Where are the main production areas of Cistanche deserticola distributed

Cistanche deserticola is produced in Inner Mongolia (Alxa Banner), Ningxia, Gansu (Changma) and Hotan, Xinjiang. The type specimen was collected from Alxa Banner, Bayannur League, Inner Mongolia.

Propagation method

Seed propagation: dig a seedbed on the east or southeast side of wild Haloxylon ammodendron, 50-80 cm from the host. The seedbeds vary in size, 1-2 m long, about 1 m wide and 50-80 cm deep; or where hosts are dense, dig a large seedbed trench surrounding many host plants, sow the seeds in the seedbed, apply camel manure, cattle and sheep manure, etc., and cover with 30-40 cm of soil. Leave a trench or seedbed pit on top for watering. Planted Haloxylon ammodendron forests grow neatly and in rows, so trenches can be opened on both sides of the plants to make seedbeds. After sowing, keep the seedbed moist to induce host roots to extend into the seedbed. Sow in spring or autumn; in the second year some seedbeds have Cistanche deserticola parasitizing them, and a few emerge and grow, while most emerge, flower and fruit within 2-4 years after sowing.