Species: Gnetum parvifolium
English Name: Small-leaved Joint-fir
Chinese Name: 小葉買麻藤
Family: Gnetaceae
Description:
Evergreen gymnosperm. Woody vine, nodes swollen. Leaves opposite, long-ovate. Blooming in summer. Monoecious, wrapped by red arils, resembling a cluster of red grapes.
Preparation: Stem is used. It can be collected all year round; used fresh or sun-dried.
Properties: Bitter in taste, slightly warm in nature.
Actions and indications: Expels wind, activates blood circulation, relieves swelling, alleviates pain, resolves sputum, relieves cough. Indicated for rheumatic arthralgia, lumbar muscle strain,m acute respiratory infection, pancreatitis, ulcerous bleeding, ect.
© 2003 Chan Shek Kiu
Photos used under a Creative Commons license
References:
– Department of Gardens and Green Areas, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau of Macao Special Administrative Region, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science 2005. Flora of Macao (Volume 1). Macao, SAR: Author