Abstract: Jin-yin-hua is a famous drug often used as an antibiotic in Chinese medicine. According to the ancient herbals, the botanical origin of this drug is probably referred to Lonicera japonica Tbunb. of the family Gaprifoliaceae. A recent investigation in the drug market, however, revealed that the drug under the general name"Jin-yin-hua" involves many different kinds of plants. Through the examination of 202 samples of commercial drug coming from 158 cities and districts belonging to 16 provinces and autonomous regions of this country, together with herbarium material, the author identified 14 species, 1 subspecies and 2 varieties, all belonging to the genus Lonicera Linn. The results are summarized in the following table.Among the species mentioned above, Lonicera japonica Thunb. keeps its leading position both in quantity and in ranges of geographical distribution. This conclusion is in accordance with the statements in the ancient herbals which take the above species to be the genuine one of the drugs. An analytical key for the drugs stated above is provided.Botanical descriptions of the plants are given together with 15 illustrations of the sample drugs.