Details of Medicinal Plants

Chinese Catalpa

Catalpa ovata G. Don Bignoniaceae

This deciduous tree is found in China. It sometimes is seen growing wild on river banks, but is mostly cultivated in every region of Japan. The flowering period in Japan is June to July. The flower is light yellow with a dark violet spot. And it is also known by the alias "kaminarino-ki" (= meaning thunder's tree). This is because there is a Japanese superstition that if you plant this tree in your garden, it protects your house.

Part used: fruit
Medicinal use: diuretic
Main component: catalposide

The flower has a broad tubular corolla with 5 frilly lobes.

The name of the herbal medicine is "Catalpa Fruit". Its length is 15 to 20 cm.