Broken ear root is also called Houttuynia cordata, dog sticking ear, broken ear root and pig nose arch. It is a foul-smelling herb with heart-shaped leaves, and the lower part of stipules and petiole combine to form a sheath. Spikes and leaves alternate at the top of branches, flowers are small, bisexual, involucral bracts are white, the lower part of filaments is combined with ovary, and the ovary is superior. The capsule is ovoid, and the flowering and fruiting period can be ~ 10 month. Young roots are edible, and people in southwest China often use them as vegetables or condiments.

In Guizhou, broken ear roots are essential for Guizhou people all year round, even three meals a day. Stir-fry, cold salad, seasoning, beverage. People in Guizhou use houttuynia cordata to make various ways to eat it. People who like broken ears drool when they see it, but it is difficult to enter if they don't like it.