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 2–4 m (6 ft 7 in – 13 ft 1 in). Its leaves are 3–7 cm (1.2–2.8 in) long and 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) broad, shaped like a wide arrowhead with an entire margin. The flowers, which measure 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) in diameter and are white or greenish-white, grow on short, dense panicles up to 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) long. Flowering and growth of these panicles occurs from summer to mid-autumn. The fruit produced by the plant is an achene 2.5–3 mm (0.098–0.118 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.
