Planting Techniques and Management Points for Typhonium giganteum

Typhonium giganteumis a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb of the Araceae family, commonly known as dingdudou, also called baifuzi or yubaifu. Because Typhonium giganteum has high medical value and health benefits, its development prospects are extremely broad.

1. Cultivation　　

Typhonium giganteum prefers a cool and fairly shady, moist environment. Soil should preferably be well-drained sandy loam; general black soil, sandy loam, flat land, slopes and mountainous land can all support its growth. The soil should not be too clayey or too alkaline.

Planting is generally done in late April. On the prepared land, make beds 1.3 m wide, then open horizontal furrows on the beds with a furrow spacing of 22-26 cm and a furrow depth of 7-10 cm, planting one tuber every 7-10 cm with the bud tip facing upward. Apply 2000-3000 kg of barnyard manure or compost per mu; after applying the manure, cover with soil level with the bed surface, with a covering depth of 4-5 cm, and press down lightly. Use 20-25 kg of small tubers per mu.

Seedlings generally emerge in June, and the growing period is short. In mid-June, cultivate, weed and fertilize; in early August, cultivate, weed and apply topdressing once more.

Harvest in late September, sorting by size. Clean the large ones of soil and fibrous roots, dry them in the sun for medicinal use, and keep the small tubers as seed stock. Store the small tubers in a kiln, layered with dry fine sand and mud, to overwinter, keeping the kiln temperature at 2-5°C.

2. Applications 　　

Typhonium giganteum has broad medicinal value and development prospects. Its tubers are used medicinally to dispel cold-dampness, expel wind and resolve phlegm, and relieve spasms, treating facial paralysis and tetanus; it also treats traumatic injuries, venomous snake bites and lymphatic tuberculosis. Modern medical research shows that, in addition to the above medicinal uses, Typhonium giganteum has special efficacy against various carbuncles, toxins and boils, and in folk medicine it is combined with other drugs to treat liver cirrhosis, diabetes and lung cancer with unique efficacy. Medicinal liquor brewed from Typhonium giganteum is clear, mellow and distinctive, and has a unique therapeutic effect on patients with bronchitis.