Fritillaria unibracteata

Fritillaria unibracteata

Fritillaria unibracteata is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Fritillaria unibracteata is a type of Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae. In China, there are over ten varieties of fritillaria, among which the most well-known are Chuanbei (Sichuan fritillaria), Qingbei (Green fritillaria), and Zhebei (Zhejiang fritillaria). Within Chuanbei, Fritillaria unibracteata is considered the finest.

　　Origin

　　Fritillaria unibracteata is primarily produced in the “Songpan Grassland,” referring to the vast grasslands in Songpan, Hongyuan, and Ruoergai in Aba Prefecture. In the past, Songpan served as a distribution center for local specialties from Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai. The fritillaria from this area were all transported to Songzhou City for trade, hence the name Songbei (Song fritillaria).

　　Characteristics

　　One characteristic of Fritillaria unibracteata is the “moon embraced in the arms,” which refers to a larger curved fritillary bulb embracing a smaller one. Another feature is “sharp mouth, round base.” Because its “mouth” is small, some people also call it Jianbei (Sharp fritillaria); because its “base” is round, some verify its authenticity by scattering a handful of bulbs on a table—if the majority stay firmly seated, they are almost certainly Fritillaria unibracteata.

　　Growth Habit

　　Fritillaria unibracteata is the bulb of Fritillaria unibracteata, a plant in the Liliaceae family. In the first year after the seeds are planted, a single leaf emerges—locals refer to that year’s fritillaria as “one-leaf stage.” In the second year, the main stem sprouts, which locals call “tree son.” By the third year, it blooms with lantern-shaped flowers, referred to as “lantern flower” (the flower of Fritillaria unibracteata has dark purple petals with yellow spots and orange-yellow stamens, making it very attractive).

　　Medicinal Value

　　Fritillaria unibracteata is a valuable medicinal herb known for moistening the lungs, reducing inflammation, calming coughs, and resolving phlegm, making it a premium gift for friends. As its harvesting season is between June and September each year, Fritillaria unibracteata products also come onto the market during this period. When purchasing, look for small, plump, white bulbs with a sharp tip and round base—the best are about the size of peas, commonly known as “pearl beads.”

　　The protected geographical indication area for Fritillaria unibracteata (Songpan production region) covers the entire administrative region of present-day Songpan County in Sichuan Province.