Saururus (Houttuynia cordata)

26-Leaves_webCommon Names
Saururus, chameleon (En); houttuynie (Fr); dokudami (Jp); houttuynia (Sp); gip cá (Vn); 蕺菜, 魚腥草 (Cn)

Plant Distribution
East, Southeast, and South Asia

Edible Parts
Astringent aromatic shoots, leaves and rhizomes are used as fresh herbal garnish in salad, soup, fish stew, etc.

Health Values
Beta-carotene: medium; vitamin E: medium; folic acid: low; ascorbic acid: high; calcium: low; iron: high; protein: 2.4-3.2%. Leaves contain also antioxidative polyphenols, and volatile oils that are responsible for the plant’s characteristic flavor.

Read more: Saururus, in Discovering Indigenous Treasures: Promising Indigenous Vegetables from Around the World. 2009. AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center.