Contents
Description
Atractylodes Lancea, also known as Cangzhu, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to China and is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. The plant’s rhizomes are the most commonly used part, and they have a strong aroma and bitter taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Atractylodes |
Appearance
Atractylodes Lancea grows up to 1 meter in height and has a thick, fleshy rhizome. The leaves are alternate, long, and narrow, measuring up to 40 cm in length and 10 cm in width. They are dark green in color and have a smooth surface. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. They bloom in the late summer and early autumn.
Care Guide
Atractylodes Lancea prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs regular watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. The plant needs full sunlight to thrive, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Atractylodes Lancea is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Insects such as aphids and spider mites may infest the plant, but they can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Atractylodes Lancea is native to China and is commonly found in the provinces of Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. It grows in forests, grasslands, and on hillsides at an altitude of 500 to 2000 meters above sea level.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Atractylodes Lancea?
A: Atractylodes Lancea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various conditions such as digestive problems, arthritis, and fever.
Q: How can Atractylodes Lancea be propagated?
A: Atractylodes Lancea can be propagated using rhizome division in the spring or fall.
Q: Can Atractylodes Lancea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Atractylodes Lancea can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Is Atractylodes Lancea toxic to pets?
A: There is not enough information available on whether Atractylodes Lancea is toxic to pets. It is best to keep the plant out of reach of pets.
Related Plants
- Atractylodes Macrocephala
- Atractylodes Chinensis
- Atractylodes Rhizome
References
- Cui, L., Wu, S., & Wang, J. (2017). Genetic diversity and population structure of an important medicinal plant species (Atractylodes lancea) in China as revealed by SSR markers. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 70, 217-223.
- Kim, H. G., & Cho, Y. H. (2012). Effects of Atractylodes lancea rhizome extract on gastric ulcers in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 141(1), 615-620.
- Wang, X., Zhang, J., & Li, Y. (2015). The extraction of atractylenolide-III from Atractylodes lancea and its inhibitory effect on human lung cancer cells. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 8(1), 1086-1092.
