Lueyang Gastrodia elata

Lueyang Gastrodia elata

Lueyang Gastrodia elata is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Lueyang County is located at the western end of the Hanzhong Basin, bordered by the Qinling Mountains to the north and the Bashan Mountains to the south. It sits at a strategic transportation hub connecting Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu, and lies within the transitional zone between the northern subtropical and warm temperate climate belts. The area enjoys a mild climate, abundant rainfall, concurrent rain and heat seasons, and ample sunlight — all of which create favorable conditions for the growth of biological resources. Gastrodia elata requires specific geographical, climatic, and soil conditions, and in Lueyang County, the suitable growing area spans 1,500 square kilometers. Gastrodia elata grown in deep mountain areas such as Jiuzhongjin and Guozhen, located within the Qinling Mountains, is known for its high quality and excellent shape. Its gastrodin content exceeds 50% of the standards set by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, making it highly sought after in the market and renowned both domestically and internationally.

　　　　Among the traditional Chinese medicinal materials produced in Lueyang County, Gastrodia elata is the most famous. Also known as Chi Jian, Ding Feng Cao, Li Mu, and Gui Du You, Gastrodia elata is a precious traditional Chinese herb. It is a perennial symbiotic herbaceous plant belonging to the Orchidaceae family and is classified as a top-grade herb in the ancient text “Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica.” The medicinal part of Gastrodia elata is its underground tuber. Without leaves or roots, it cannot perform photosynthesis and mainly relies on assimilating certain fungi that infiltrate its body to obtain the nutrients it needs for growth. The secrets behind its growth and reproduction have never been fully deciphered, which is why, for thousands of years, medicinal Gastrodia elata could only be obtained from wild sources in limited quantities. In 2009, Lueyang Gastrodia elata was granted national protected geographical indication status.

　　The protected geographical indication area for Lueyang Gastrodia elata covers the entire current administrative region of Lueyang County, Shaanxi Province.