Scorzonera Sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Scorzonera, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to China and is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties and as a vegetable in East Asia. The plant has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various ailments such as respiratory disorders and liver diseases.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Scorzonera |
Appearance
Scorzonera Sinensis has a long, cylindrical root that is dark brown in color and covered with fine hairs. The plant can grow up to 60 centimeters in height and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are about 10-15 centimeters long. The flowers of the plant are yellow and daisy-like, and they bloom in the summer months.
Care Guide
Scorzonera Sinensis is a hardy plant that can grow well in a variety of conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months, and benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scorzonera Sinensis is generally a disease-resistant plant and is not susceptible to many pests. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. In addition, the plant may attract aphids and other insect pests, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or other organic pesticides.
Habitat
Scorzonera Sinensis is native to China but has been widely cultivated in other parts of East Asia, including Korea and Japan. The plant grows well in a variety of soil types and can be found in a range of habitats, including fields, meadows, and forest edges.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scorzonera Sinensis easy to grow?
A: Yes, Scorzonera Sinensis is a hardy plant that can grow well in a variety of conditions.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Scorzonera Sinensis?
A: Scorzonera Sinensis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating respiratory disorders and liver diseases.
Q: What is the best time to harvest Scorzonera Sinensis?
A: Scorzonera Sinensis is typically harvested in the fall, after the first frost, when the root is at its peak flavor.
Q: Can Scorzonera Sinensis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Scorzonera Sinensis can be grown in containers, provided that the container is large enough to accommodate the long, cylindrical root.
Related Plants
- Scorzonera hispanica
- Scorzonera undulata
- Scorzonera parviflora
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4222347/
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cpb/57/5/57_c19-00129/_article/-char/en
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1021949818300248
