Pinellia ternata
Encyclopedia
Pinellia ternata crow-dipper, is a plant native to China
, but also grows as an invasive weed
in parts of North America
. The leaves are trifoliate, while the flowers are of the spathe and spadix
form typical of plants in Araceae
.
The plant spreads by rhizomes, and there are also small bulblets (a.k.a. bulbils) at the base of each leaf
. Flowers are bourne in spring.
. Pinellia extract may be able to affect anti-obesity through thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation.
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, but also grows as an invasive weed
Weed
A weed in a general sense is a plant that is considered by the user of the term to be a nuisance, and normally applied to unwanted plants in human-controlled settings, especially farm fields and gardens, but also lawns, parks, woods, and other areas. More specifically, the term is often used to...
in parts of North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. The leaves are trifoliate, while the flowers are of the spathe and spadix
Spadix
In botany, a spadix is a type of spike inflorescence having small flowers borne on a fleshy stem. Spadix are typical of the Family Araceae known as arums or aroids...
form typical of plants in Araceae
Araceae
Araceae are a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants in which flowers are borne on a type of inflorescence called a spadix. The spadix is usually accompanied by, and sometimes partially enclosed in, a spathe or leaf-like bract. Also known as the Arum family, members are often colloquially...
.
Characteristics
Leaf
A leaf is an organ of a vascular plant, as defined in botanical terms, and in particular in plant morphology. Foliage is a mass noun that refers to leaves as a feature of plants....
. Flowers are bourne in spring.
Traditional medicine
This plant is toxic in raw form and must be processed. Pinellia ternata is known as the herb effective in removing dampness-phlegm, one of the causes of obesity in traditional Chinese medicineTraditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to a broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage , exercise , and dietary therapy...
. Pinellia extract may be able to affect anti-obesity through thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation.