Tu Yin Chen

Tu Yin Chen is a regional name meaning 'local Yin Chen' and is applied to several species used as substitutes for Artemisia capillaris (the orthodox Yin Chen). The identification adopted here is Hypericum sampsonii, a perennial herb of the family Hypericaceae growing 30 to 80 centimetres tall, with erect, cylindrical, smooth stems. The opposite leaves are sessile and clasping, broadly ovate to oblong, often perfoliate so that pairs appear fused around the stem, and are dotted with translucent oil glands when held to the light. Flat-topped terminal cymes bear small five-petalled bright yellow flowers about 1 centimetre across, followed by ovoid reddish-brown capsules. The species inhabits grassy slopes, stream banks, and roadsides in central and southern China. Other regional Tu Yin Chen substitutes include Centipeda minima and various Asteraceae.