What is Houttuynia cordata and what does it look like?

1. What is

The scientific name of this grass is Houttuynia cordata, also known as Houttuynia cordata, stinky vegetable, and dog fly grass. It is a herb with a fishy smell, and it got its name because its leaves have a fishy smell. This type of grass mainly grows beside rivers and wetlands and is widely distributed in my country. It has a very special taste. In southwestern my country, such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan and other places, it is eaten as a dish and can also be used as medicine.

2. What does it look like?

1. Plant shape: The height of Houttuynia cordata plant is about 30-60 cm. The stem is oblate and the surface is relatively wrinkled and curved. The lower part of the stem is prostrate, while the upper part is relatively upright. It is basically smooth and hairless, with a yellow-brown surface and purple-red color.

2. Leaves: Its leaves are paper-thin and oval or broad-ovate in shape. The colors of the leaves are different on the top and bottom. The top is dark green or yellow-green, and the bottom is darker. The petiole is about 1-3.5 cm long.

3. Flowers: Houttuynia cordata can also bloom, and the flowering period is from April to July. It has terminal spike inflorescences with yellow flower spikes and is relatively small in appearance.