Identification and classification of medicinal plants in Epimedium

Epimedium (Berberidaceae) has been used as Chinese medicines for a long time in China due to the efficiency of enhancing kidney function, strengthening sinew and bone, and dispelling wind-dampness. However, it is difficult to identify them because of the morphological similarity which has focused extensive attention. In this review, the advances in identification and classification of medicinal plants in the genus were summarized.