What is the difference between Cibotium barometz and Cibotium barometz rhizome?

Scientific name: Cibotium barometz

Aliases: Cibotium barometz rhizome, yellow dog head, monkey hair head

Family and genus: Belongs to the family Dicksoniaceae, genus Cibotium

Plant type: Large perennial herbaceous terrestrial fern

Morphological characteristics:

The plant can reach up to 3 m in height. The rhizome is thick and fleshy, growing upright or lying horizontally on the soil surface, and it and the base of the leaf stalks are densely covered with long golden-yellow hairs, shaped like a dog's head, hence the name. At the top, leaves grow in clusters; the leaf stalks are thick and long; the leaf blade is broadly ovate-triangular, with length and width almost equal, tripinnatifid, and the ultimate segments are falcate-lanceolate, with pointed tips and shallow serrations along the edges. The leaves are nearly leathery, green and glossy on the upper side, and grayish-white on the underside. The indusium is two-valved, shaped like a clam shell.

Origin:

Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it is distributed in East China, South China and Southwest China.

It mostly grows in acidic soil at the foot of mountains, beside shady and damp ravines, and in shaded forest areas. In the wild natural environment, a single Cibotium barometz plant bears several large leaves up to 3 m tall, each more than 2 m in both length and width.

Growth habits:

It prefers a warm, humid and shaded environment. It is afraid of severe cold. It avoids direct light. Air humidity should be kept at 70%-80%. The optimum growth temperature is 16-22°C. It has no strict requirements for soil, but grows well in fertile, well-drained acidic soil.

Propagation method:

Propagated by division, preferably in early spring. Cut the rhizome horizontally into 2-3 segments, each with a certain number of adventitious roots and leaves, coat the cut surfaces with plant ash, and plant them separately in sterilized humus soil. Pay attention to shading, heat preservation and humidity increase; in 10-20 days they will sprout and produce leaves.

Cultivation and management:

When planting divided seedlings in pots, do not plant them too deep; the hairy rhizome should be exposed above the soil surface. Acidic red soil is best for the potting medium, or a mix of 2 parts leaf mold and 1 part coarse sand can be used. During the growing season, moderate light and water must be managed well. Except in early spring and winter, direct sunlight should be avoided at other times, and bright indirect light is most suitable.

In hot summers, shading is necessary. Water supply should be kept at a level that maintains soil moisture without waterlogging. When it is hot and dry, the leaves tend to wither; spraying water on the leaves can increase humidity and lower temperature. Especially during the period of vigorous growth, water once or twice a day. Apply organic liquid fertilizer 1-2 times a month. After winter begins, reduce watering and just keep the soil slightly moist. On clear, dry days, water should also be sprayed on the plant and around it at noon. If the room temperature can be kept below 10°C, it can overwinter safely.

Uses:

The golden-yellow hairs on the Cibotium barometz plant are a good hemostatic medicine. Its traditional Chinese medicine name is gouji. When applied to a bleeding wound, the hairs can stop the bleeding immediately. The rhizome also has effects such as tonifying the liver and kidneys and promoting diuresis.

At present, it is often over-collected in its distribution areas, and attention should be paid to protecting it.