Lablab Bean Flower (Flat triangle shape, bell-shaped calyx)

【Name】

Lablab Bean Flower

 【Source】

Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica (Bencao Tujing)

 【Common Usage Level】

F

 【Botanical Origin】

The flower of the legume plant *Dolichos lablab* L.

 【Characteristics】

The dried flowers are flat, irregular triangles. The lower part has a greenish-brown bell-shaped calyx with 5 calyx teeth covered with short white hairs on the outside. There are 5 petals, wrinkled, yellowish-white or yellowish-brown in color, with veined patterns. Unopened flowers are enveloped by the standard petal, which folds outward after opening. The wing petals are located on both sides, and the keel petal is sickle-shaped. There are 10 stamens, 9 of which are fused at the base. Inside is a yellowish-green, cylindrical pistil, curved, with visible fine white hairs at the tip. The texture is soft and light. It has a slightly fragrant odor and a bland taste.

 【Identification】

Those with large size, white color, and dryness are preferred.

 【Category】

Flowers