

Physical Characteristics

Houttuynia cordata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Teder young shoots and leaves - raw or cooked as a pot-herb[2, 61, 103, 183, 272]. The leaves and young shoots are harvested in the spring when about 8cm long[264]. Strongly aromatic according to one report[183] whilst others say that it is rather smelly and somewhat like rotten fish[105, 178]. 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)[238]. 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[177, 183]. Same comments on the smell as for the leaves[105]. Fruit[183]. No further details[K], but the fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antidote Antiinflammatory Antiphlogistic Antiviral Astringent Depurative Diuretic Dysentery Emmenagogue Febrifuge Hypoglycaemic Laxative Ophthalmic Women's complaints The whole plant is antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antimicrbial, antiphlogistic, antiviral, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, laxative and ophthalmic[103, 116, 147, 174, 176, 218, 238, 240, 279]. A decoction is used internally in the treatment of many ailments including cancer, coughs, dysentery, enteritis and fever[218]. Its use is said to strengthen the immune system[176]. Externally, it is used in the treatment of snake bites and skin disorders[238]. The leaves and stems are harvested during the growing season and used fresh in decoctions[238]. The leaf juice is antidote and astringent[218]. A root extract is diuretic[218, 240]. The root is also said to be used in medicinal preparations for certain diseases of women[240, 243]. The rhizomes yield a sterol, resembling sitosterol, which stimulates the secretion of antibiotic substances from a gram-positive spore-forming bacillus[240]. An active substance, effective in the treatment of stomach ulcers, has been extracted from the plant[240].

Known Hazards

None known