Epimedium grandiflorum

Epimedium grandiflorum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Epimedium
Subgenus: Epimedium
Species: E. grandiflorum
Binomial name
Epimedium grandiflorum
C.Morren
Synonyms

Epimedium macranthum var. violaceum (C. Morren & Decne.) Franch.
Epimedium grandiflorum forma violaceum
Epimedium violaceum[1]

Epimedium grandiflorum (large flowered barrenwort, bishop's hat) is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to China, Japan and Korea.[1] It is known as dâm dương hoắc in Vietnamese.

Description

It is a deciduous perennial growing to 30 cm (12 in), with bright red stems with green heart-shaped leaves (copper-tinged when young) which are slightly hairy on the bottom. In spring it produces pink, white, yellow or purple long-spurred flowers.[2]

Cultivation

Numerous cultivars have been selected for garden use, of which the following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:

Traditional Chinese medicine

E. grandiflorum may have anti-impotence properties due to the presence of icariin, a relatively weak inhibitor of PDE5 in comparison to substances like sildenafil (viagra). Western peer-reviewed research into the efficacy of E. grandiflorum as an aphrodisiac is lacking; however, the herb has been used for this purpose in traditional Chinese medicine and is a common ingredient of herbal remedies for impotence. It is commonly packed in a capsule with other ingredients or sold as herbal flakes or powder with the name "horny goat weed".

References

  1. 1 2 "Epimedium grandiflorum C. Morren". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2004-02-25. Retrieved 2010-05-25.
  2. ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  3. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Epimedium grandiflorum". Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  4. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Epimedium grandiflorum 'Nanum'". Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  5. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen'". Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  6. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Epimedium grandiflorum 'White Queen'". Retrieved 18 June 2013.
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