Pinellia ternata (Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Ten. ex Breitenb.)perennial herbaceous plant. ToolsTuber, Leaves base out, with long handle,petioleOften bulbils at base.fleshy spike inflorescencewith slender appendages; flowersmonoeciousNo tepas; female flowers partially adjacent to spathe. The berries are small and red when ripe. There are two ways of reproduction in Pinellia ternata, sexual reproduction is done through flowers, and vegetative reproduction is done through bulbous buds and tubers. Because of the midsummer can pick its tubers, hence the name "Pinellia". 

Pinellia ternata is a widespread species, which is distributed in all provinces and regions except Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Qinghai and Tibet. Artificial cultivation began in Shandong and Jiangsu in China in the 1970 s, and is also distributed in Japan, North Korea and other countries. Pinellia ternata is a shallow-rooted plant, wild is more common in hillsides, streams, wet grass or forest; in summer, it should grow in half yin and half yang, afraid of strong light. Pinellia ternata has a poor ability to survive alone, has obvious weeds, and is often associated with other shade-loving plants. 

The tuber of Pinellia ternata is poisonous, can dry dampness and dissipate phlegm, reduce reverse and relieve vomiting, and eliminate boils and swelling. It is mainly used to treat cough with excessive phlegm, nausea and vomiting. External use is used to treat acute mastitis and acute chronic thick otitis media. Veterinarians use it to treat lock throat. 

Pinellia ternata has been recorded in Chinese materia medica books of all dynasties. It was first seen in the Book of Rites Yuelling. It is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. It was first seen in the medical prescription "Fifty-two Disease Prescriptions" with a history of 2100 years ago. The prescription is called Ye Pinellia ternata. It has the effects of drying dampness and resolving phlegm, reducing inverse and relieving vomiting, and eliminating rug. However, the whole plant of Pinellia ternata is toxic to people, especially the tuber is more toxic, mild poisoning tongue numbness, severe poisoning may be fatal.