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Heartleaf Houttuynia
Houttuynia cordata
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A perennial herb with a distinctive strong odor. Thrives in moist, shaded areas. The white cross-shaped structure (actually 4 bracts, with the true flowers in a central spike) is characteristic. Used medicinally and as food since ancient times, also known as 'juyaku' (ten-medicine herb).
Identification Points
- โLeaves and stems have a distinctive strong odor
- โFour white cross-shaped bracts (not petals) surround the flower spike
- โHeart-shaped leaves
- โForms colonies in moist, shaded areas
Habitat
Moist shade, gardens, roadsides, forest edges
Season
May to July (flowers)
3D Specimen Model
Kyushu University, Shikano Lab (CC0)
View on SketchfabโMorphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf shape
Cordate
Growth form
Herb
Petal fusion
No petals
Flower color
White
Stipules
Present
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Plant sex
Hermaphrodite
Aromatic
Aromatic
Phylogenetic Positionใใฏใใ็ง โ
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Basal angiosperms > Piperales > Saururaceae
Divergence Era
Cretaceous (a very ancient lineage as basal angiosperms)
Evolution Notes
Saururaceae belongs to an ancient lineage near the basal angiosperms in the APG classification system.
View on evolution timeline โSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification