About Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke
Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke, also referred to as Pleuropterus multiflorus, is a herbaceous perennial vine. It grows from a woody tuber to reach heights of 2โ4 m (6 ft 7 in โ 13 ft 1 in). Its leaves are 3โ7 cm (1.2โ2.8 in) long and 2โ5 cm (0.79โ1.97 in) broad, shaped like a wide arrowhead with an entire margin. The flowers, which measure 6โ7 mm (0.24โ0.28 in) in diameter and are white or greenish-white, grow on short, dense panicles up to 10โ20 cm (3.9โ7.9 in) long. Flowering and growth of these panicles occurs from summer to mid-autumn. The fruit produced by the plant is an achene 2.5โ3 mm (0.098โ0.118 in) long. In traditional medicine, this species is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and counts as one of the most popular perennial traditional Chinese medicines. Caution is required when using this plant, as overconsumption can cause toxicity-induced hepatitis.
