This small wild fruit is often treated as a weed, yet it is a precious Chinese herbal medicine, selling for 80 yuan per jin once dried

This plant grows in such abundance in rural areas that we call it tongma, its scientific name being Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf), and it often grows in mountain gullies, by rivers, along roadsides and other places. If there is a patch of wasteland, it will grow in great numbers, and if it hinders the growth of crops, most of the time it is pulled up as a weed.

When we were children, us rural kids had no snacks to eat, and the seeds of this Abutilon theophrasti could serve as our little treats. Before its green fruit turned black, we would pick it and peel it open, revealing tender little white seeds inside that tasted a bit fragrant.

The stalk of Abutilon theophrasti has another use: it can yield "hemp" fiber. In the past, my grandfather would often gather some Abutilon theophrasti and soak the stalks in water, and after a few days he could peel the skin off the stalks and twist it into all kinds of hemp rope, such as basket straps and well ropes, and it could also be used to weave straw sandals and so on. In any case, it was especially sturdy.

What was once pulled up as a weed, Abutilon theophrasti, can actually have its whole plant used as medicine; it is a precious Chinese medicinal herb, and the whole plant can be sold for money. Especially its seemingly unremarkable "wild fruit," whose seeds are called qingmazi (Abutilon seeds), can now sell for about 80 yuan per jin once dried. It has the effects of clearing heat and draining dampness, and detoxifying, and can treat conditions such as otitis media and dysentery. It can truly be said to be a treasure from head to toe.

Abutilon theophrasti is an annual herbaceous plant. Starting each July it produces small yellow flowers, and the flowering period can last until October. Its flowers are pleasant to look at and beautiful. Then it flowers and fruits at the same time, and when the fruit ripens in November, the little white seeds inside turn black.

In my memory, Abutilon theophrasti was basically always wild, but in fact there is quite a lot of cultivated Abutilon theophrasti nowadays. Abutilon theophrasti is a short-day economic crop. It is relatively easy to grow, has low requirements for its growing environment, and has strong adaptability. Whether in waterlogged wetlands or dry land, it can grow well, and growing it is very promising.