Botanical Identification of Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa)

To identify Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa) accurately, examine its morphological characteristics, taxonomic classification, and diagnostic features.

Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa) Monograph

Scientific Classification

Rehmannia glutinosa belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Its classification includes the family Orobanche, genus Rehmannia, and species Rehmannia glutinosa. The division, class, and order are not provided in the data. This plant is a parasitic species commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.

The following table shows the full taxonomy of this medicinal plant.

Botanical Nomenclature and Synonyms

Rehmannia glutinosa is the scientific name for Chinese Foxglove. It was first described by the Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg in 1784. The plant is also known by several synonyms, including Rehmannia glutinosa Sieb. & Zucc. and Rehmannia glutinosa Gaertn. Common names include Chinese Foxglove, and it is known by regional names such as Dìjīng in Chinese. Historically, it has been referred to by various names in traditional herbal texts.

Morphological Characteristics

Rehmannia glutinosa is a herbaceous perennial with a fleshy, thick root system. It has upright, branched stems that are smooth and slightly hairy. The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, with a short petiole and a rough texture. The inflorescence is a raceme of spurred flowers, typically pink to purple. Each flower has five petals, with two spurred lobes. The fruit is a capsule that releases small, black seeds.

Diagnostic Identification Features

Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa) can be distinguished by its distinctive yellow flowers with purple veins, oval-shaped leaves with a rough texture, and a thick, fleshy root. It differs from similar species like Digitalis by its lack of tall spikes and the presence of a unique, sticky root system. Its leaves are broader and less lobed compared to other foxglove relatives.

Natural Habitat and Geographic Distribution

Rehmannia glutinosa is native to East Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan. It thrives in temperate climates with moderate rainfall. It prefers well-drained, loamy soils and is commonly found at altitudes between 500 and 1,500 meters.

Phenology and Growth Cycle

Chinese Foxglove blooms from June to August, producing bright orange-red flowers. Seed formation occurs from September to October. For identification purposes, the plant is typically harvested in late autumn when the roots are most developed and contain the highest concentration of active compounds.

Phylogenetic Relationships

Rehmannia glutinosa belongs to the family Orobanchaceae and is closely related to species like Rehmannia glutinosa var. lobata. It shares genus traits such as tuberous roots and yellow flowers, and exhibits family characteristics like hemiparasitic growth and specialized floral structures. Its phylogenetic placement reflects evolutionary adaptations within the Orobanchaceae family.