Gold thread
Coptis teeta

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 20-50 cm tall. It keeps growing from year to year. The rhizome or underground stem is 5-6 cm long. This is orange to yellow inside. It is often covered with small roots. The leaf stalk is 8-19 cm long. The leaves are oval or triangle shaped and 6-12 cm long by 5-9 cm wide. There are a few hairs on the veins underneath. The fruit are follicles 7-9 mm across.

There are 10 Coptis species. The rhizome is used in medicine. It inhibits bacteria. It is an at risk plant.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. In grows in evergreen broad-leaved forests. It can grow in light shade. In southern China it grows between 1,500-2,300 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seeds mat benefit from cold treatment.

Its other names

Local names

Haladiocachnag, Hoanglien, Khandauk, Mamira, Mamiran, Mishmi, Shwe-wa-myit, Tita, Yun lian

Synonyms

Coptis teetoides C. Y. Cheng; Helleborus teeta Baill.;