Bulbous Corydalis

About 300 species of annuals and perennials, commonly tuberous and often floppy in habit, make up this genus, widely distributed through northern temperate areas and in tropical montane regions. Although related to poppies, Corydalis species are quite different in appearance, with fern-like leaves and spurred, tubular flowers. Corydalis solida and C. cava have both been known in horticulture as C. bulbosa. Corydalis solida is very similar to C. cava, the main difference being that the former has hollow, rather than solid tubers, and a more westerly distribution. It is likely that both species are wild-collected for medicinal purposes. Corydalis solida has been used as a painkiller in traditional Chinese medicine since at least the eight century, when it was mentioned in the Omissions from the Materia Medica by Chen Cang-Zi. It contains alkaloids that have analgesic and sedative effects.

Variable tuberous perennial with gray-green, segmented, fern-like leaves, to 8cm (3in) long. Dull purple to mauve pink flowers with a long, nearly straight spur, appear in terminal racemes in spring, followed by fruits containing black seeds.

Common Name:	Bulbous Corydalis
Other Names:	Fumewort
Botanical Name:	Corydalis solida syn. C. halleri, C. transsylvanica hort.
Genus:	Corydalis
Family:	Papaveraceae
Native Location:	N Europe to W Asia
Cultivation:	Well-drained, rich, moist soil in partial shade. Position of plants should be clearly marked because they die down completely in summer. All parts of Corydalis are very brittle and must be handled carefully. The tender foliage is prone to attack by slugs and snails.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe; by division of tubers in autumn.
Harvest:	Tubers are collected during dormancy and dried for use in decoctions.
Height:	10-25cm (4-10in)
Width:	10-20cm (4-8in)
Hardiness:	Z5-8
Parts Used:	Tubers (yan hu suo)
Properties:	A painkilling herb that stimulates the circulation, controls spasms and nausea, and has sedative and anti-bacterial properties. Research also suggests action on the thyroid and adrenal cortex.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for painful menstruation, abdominal pain (especially in appendicitis and peptic ulcer), traumatic injury, insomnia, and tremors in neurological disease. Not given to pregnant women.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 181