Chameleon-plant (Houttuynia cordata, Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 4:149, t. 5. 1783)

Family: Saururaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 4:149, t. 5. 1783

Year: 1783

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Houttuynia

Vegetable: True

Observations: Himalaya to Temp. E. Asia and Indo-China

Description

The Chameleon-plant, known scientifically as Houttuynia cordata, is an intriguing and visually captivating species belonging to the family Saururaceae. First annotated in scientific literature by Thunb. in the Kongliga Vetenskaps Academiens Nya Handlingar in 1783, this plant has garnered significant interest for its unique properties and versatile uses.

Native to a vast geographical range, the Chameleon-plant thrives in diverse climates from the Himalayas to temperate regions of East Asia and extending into Indo-China. Its adaptability to various environmental conditions makes it a resilient and widespread species within its native habitats.

The Chameleon-plant earns its common name from its striking and variable foliage, which showcases a rich tapestry of colors. The leaves often display a mix of greens, yellows, reds, and purples, creating a chameleon-like effect that can change hues depending on light exposure, soil quality, and other environmental factors. This kaleidoscopic appearance not only adds to its ornamental value but also makes it a popular choice for both garden landscapes and indoor horticulture.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Houttuynia cordata is also valued for its medicinal properties and culinary uses, particularly within traditional Asian practices. In many cultures, the leaves and stems are harvested for use in salads or as a flavoring herb, and they are also believed to hold various health benefits. The plant contains a range of bioactive compounds that have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects.

Caring for the Chameleon-plant involves ensuring it is situated in a partially shaded area with moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate full sun but may require additional water to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Given its robust nature, it can spread rapidly under ideal conditions, making it a good ground cover but also necessitating regular maintenance to manage its growth.

Overall, the Chameleon-plant, or Houttuynia cordata, is a remarkable species that combines visual charm with practical applications, making it a cherished plant in both ecological and cultural contexts across its native range.

Common Names

Eng: chameleon, chameleon-plant, chameleon-flower, chinese lizard tail, houttuynia
Deu: houttuynie
Nld: moerasanemoon
Fra: poivre de chine
Swe: ödleblad
En: Chameleon-plant, Houttuynia, Chameleon, Chameleon-flower, Chinese lizard tail, Dokudami, Fishwort, Vap Ca, Heartleaf
Bn: হ্ররদপত্র
Zh: Ji cai, 臭腥草, 蕺菜, 魚腥草, 鱼腥草
Cs: Touleň srdčitá
Nl: Moerasanemoon
Fi: Viherkameleonttilehti
Fr: Plante caméléon, Poivre de Chine
De: Houttuynie, Chinesischer Eidechsenschwanz, Buntblatt, Chamäleonpflanze
Ko: Yagmomil, 약모밀
Fa: دم مارمولک
Pl: Pstrolistka sercowata
Pt: Dokudami
Sk: Hutínia srdcovitá
Sv: Ödleblad
Zh-tw: 蕺菜
Th: คาวทอง
Zh-hant: 魚腥草
Vi: Giấp cá

Synonyms

• Houttuynia cordata var. plena (Makino)
• Houttuynia cordata var. variegata (Makino)
• Houttuynia emeiensis (Z.Y.Zhu & S.L.Zhang)
• Houttuynia cordata f. viridis (J.Ohara)
• Polypara cochinchinensis (Lour.)
• Houttuynia foetida (G.Don)
• Houttuynia cordata f. polypetaloidea (T.Yamaz.)
• Polypara cordata ((Thunb.) H.Buek)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Ogasawara-shoto (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Michael Olive (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2020 by B Dave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Pál Tamásné Krisztina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2019 by Claudelle Claudelle Gosselin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2021 by Nadine Jüttner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2019 by Piet van der Weide (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2020 by Linda Hardie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Ulli Deucmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2020 by Duy Huynh (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Miguel A. García (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2020 by idyliik (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by acas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2020 by Ko Ko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2019 by Waldemar Zeja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by anne picard (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 15, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Anna Pickering (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by Jigme Jigme Tenzin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2020 by flowers±garden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Liz Pucket (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by plantafou11 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2020 by Barbara Vincke (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384931)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:927252-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Houttuynia cordata Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth