Laoshan Black Stone Flower

Laoshan Black Stone Flower

　　【Black Stone Flower】 The Laoshan Black Stone Flower is widely distributed, commonly found on high mountain cliffs at altitudes of 800–1000 meters around the Giant Peak. The *Supplement to the Materia Medica*, compiled by Tao Hongjing during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, records: “The Black Stone Flower has a sweet taste, is non-toxic, and is used to treat impotence, diabetes, fever, and irregular menstruation. It grows in the shady rocky areas on the northern side of Mount Laoshan (Fuqi), and can be collected at any time.” The plant body of the Black Stone Flower is leaf-like, black on the back and dark brown on the ventral side. Its leaves are herbaceous and brittle, with a navel-like protrusion in the center of the ventral side, which allows it to grow attached to rocks. The Laoshan Black Stone Flower is unique—not only does its color differ from those produced in other regions, but its medicinal properties also vary, offering benefits such as nourishing yin and stopping bleeding. Locals suffering from skin wounds and bleeding simply pick it, crush it into powder, and apply it directly to stop bleeding immediately.