Family

Paeoniaceae

Genus

Paeonia

Common Name

Chinese peony

Plant Figure

Description

Paeonia suffruticosa is used as an ornamental plant, as well as to produce oil and medicines, and has a long history of being used in Chinese medicine. There are more than 1000 Chinese tree peony cultivars with various flower colors and flower forms that have been selected artificially for medicinal uses for more than 2000 years. The root bark, often referred to as Mu Dan Pi or Cortex Moutan, is the main part that is used in Chinese medicine. Mu Dan Pi main functions include reducing heat, cooling the blood, improving liver function, and mildly invigorating the blood. Mu Dan Pi of the best quality should be very fragrant, thick, white, and starchy. The flower is now mostly cultivated for medicinal uses.