Details of Medicinal Plants

Crowdipper

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breitenb. Araceae

This perennial can be found in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyusyu, along the Korean peninsula, and in China. Its plant height is 10 to 20 cm. The spathe is formed in April or May. It is known as awkward weed because of its ability to propagate not only from tubers but also from seeds and bulbils.

Part used: tuber
Medicinal use: antitussive and expectorant
Main component: homogentisic acid

The English name refers to the black color of spathe.

The male flower (indicated by a blue arrow) and female flower (indicated by a pink arrow) are formed separately in their respective spathes.

The herbal medicine "Pinellia Tuber" is the dried tuber. A hollow on the surface of the tuber contains a trace of leaf.