Native to China, honeysuckle is widely known as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory traditional Chinese medical herb. It helps to clear internal heat and relieves toxicity. Its flowers, seed and leaves are all used for medical purpose. 

When the honeysuckle blooms, the flowers are white, but after one or two days, they turns yellow, so honeysuckle is called jīn yín huā in Chinese, literally "gold silver flower". 

Honeysuckle likes sunshine, but it also adapts to shadows, cold and drought. It doesn't require any specific kind of soil though, it grows better in wet, fertile and sandy soil.  

Honeysuckle can be found in many parts of China. 

Among them, Pingyi County in east China's Shandong Province is its main producing area, with the largest planting area. The county is thus known as the "hometown of honeysuckle". 

The best harvesting for honeysuckle is the morning, when you can get a sweet white flower bud. 
Dry honeysuckle can be used directly as an herbal tea with hot water. Its tastes fresh and brings a slight sweet mouth feel.  

From the wetlands along the coast to the dense rainforests hidden in the southwest of China, all boast an array of plant species. In this series, CGTN will go on a tour to learn about some of the most iconic flora in different provinces and see how they live in harmony with the local climate and topography. 

(All photos via VCG, cover designed by CGTN's Qu Bo)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)