What is Xihuangcao? What propagation methods does Xihuangcao have?

Xihuangcao is a folk herbal medicine, commonly known as Tuhuanglian, and also called Xigoucao, Xiongdancao, Xuefengcao, and so on. It has the effects of clearing heat and removing dampness, cooling blood and dispersing stasis. So, what is Xihuangcao? What propagation methods does Xihuangcao have? Let's find out together!

I. What is Xihuangcao?

Xihuangcao is a folk herbal medicine, mainly produced in southern regions, such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi and other places. It can treat acute icteric hepatitis, acute cholecystitis, dysentery, enteritis and other conditions, and has been developed into various traditional Chinese medicine preparations with broad market prospects.

II. Propagation methods of Xihuangcao

1. Seed propagation

Seed propagation is common sowing. In autumn, pick the mature fruits, remove the flesh, and take out the seeds for later use. The sowing time is generally in spring when there is sufficient rain and the temperature rises, preferably around Qingming. Broadcast sowing or drill sowing can be used. For broadcast sowing, mix the seeds and fine sand at a ratio of 1:5, stir evenly, spread them evenly on the plot, then cover with a layer of fine soil, and then cover the soil with grass to keep warm and moist. For drill sowing, open furrows on the ground, spread the seeds evenly into the furrows, then cover with soil and water. The water should be applied thoroughly and evenly. When seedlings emerge, combine intertillage and weeding with 1-2 applications of dilute fertilizer water to promote seedling growth. When the seedlings grow 8-10 true leaves, they can be transplanted and established.

2. Cutting propagation

Generally, tender branches are selected for cuttings. The cuttings can be taken from robust plants in a seed plot or field, cut into 10-15 cm lengths, with 3-4 nodes retained. When cutting, remove the basal leaves, keep 1-2 pairs of leaves at the top, and cut the lower end diagonally into a wedge shape. Soak the prepared cuttings in rooting powder for 5-10 minutes to improve the survival rate. Insert the cuttings obliquely into the seedbed, with one third or one quarter of the upper end exposed, then cover with soil and press firmly. After cutting, water thoroughly, then build a shade net, and keep the soil moist. Roots will develop in about one week, and transplanting can be done in half a month.

3. Division propagation

Division propagation refers to densely planting the creeping rhizomes harvested in the same year as a seed plot, taking good cold protection and moisture retention measures so they overwinter safely. After the following spring, many new tillering seedlings will grow from these creeping rhizomes. After separating these new seedlings from the mother plant, they can be replanted.

The above is what the Tuliu.com editor has compiled for you on what Xihuangcao is and what propagation methods Xihuangcao has. We hope it can help all growers!