The Latest Tetrapanax Planting Techniques and Methods Tutorial

Tetrapanax, also known as Koutuo, Linan, Huodui, Yishang, Tongtuomu, Congcao, Baitongcao, etc., is the stem pith of Tongtuomu (Tetrapanax papyrifer), a deciduous woody vine of the genus Akebia in the family Lardizabalaceae. It is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and when used as medicine it has the effects of clearing heat and promoting diuresis, and promoting qi flow and lactation. Its adaptability is very strong, and it can be cultivated in all provinces and regions south of the Yangtze River. Now let us take a look at the planting techniques for Tetrapanax!

Growth Habits of Tetrapanax

Tetrapanax prefers light and warmth, and grows well in moist, fertile soil. Its roots have strong horizontal growth capacity and can form a large number of root suckers. It is not very cold-tolerant, and the overwintering temperature should be above 5°C. It is suitable for cultivation in fertile sandy loam, and often grows in grass among forests on low-altitude hillsides. It grows well in slightly acidic, humus-rich yellow soil and can also adapt to neutral soil. Its stems and vines often creep along the ground. It is produced in Jiangsu, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and other places.

Propagation Techniques for Tetrapanax

1. Site selection and land preparation: The cultivation site for Tetrapanax should be selected in mixed wood forests with convenient irrigation and good drainage, valley areas and gentle slope zones in secondary forest mountainous areas, with a slope not exceeding 10-15 degrees, and fertile brown forest soil or sandy soil. Land preparation should be carried out before sowing.

2. Seed propagation: Tetrapanax is propagated by seeds. The suitable planting time is from April to October. On rainy days or in the afternoon of sunny days when the sun is slanting, open furrows at a row spacing of 20-25 cm for drilling. The plant spacing can be determined according to soil fertility, management intensity, and the difficulty of drainage and irrigation. After the seeds are sown in the furrows, cover with 2-3 cm of soil and press down.

Planting Management of Tetrapanax

1. Field management: After sowing Tetrapanax, keep the soil moist, and pay attention to drainage during the seedling growth period. After the seedlings emerge, promptly remove the covering grass, and weed and thin the seedlings. After the first true leaf is fully expanded, set the seedlings at a plant spacing of 6 cm. When the seedlings are more than 30 cm tall, set up frames to support the vines. When manually building frames, various tree branches can be used to form fence supports, or small trees or shrubs such as Vitex trifolia and Tephrosia purpurea can be used. Apply farmyard manure 2-3 times each year during the growing period.

2. Pest and disease control: Tetrapanax has fewer diseases during the growing period, mainly insect pests. The larvae of the Akebia swallowtail butterfly bite leaves and stems from July to September. During the occurrence period, spray with 500-800 times dilution of 90% trichlorfon. Aphids damage the leaves; spray with 2000 times dilution of 40% dimethoate emulsion.

3. Harvesting and seed retention: In autumn and winter, cut the base of Tetrapanax, remove the head, tail and young branches, scrape off the coarse outer bark of the woody stem, and dry in the sun. During drying, straighten the vine stems. When they are about 70-80% dry, sort and bundle them according to diameter thickness, and continue drying to complete the process. For seed retention, select seeds that are large, plump, and free from pests and diseases.