Houttuynia cordata is a flowering plant native to Japan, Korea, southern China and Southeast Asia, where it grows in moist, shady places. Plants can become invasive in gardens and difficult to eradicate. Grown as a leaf vegetable, particularly in Vietnam, where it is called "giap ca". The leaf has an unusual taste that is often described as fishy. Houttuynia cordata is also used in used in folk medicine for diuresis and detoxification and herbal medicinefor its antiviral, antibacterial and antileukemic activities.