Coptis teeta
Wall.
Gold thread
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Wikimedia Commons - Kanhoba Ranchoddas Kirtikar and Baman Das Basu
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCoptis teeta is a rare species of flowering plant in the buttercup family.
Description
A herb. It grows 20-50 cm tall. It keeps growing from year to year. The rhizome or underground stem is 5-6 cm long. This is orange to yellow inside. It is often covered with small roots. The leaf stalk is 8-19 cm long. The leaves are oval or triangle shaped and 6-12 cm long by 5-9 cm wide. There are a few hairs on the veins underneath. The fruit are follicles 7-9 mm across.
Edible Uses
The fruit is edible, though no further details are given. Some caution is advised due to the plant's toxicity.
Medicinal Uses
The root is a pungent, very bitter, cooling herb that controls bacterial and viral infections, relaxes spasms, lowers fevers and stimulates circulation. It is locally analgesic and anaesthetic, and is used in Chinese medicine as a general panacea with alterative, ophthalmic and pectoral activity. Compounds in the root effectively inhibit various bacteria, making it a safe and effective treatment for conditions such as certain forms of dysentery. The root is harvested in autumn and can be used fresh or dried.
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.
Distribution
A temperate plant. In grows in evergreen broad-leaved forests. It can grow in light shade. In southern China it grows between 1,500-2,300 m above sea level. In Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, Bhutan, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, Vietnam,
Cultivation
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. 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.
Propagation
Seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe, using an ericaceous compost. Seal the pot in a polythene bag until germination occurs, typically within 1–6 months at 10°c. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible; four weeks of cold stratification may improve germination. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in mid-autumn or spring. The plant can also be divided in spring.
Other Uses
The plant can be grown as ground cover in the peat garden.
Notes
There are 10 Coptis species. The rhizome is used in medicine. It inhibits bacteria. It is an at risk plant.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Haladiocachnag, Hoanglien, Khandauk, Mamira, Mamiran, Mishmi, Shwe-wa-myit, Tita, Yun lian
References (5)
- Altschul, S.V.R., 1973, Drugs and Foods from Little-known Plants. Notes in Harvard University Herbaria. Harvard Univ. Press. Massachusetts. no. 959
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 140
- Burkill, I.H., 1966, A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vol 1 (A-H) p 663
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Trans. Med. Soc. Calcutta 8:347. 1838
