Vermilion root (scientific name: Ardisia crenata Sims) is a plant of the genus Viburnum in the family Viburnaceae. Shrubs, up to 2 meters high, stout stems, leathery or firm papery leaf blades, elliptic, elliptic-lanceolate to oblanceolate, acute or acuminate at the tip, cuneate at the base, margins with wrinkled or wavy teeth, glabrous on both surfaces, petioles ca. 1 cm. Umbels or cymes, bearing flowering branches apically; pedicels glabrous; calyx only basally coherent, sepals oblong-ovate, apically rounded or obtuse, glabrous on both surfaces, petals white, revolute when in full bloom, outside glabrous, anthers triangular-lanceolate, ovary ovoid, fruit globose, bright red, blooming in May-June, fruiting in October-December (sometimes February-April). [1]

It occurs in China, India, Myanmar, the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and Japan; in China it occurs from southeastern Tibet to Taiwan, and from Hubei to Hainan Island. It grows in shaded moist undergrowth in sparse and dense forests at elevations of 90-2400 meters. [1]

The root of Cinnabar is one of the commonly used folk herbs, the roots and leaves can dispel wind and dampness, dissipate blood stasis and relieve pain, and activate the meridians and collaterals, and is used for bruises and rheumatism, dyspepsia, pharyngolaryngitis, and menstrual disorders. Fruit edible, can also be extracted oil, oil rate of 20-25%, oil can be used to make soap. It is also an ornamental plant, and there are many varieties in horticulture.