Description
Vap Ca plant, Houttuynia cordata, is also known as Chameleon plant, Lizards Tail, Fish Mint, Houttuynia and Giap Ca (Vietnamese). An Asian herb with a fish-like aroma. The young shoots and leaves are used as a salad item or steamed vegetable in Asian cooking. Leaves used as flavouring in Vietnamese cuisine. The whole plant used in China as a remedy for respiratory problems and urinary tract problems. Revered in Japan as tonic tea. Vap Ca plant is native to eastern Asia and prefers moist, well drained soils in a protected, shady position. Small white and yellow flowers. Frost resistant but drought tender. A perennial ground cover growing to 0.4m x 1m.