Hai Feng Teng (radially arranged, small holes)

Hai Feng Teng

【Naming】

Hai Feng Teng

 【Source】

Ben Cao Cong Xin (Materia Medica Renewal)

 【Commonly Used Degree】

F

 【Botanical Origin】

The vine stem of Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi (P. futokadsura Sieb.et Zucc.), belonging to the Piperaceae (Pepper) family.

 【Characteristics】

The dried vine stem is long cylindrical and flattened, slightly curved, 15-60cm long, and 3-7mm in diameter. The surface is rough, grayish-brown or brown, with longitudinal striations. Nodes are enlarged, internodes are 4.5-9cm long, and adventitious roots on the nodes are of varying lengths. The phloem is narrow in cross-section, the xylem and rays are arranged radially and alternately, the xylem is grayish-yellow, with many small holes, the rays are grayish-white, and there are small holes at the junction of the xylem and phloem, so small holes can be seen in a ring on the edge of the cross-section, and there is grayish-brown pith in the center. The texture is light and brittle, and fibrous when broken. It has a clear and fragrant aroma and a pungent taste.

 【Identification】

The best quality stems are thick, uniform, and fragrant.

 【Category】

Vines and Woody Plants