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moutan peony
Scientific Name: Paeonia suffruticosa
Family: Paeoniaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Moutan or Chinese Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa)
The Moutan, also known as the Chinese tree peony, is a captivating plant admired for its large, showy blooms and historical significance.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that parts of the plant (root bark, flowers, and seeds) are used to make medicine. This implies the plant contains active compounds.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Paeonia suffruticosa
- Common Names: Moutan, Chinese tree peony
- Family: Paeoniaceae (the only genus in this family is Paeonia)
- Synonyms/Alternative Scientific Names: Paeonia moutan, Paeonia arborea
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to China, particularly Northwest China.
- Cultivated in various regions, including the UK (hardy to zone 7).
- The Moutan Botanic Centre in Lazio, Italy, houses the world's largest collection of Chinese tree peonies.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous shrub, growing up to 2 meters (6 ft) tall and 3 meters (9 ft) wide.
- Woody perennial shrub.
- Slow growth rate.
- Blooms in May.
- Known for its magnificent large pink to white blooms.
Traditional Uses
- In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the root bark (Mu Dan Pi) is used medicinally.
- It is considered to have properties that act on the heart and liver channels.
Quirky Facts
- In the Far East, especially China, the tree or "Moutan" peony is considered "king."
- The Moutan Botanic Centre houses 200,000 Chinese tree peonies representing 600 different varieties.
Further Information
- Royal Horticultural Society
- WebMD (patient medical information for PEONY)