Abstract: Huang-lian, a kind of drug derived from the rhizomes of Genus Coptis, is very commonly used in the Chinese medicine as an antipyretic, antidote, and antidysentery, yet its botanic origin still remains confusing in recent literature. In a taxonomic study based on 94 collections of specimens from 14 provinces and autonomous regions, the authors have identified the sources for five main types of Huang-lian, and undertaken a botanical revision of the Chinese Coptis as well.