Is Cubian toxic? A complete guide to the toxicity of Cubian

Cubian, also known as Yimoxiang, Chuliuxiang (Chu Liuxiang), and Hairy Isodon, is a subshrub-like perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Isodon of the Lamiaceae family. It enjoys the laudatory name “Cubian” because it emits a pleasant fragrance when touched, and because its fragrance is rich and sweet, much like that of an apple, it also enjoys the reputation of “apple fragrance”. Now let us take a look together at whether Cubian is toxic!

Is Cubian toxic?

Cubian is not toxic. The fragrance of Cubian comes from the green substances in the plant's cells; it is non-toxic and harmless, and it can be eaten. The leaves make a wonderfully fragrant tea and wine, and can also be used in cooking, soups, stir-fries, and cold dishes. Blended into juice with honey and eaten raw, it relieves sore throat; brewed as a tea, it relieves stomach bloating and colds; mashed and applied externally, it reduces inflammation and swelling and can care for the skin.

Why Cubian gives off fragrance

The reason Cubian gives off fragrance is similar to the principle behind the sensitive plant's “shyness”. When the leaves are stimulated by touch, the water inside the cells reacts, causing the turgor pressure of the leaf pulvinus to change. Under the effect of turgor pressure, the leaves of Cubian do not contract; instead, the stomata inside that are used for air exchange expand, and a volatile substance with an apple-like fragrance diffuses through the stomata into the air. In fact, Cubian also gives off a faint fragrance at ordinary times, but this fragrance is relatively light and not easily noticed. When its leaves are touched, the fragrance becomes stronger (it is also on your hands), and only then do people feel that it is fragrant as soon as it is touched.

How to grow Cubian

1. Soil: Cubian prefers loose, well-drained soil.

2. Sunlight: Cubian prefers sunlight. Only in an environment with sufficient sunlight will its fleshy leaves be thick; with insufficient light, the leaves will become flat and thin.

3. Temperature: Cubian tolerates shade and fears cold, so it needs to be cultivated in a greenhouse. It is not tolerant of waterlogging and prefers warmth. It is not cold-tolerant, and in winter it needs a temperature of 5-10 degrees C.

4. Watering: Cubian is not tolerant of moisture, but if it is too wet, the roots rot easily and the plant dies. The soil should be allowed to dry and then be watered. On cloudy days, watering and fertilizing should be reduced or stopped. After summer, be sure to water less; in winter, watering must be controlled even more. Generally, water only when the leaves look wilted, otherwise it tends to grow leggy.

5. Pruning: Because Cubian branches very easily and grows horizontally, the plant and row spacing should be wide when planting so that the branches and leaves can spread out. Moderate pruning can promote branching and make growth robust.

6. Fertilizing: It is not tolerant of fertilizer; once a month during the growing season is enough. Use mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and apply less nitrogen fertilizer.