Stephania tetrandra

Description

Stephania tetrandra is a herbaceous perennial vine of the Menispermaceae family native to China and Taiwan. It grows from a short, woody caudex, climbing to a height of around three meters. The leaves are arranged spirally on the stem, and are peltate, i.e. with the leaf petiole attached near the centre of the leaf. Its root is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).