Belamcanda chinensis L DC

[From Asian, belamcanda = Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. and from Latin, chinensis = from China]

Synonymy: Belamcanda punctata Moench., Ixia chinensis L., Pardan-thus chinensis Ker-Gawl., Pardanthus dichotomus sinensis sensu Hubotter.

Common names: Leopard lily, black berry lily, leopard flower; bunga kipas (Malay); re quat, xa can, louidong, co quat phu (Vietnamese); she kon, she kan (Chinese).

Fig. 415. Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC.

Physical description: It is an ornamental herb which grows wild in a geographical zone, spanning India, China and Japan. Leaves: succulent, rosette of dark green leaves of 20 cm x 1,5 cm with a tapering apex. The corolla consists of 6 orange tepals with red spots, and is whitish at the base. The andrecium comprises of 6 stamens. The gynecium consists of 3 carpels united into a 3-locular ovary. The fruits are taining several seeds (Fig. 415).

Uses: In China, the rhizome of Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. is used to combat fever, promote urination and menses, expel impurities, relieve the bowels of costiveness, treat tonsillitis, laryngitis, asthma, gonorrhea, alleviate cough, and to assuage stomachache, spleen and liver discomfort. In Malaysia, a decoction of 10 g of the rhizome is used to promote menses, to treat mumps and to soothe sore throat. A decoction of the roots and leaves is used in baths after childbirth. In Vietnam, a decoction of 10g-20g of the rhizomes is to alleviate cough, soothe sore throat, treat tonsillitis, laryngitis, pertusis, mastitis, combat fever, regulate menses and urination, and to counteract snake poisoning.

green and succulent capsules con-

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