Chinese Trumpet Creeper Flower (shriveled and curled, brownish-red, thin-backed ribs on the calyx, united base forming a funnel-shaped tube, longitudinal veins)

Chinese Trumpet Creeper Flower (Paulownia flower)

【Name】

Chinese Trumpet Creeper Flower

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, Middle Grade · Zi Wei (Campsis)

 【Frequency of Use】

F

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried flower of Campsis grandiflora (Thunb.) Loisel. of the Bignoniaceae family.

 【Characteristics】

The flowers are mostly shriveled, curled, or folded. Complete flowers are about 6-7 cm long. The calyx is dark brown, about 2.5 cm long, with the base united into a tube, the upper part with 5 lobes. The lobes are triangular with long, sharp tips. The calyx tube surface has 10 raised longitudinal veins. The corolla is tubular, brownish-yellow, with 5 lobes at the upper end. The lobes are semi-circular, with fine brownish-red veins on the surface and scattered brown spots. The texture is thin. The inner surface bears 2 long and 2 short curved stamens, with “↑”-shaped anthers at the top. There is one pistil and one disc. It has a slight fragrance and a slightly bitter and sour taste.

 【Identification】

The best quality are those with large, complete flowers, brownish-yellow color, and no pedicel.

 【Category】

Flowers