Houttuynia cordata (simplified Chinese: 鱼腥è‰; traditional Chinese: éšè…¥è‰; pinyin: yúxÄ«ng cÇŽo; literally: "fishy-smell herb"; Japanese: dokudami 蕺è‰, literally "poison blocking plant"; Vietnamese: giấp cá; Lao: pak kao tong ຜັàºàº„າວທàºàº‡; Thai: phakkaawtong ผัà¸à¸„าวตà¸à¸‡, ผัà¸à¸„าวทà¸à¸‡, พลูคาว; Korean: 약모밀, 어성초. In Manipur, it is known as toningkok, in Hmar as Aithang, in Meghalaya it is known as Jamyrdoh, in Mizo as Uithinthang, and in thadou as "Aithanglou", Hrama in Poula. In English, it is known as fish mint, fish leaf, lizard tail, chameleon plant, heartleaf, fishwort, and bishop's weed. It is one of two species in the genus Houttuynia (the other being H. emeiensis), a flowering plant native to Japan, Korea, southern China, and Southeast Asia, where it grows in moist, shady places.
Growth
Houttuynia cordata is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 20â€"80 cm (7.9â€"31.5 in). The proximal part of the stem is trailing and produces adventitious roots, while the distal part of the stem grows vertically. The leaves are alternate, broadly heart-shaped, 4â€"9 cm (1.6â€"3.5 in) long and 3â€"8 cm (1.2â€"3.1 in) broad. Flowers, growing usually in summer, are greenish-yellow, borne on a terminal spike 2â€"3 cm (0.79â€"1.18 in) long with four to six large white basal bracts.
Cultivation
The plant grows well in moist to wet soil and even slightly submerged in water in partial or full sun. Plants can become invasive in gardens and difficult to eradicate. Propagation is by division.
In temperate gardens, it is usually found in one of its cultivated forms. The 'Chameleon' variety (synonymous with H.cordata 'Court Jester', 'Tricolour', and 'Variegata') is slightly less vigorous than the parent species, with stubbier leaves mottled in both yellow and red. Another common variety, 'Flore Pleno', has masses of white bracts and retains the vigour of the parent species.
Usage
Culinary use
It is grown as a leaf vegetable, particularly in Vietnam, where it is called giấp cá or diếp cá, and is used as a fresh herbal garnish. The leaf has an unusual taste that is often described as 'fishy' (earning it the nickname "fish mint"), so it is not enjoyed as universally as basil, mint, or other more commonly used herbs.
In northeastern India, particularly Meghalaya, it is locally known as ja myrdoh and used in salads or cooked with other vegetables. In Manipur, it is known as toningkok and used as garnish over eromba and singju, ethnic side dishes. In Garo, it is known as matcha duri, the leaves used raw as salad leaf, or ground (usually the tender roots) with dry fish, chillies and tamarind into chutneys. In Assam (Assamese) it is called "Masunduri" and popular mostly among the tribes. It is taken raw as salad and cooked along with fish as fish curry.
In the southwestern Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing,and Sichuan, the roots are used as a root vegetable and are known as Zhe'ergen (æŠ˜è€³æ ¹). The leaves are also consumed.
Traditional use
Houttuynia cordata is used in traditional Chinese medicine for pneumonia and was used by some Chinese scientists in an attempt to treat SARS. Its use in traditional Chinese medicine (in injection form) can cause severe allergic reactions. In Japan, the beverage dokudami cha (Japanese: ドクダミ茶; literally "Houttuynia cordata tea") is made from the dried leaves, widely used as a general detoxification for ridding the body of harmful bacteria.
Aroma profile
Chemical compounds that contribute to the aroma of H. cordata include β-myrcene and 2-undecanone.
Invasive weed
Heartleaf or lizardtail is an alien invasive species in many areas in the United States and Australia. Even the less vigorous forms will spread beyond an apt gardener's control if planted in any moderately moist soil.
Compendial status
- Japanese Pharmacopoeia
See also
- Kampo herb list
- Zhe'ergen
References
External links
- Data related to Houttuynia cordata at Wikispecies
- Asian Vegetables (with photo)
- Flora, The Gardener's Bible, ABC Publishing, Ultimo, NSW, Australia, 2006 ISBN 0-7333-1439-2