What are the harvesting methods for Eucommia bark and leaves?
How are Eucommia bark and leaves harvested? Please describe the methods. Eucommia bark and leaves can be harvested by referring to the following methods: 1. Bark harvesting. For Eucommia trees planted for 10-15 years, the bark can be harvested for medicinal use. There are 2 methods of peeling bark. (1) The felling and peeling method, also called the complete peeling method. Every year in April-May, when the tree sap begins to flow...
How are Eucommia bark and leaves harvested? Please describe the methods.
Eucommia bark and leaves can be harvested by referring to the following methods:
1. Bark harvesting
For Eucommia trees planted for 10-15 years, the bark can be harvested for medicinal use. There are 2 methods of peeling bark.
(1) The felling and peeling method, also called the complete peeling method. Harvest in April-May each year when the tree sap begins to flow, as the bark is easy to peel at this time. When peeling, first make 1 circular cut along the trunk about 20 cm from the base of the trunk, then make 1 circular cut every 80 cm above it, and make 1 straight longitudinal cut between the two circular cuts. After cutting, peel off the bark. After the base is peeled, cut down the tree and continue peeling the bark from the trunk and branches. Pieces that are not long enough can be used as broken bark. After harvesting, the stump can still sprout and regenerate. Because the root system is relatively large and has a strong absorption capacity, the sprouts grow quickly. Select and keep 1 sprout, and after 7-8 years it can be felled and peeled again.
(2) Ring peeling and bark regeneration technology means not felling the Eucommia tree, but only peeling off part of the bark on the tree and letting it continue to grow new bark. This peeling method is to first make 1 circular cut below the branch point of the Eucommia trunk and 1 circular cut at the base of the trunk 20 cm above the ground, then make 1 longitudinal cut between the two circular cuts, and peel the bark from the longitudinal cut toward both sides along the circular cuts. When making the longitudinal cut, the knife must be inserted accurately, and the depth should be such that it does not damage the xylem. After peeling, do not remove the bark for the time being; wait until new bark grows before taking the bark for processing.
2. Harvesting of medicinal leaves
The suitable period for collecting leaves is around Frost's Descent, before the leaves turn yellow. If the leaves are collected too late, the leaves turn yellow and are not suitable for medicinal use; if too early, it affects growth. The leaf collection method is to pick them from the branches while trying not to damage the Eucommia lateral branches and overwintering dormant buds. The harvested Eucommia leaves should be spread out promptly and laid on bamboo mats or clean ground, then dried in the shade in a ventilated place to maintain their green color (they must not turn yellow). If conditions permit, they can be dried in a drying room. When they reach an air-dry state with a moisture content of no more than 10%, they can be bagged and stored in a ventilated place for later use.
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