Qi Ye Yi Zhi Hua

Qi Ye Yi Zhi Hua, also written Chong Lou, is the rhizome of Paris polyphylla Sm. and related Paris species (Melanthiaceae, formerly Trilliaceae), an erect perennial herb 30-100 cm tall growing in shaded forest understories of southern and southwestern China. A single unbranched stem rises from a stout, knobbly, ringed creeping rhizome and bears at its summit a single whorl of typically 7-10 (occasionally 5-12) sessile, oblanceolate to elliptic leaves, 7-15 cm long with acuminate tips. From the center of the whorl emerges a solitary terminal flower with four to six narrow green outer tepals and equally many threadlike yellow inner tepals, surrounding a deep purple ovary that ripens into a fleshy red-seeded capsule. The rhizome contains steroidal saponins (polyphyllins, paridins) and is classically used to clear heat-toxin in snakebite, abscesses, and tumors. The plant is moderately toxic; species are listed in CITES Appendix II in some jurisdictions due to overharvest.