Detailed Explanation of the Morphological Characteristics and Suitable Growing Environment of Angelica sinensis
[Morphological Characteristics]
Perennial herb. Plant height 1-1.5 m. Fleshy taproot system, main root distinct, cylindrical, outer skin yellowish-white, cross-section white, with a chrysanthemum pattern. Stem erect, purple at the base, with obvious longitudinal and transverse striations, divided into vegetative stems and flowering stems. Leaves are divided into basal leaves and stem leaves; basal leaves alternate, with the base enlarged into a sheath clasping the stem, purple-brown. The basal leaves and lower stem leaves are 2-3 times odd-pinnately compound, with toothed notches and coarse serrations along the edges. Compound umbel, terminal, each small umbel has 12-36 florets, white, schizocarp, oblong, flat, the mericarp has 5 ribs, the lateral ribs have broad wings, yellow when mature. Flowering period June-July, fruiting period August-September.
[Suitable Growing Environment]
It has relatively strict requirements for temperature and moisture. It prefers a cool and humid environment and is afraid of high temperatures and intense heat; it grows suitably in high-cold mountainous areas at an altitude of 1500-3000 m. It is afraid of both drought and waterlogging. A soil moisture content of about 25% is most suitable for the growth of Angelica sinensis, but soil moisture should not exceed 40%, otherwise it is prone to root rot. During the seedling stage it prefers shade and avoids direct sunlight, so it should be covered with grass, with a coverage rate of 80%-90% being appropriate; thereafter light transmittance should be increased year by year, which is beneficial to root development. For the soil, slightly acidic to neutral, deep, fertile, loose, well-drained sandy loam or humus loam is best. Continuous cropping is avoided; the previous crop is preferably corn, tartary buckwheat, or hemp, with a rotation period of 2-3 years. It is mainly produced in Minxian County, Wudu County, Zhangxian County, and other places in Gansu.