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1.Pinellia — Overview
Pinellia ternata, commonly known as Crow-dipper or Green Dragon, is a distinctive tuberous perennial herbaceous plant thriving as a native species across East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It belongs to the Araceae family, a group known for its unique inflorescence structure. This adaptable plant flourishes in temperate climates, frequently found in damp, shady environments such as forest understories, meadows, and even as an occasional presence in cultivated fields. Its morphology is characterized by striking trifoliate leaves, arranged alternately on upright stems. Each leaf typically comprises three lanceolate to ovate leaflets, often with entire or slightly undulate margins and acuminate tips, with the central leaflet usually being larger.
The plant's characteristic inflorescence is a spadix, which is typically encased by a greenish-white or yellowish spathe, a modified leaf that often displays longitudinal stripes. Reproductive parts are systematically arranged on the spadix, with female flowers positioned at the base and male flowers above. Following successful pollination, the spadix develops into a cluster of small berries. Pinellia ternata propagates effectively not only through seeds but also via its underground tubers (corms) and small bulblets that form at the base of each leaf. The most significant part, both commercially and medicinally, is its irregular, tuberculate, corm-like rhizome, usually 1-3 cm in diameter.
This rhizome is meticulously harvested and processed for its extensive use in traditional medicine. The plant exhibits a unique growth cycle, with its flowering stalk emerging in late spring or early summer, followed by fruiting and then senescence of the aerial parts, allowing the underground tuber to perennate through the winter. Notably, Pinellia ternata has also established itself as an invasive weed in parts of Europe and North America, highlighting its robust adaptive capabilities. Its historical and ongoing significance in East Asian pharmacopeias underscores its considerable botanical and ethnobotanical importance.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Pinellia ternata:
1.1.Pinellia — Key Features
- East Asian Native — Indigenous to China, Japan, and Korea, with a long history in regional medicine.
- Araceae Family Member — Characterized by its unique spadix and spathe inflorescence, typical of aroids.
- Tuberous Perennial — Grows from a significant underground corm/rhizome, which is the medicinally used part.
- Ban Xia in TCM — Revered as 'Ban Xia,' a fundamental herb for resolving dampness and transforming phlegm.
- Powerful Antiemetic — Highly effective in alleviating nausea and vomiting, a primary traditional use.
- Phlegm — Drying Action — Known for its ability to clear various types of phlegm, especially stubborn damp-phlegm.
- Requires Detoxification — Raw plant is toxic; specific processing (Pao Zhi) is critical for safe internal use.
- Distinctive Trifoliate Leaves — Features easily recognizable leaves composed of three leaflets.
- Adaptable Growth — Thrives in shaded, moist temperate environments, demonstrating ecological resilience.
- Diverse Phytochemistry — Contains a complex array of active compounds, including alkaloids, lectins, and polysaccharides.
1.2.Pinellia — Quick Summary
- Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia) is a cornerstone herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, vital for phlegm and dampness.
- Its rhizome is a potent antiemetic, antitussive, and anxiolytic agent.
- Raw Pinellia is highly toxic; strict traditional processing (Pao Zhi) is mandatory before medicinal use.
- Rich in diverse phytochemicals, including alkaloids, nucleosides, and immunomodulatory lectins.
- Primarily used in complex herbal formulas to balance its effects and target specific conditions.
- Professional guidance is essential for safe and effective application due to its potency and processing requirements.
2.Pinellia — Scientific Identity
3.Pinellia — Categories & Tags
4.Pinellia — Appearance & Identification
5.Pinellia — Water Requirements
- Climate Preference — Thrives in temperate climates, hardy in USDA zones 6-9, capable of tolerating mild frosts.
- Soil Requirements — Prefers well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0) loamy soil.
- Light Conditions — Best grown in partial to full shade, as direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves.
- Propagation — Primarily propagated from its underground corms (tubers) or small bulblets, typically planted in spring.
- Planting Depth and Spacing — Plant tubers 5-10 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart to allow for proper growth and development.
- Watering Needs — Requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, but good drainage is crucial to prevent tuber rot.
- Harvesting — Tubers are typically harvested in late summer or autumn, after the aerial parts of the plant have naturally senesced.
- Pest and Disease Management — Generally robust, but can be susceptible to slugs in damp conditions and occasional fungal issues if drainage is poor.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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