Fallopia multiflora (syn.Polygonum multiflorum)

Fo-Ti Root, He Shou Wu Polygonaceae

A handsome, twining member of the Polygonaceae, Fallopia multiflora produces slender, scrambling stems clothed in heart-shaped, pointed leaves, with airy terminal and axillary panicles of small white flowers in summer. The flowers are followed by attractive, three-winged fruits. Given something to climb through, it makes a surprisingly elegant display—although its greatest claim to fame is considerably more exotic than its flowers.

Known in Chinese as He Shou Wu (何首乌), the enlarged tuberous roots have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, principally as a tonic associated with the liver and kidneys and, famously, with restoring dark hair and promoting vitality. The root is also traditionally used in preparations for constipation and various skin complaints. 

It is native principally to China, extending into Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Bhutan and parts of mainland Southeast Asia, and has become cultivated or naturalised in several of these regions. 

Height: 1.5–2.5m
Spread: 1–2m
Flowering: July–September
Hardiness: H5
Aspect: Sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist, fertile and well drained

• Nomenclature note: Although Fallopia multiflora is still widely used in horticulture and medicinal literature, *Kew’s current Plants of the World Online treats it as a synonym of Pleuropterus multiflorus (Thunb.) Turcz. ex Nakai. Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., the name most familiar from the Chinese medicinal literature, is likewise treated by Kew as a synonym. 

Ethnobotanical note: Heshouwu is traditionally prepared from the root, often after processing. It has a long medicinal history, but modern literature also records potential liver toxicity, so the traditional uses should not be interpreted as evidence of safety or clinical efficacy.