Kenaf root

Kenaf root

(records of yam planting in Tianmu, Zhejiang)

[source] it is the root of a nettle plant, kenaf.

[plant morphology] Kenaf

Subshrub, 50-100 cm high. Stem erect, red. Leaves opposite, rhombic ovate, 4-8 cm long, 2.5-4 cm wide, apex caudate acuminate, base broadly cuneate, margin 4-7 coarsely serrated on each side, both sides hairy; petiole red. Flowers are unisexual, small in shape, clustered into long spikes, growing in the upper leaf axils of the stem, usually longer than the leaves; female inflorescence above, male inflorescence below, green or purplish; male calyx 4-lobed, green; stamen 4; female flower covered with fine hairs, calyx combined into tube; pistil 1, stigma slender. Achene ca. 1 mm, stigma persistent.

Born in the valley forest. Distributed in Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hubei, Sichuan and other places.

[collection] harvest in summer and autumn.

[functions and indications] 1. Records of yam planting in Tianmu, Zhejiang Province: "for the treatment of traumatic injuries, fresh roots are added with the same amount of Ampelopsis root and orchid root, mixed with yellow rice wine, mashed and applied. "

② "Treating hemorrhoids, decocting soup, fumigating and washing" in Jiangxi herbal medicine manual. "