Wangcang Gastrodia elata

Wangcang Gastrodia elata

　　Gastrodia elata, also known as Chi Jian, Ding Feng Cao, or Ming Tian Ma, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Gastrodia genus in the Orchidaceae family. Its underground tuber is used medicinally. It has effects such as dispelling wind, calming convulsions, soothing the liver, and calming wind. Over two thousand years ago, it was listed as a top-grade herb in the "Shennong Bencao Jing" (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica).

Wangcang County, with its mountainous terrain and vast land area, boasts abundant forest resources. The wild Gastrodia elata of Wangcang has long been highly regarded by consumers and dealers for its excellent quality, often serving as a premium gift choice among people from all walks of life. With the large-scale promotion and application of artificial cultivation techniques for Gastrodia elata, the county’s production has increased significantly. In 2002, the area under artificial Gastrodia elata cultivation reached nearly 30,000 square meters, with a dry product yield exceeding 50 tons.

The county Party committee and government have listed traditional Chinese medicinal materials as one of the four pillar industries of the county, with Gastrodia elata being developed as an important medicinal herb. The plan is to establish 19 Gastrodia elata base towns between 2003 and 2004, cultivating Gastrodia elata on 200,000 square meters, with a dry product output of 650 tons. Between 2004 and 2005, the cultivation area will be expanded to 400,000 square meters, producing 1,300 tons of dry product.