Pleuropterus multiflorus
| Pleuropterus multiflorus | |
|---|---|
| File:Fallopia multiflora leaf.jpg | |
| Chinese knotweed | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Genus: | Pleuropterus |
| Species: | P. multiflorus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pleuropterus multiflorus | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Synonymy
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Pleuropterus multiflorus (syns. Fallopia multiflora, Polygonum multiflorum, and Reynoutria multiflora) is a species of flowering plant in the buckwheat family Polygonaceae[1] native to central and southern China,[2][3] Hainan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand.[1] It is known by the English common names tuber fleeceflower[4] and Chinese (climbing) knotweed. It is known as he shou wu (何首烏) in China and East Asia.[5] Another name for the species is fo-ti,[6][7][8] which is a misnomer.[9]
It can be difficult to prevent the spread of this vine and to remove it once established. The leaves are thin and fragile but the stems, although narrow in diameter, can be very strong.
Description
[edit | edit source]Pleuropterus multiflorus is a herbaceous perennial vine growing to 2–4 m (6 ft 7 in – 13 ft 1 in) tall from a woody tuber. The leaves are 3–7 cm (1.2–2.8 in) long and 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) broad, broad arrowhead-shaped, with an entire margin. The flowers are 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) diameter, white or greenish-white, produced on short, dense panicles up to 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) long in summer to mid-autumn. The fruit is an achene 2.5–3 mm (0.098–0.118 in) long.[2]
In folk belief
[edit | edit source]In Chinese folklore, it is believed that the root of he shou wu (何首烏, Pleuropterus multiflorus) can, after a thousand years, transform into a human form, either as a child or an old person. It is also said that Zhang Guolao, one of the Eight Immortals, achieved immortality by consuming the essence of he shou wu.[10]
Two types of stories often revolve around the essence of he shou wu. In one version, a monk or Taoist acquires a human-shaped he shou wu and instructs a disciple to cook it. The disciple, tempted, secretly tastes it, becomes immortal, and disappears. In the other version, the essence of he shou wu takes on human form and accompanies a woman. Finding his behavior suspicious, the woman sews a thread into him. The following day, she traces the thread and finds it attached to a he shou wu root, from which a human shape is growing.[10]
Traditional medicine
[edit | edit source]Pleuropterus multiflorus is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is one of the most popular perennial traditional Chinese medicines. Caution must be taken, however, as overconsumption can lead to toxicity-induced hepatitis.[11]
Chemistry
[edit | edit source]More than 100 chemical compounds have been isolated from Pleuropterus multiflorus, and the major components have been determined to be stilbenes, quinones, flavonoids, and others.[citation needed] Its extract contains a stilbene glycoside.[12][13]
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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- ^ Grech J. N., Li Q., Roufogalis B.D., Duke C.C. Novel Ca2+-ATPase Inhibitors from the Dried Root Tubers of Polygonum multiflorum. J Nat Prod-Lloyda 57(12), 1682-1687, 1994.
External links
[edit | edit source]- Reynoutria multiflora: Images & occurrence data from GBIF
- line drawing, Flora of China Illustrations vol. 5, fig. 259, 3-5
- Ho-shou-wu: What's in an herb name?
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