Gynura bicolor

Gynura bicolor

　　If the frangipani and sword flower of Zhaoqing are famous for their superior quality compared to similar plants, then Zhaoqing’s Gynura bicolor stands out for its rarity. Growing on the cliffs of Dinghu Mountain, when dried and brewed as tea, it yields a light reddish color with a slightly sour, fragrant, and delicious taste. It has the effects of cooling the body, aiding digestion, strengthening the spleen, and relieving hangovers. In the 1960s, Guo Moruo visited Zhaoqing and toured Dinghu Mountain. After drinking Gynura bicolor tea, he wrote the poem: “When guests arrive, no need for tea or wine; a cup full of Gynura bicolor will do.”     These two famous lines by Elder Guo further enhanced the fame of Gynura bicolor. Tourists visiting Zhaoqing often buy boxes of frangipani, sword flower, and Gynura bicolor during their trips, in keeping with the saying: “Come for the joy, leave with a full load!” (Zhaoqing)

　　The specialty of Zhaoqing’s Dinghu Mountain — Gynura bicolor, also known as red leaf or blood disperser, has long been renowned both in China and abroad as an excellent summer coolant. Gynura bicolor belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is a small herbaceous plant that thrives in moist environments, often climbing on shady, damp cliff faces. This plant has no above-ground stem; it features a single basal leaf with irregular serrated edges, a hairy surface in deep green, and a purple underside — hence the name Gynura bicolor.

　　Gynura bicolor from Dinghu Mountain is produced in the Yunxi–Lao Ding scenic area, mostly growing on the cliffs around Lao Long Pool, and is very scarce. It can clear heat, detoxify, moisten dryness, and soothe coughs. When brewed with hot water, Gynura bicolor turns a purplish-red color with a mildly sour and fragrant taste. Adding a little white sugar enhances its flavor. It helps cool the body, aids digestion, benefits the stomach, and relieves hangovers.