Contents
Description
Cistanche Tubulosa, commonly known as Rou Cong Rong, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is a perennial herb that grows in the deserts and semi-deserts of China, Mongolia, and other parts of Asia. The plant has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its numerous health benefits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Cistanche |
Appearance
Cistanche Tubulosa has a woody stem that can grow up to 60 cm in height. The stems are yellowish-brown in color and are covered with small scales. The plant has no leaves, but it produces small, yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers are tubular in shape and have five petals. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Cistanche Tubulosa is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought. However, it still requires proper care to thrive. Here are some care tips for this plant:- Water: The plant requires moderate watering during its growth period. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or loamy. It can tolerate alkaline soil.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to grow properly.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cistanche Tubulosa is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if it is overwatered or grown in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
Cistanche Tubulosa is native to the deserts and semi-deserts of China, Mongolia, and other parts of Asia. The plant can be found in sandy and rocky areas, and it prefers dry and arid climates.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the health benefits of Cistanche Tubulosa?
A: Cistanche Tubulosa has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
Q: Is Cistanche Tubulosa safe to consume?
A: Cistanche Tubulosa is generally safe to consume, but it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using it as a supplement.
Q: Can Cistanche Tubulosa be grown indoors?
A: Cistanche Tubulosa is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun to grow properly. It is not recommended to grow it indoors.
Q: How long does Cistanche Tubulosa take to grow?
A: Cistanche Tubulosa can take up to three years to reach maturity.
Related Plants
– Cistanche Deserticola- Cistanche Salsa- Cistanche Phelypaea- Orobanche Cernua- Orobanche Minor
References
– Chen, Y., et al. (2017). Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical use of Cistanche Tubulosa: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 197, 155-173.- Li, Y., et al. (2018). Transcriptomic profiling of Cistanche Tubulosa from different growth stages and tissue types reveals key insights into genes related to biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1334.- Zheng, J., et al. (2019). Anti-inflammatory effects of Cistanche Tubulosa extract in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 244, 112173.
