Coptis teeta - Yun Lian

Family:	Ranunculaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.15
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - N. China to the temperate regions of the Himalayas.

Coptis teeta (Yun Lian) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.15m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Yun Lian will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
Yun Lian prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Yun Lian can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Not known

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is cultivated as a medicinal plant in China[178]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a light moist humus-rich slightly acidic soil with a northerly aspect or light shade[1, 200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Fruit[177]. No more details are given but some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

• Fruit -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The root is a pungent, very bitter, cooling herb that controls bacterial and viral infections, relaxes spasms, lowers fevers and stimulates the circulation[238]. It is locally analgesic and anaesthetic[238] and is used in Chinese medicine as a general panacea with alterative, ophthalmic and pectoral activity[178]. The root contains several compounds that are effective in inhibiting various bacteria and they are a safe and effective treatment for many ailments, such as some forms of dysentery, that are caused by bacteria[218]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[238].

• Alterative - Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.
• Anaesthetic - Numbs the feeling in a local or general area of the body.
• Analgesic - Relieves pain.
• Antibacterial - Kills bacteria.
• Antispasmodic - Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.
• Ophthalmic - Treats eye complaints.
• Pectoral - Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in an ericaceous compost[164]. Seal the pot in a polythene bag until germination takes place, which is usually within 1 - 6 months at 10°c[164]. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible. Four weeks cold stratification may be beneficial[164]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in mid-autumn or in spring. Division in spring[200].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, it belongs to a family that contains many species that are mildly toxic and so it is wise to treat this plant with some caution.

Other Uses

Can be grown as a ground cover plant in the peat garden[200].

• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of China

Author:
Rating: http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher : On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.
Date of Publication : 1994

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.