Chongxin Wujiapi

Chongxin Wujiapi

　　“Of Chongxin’s three marvels, celery, chili, and Wujiapi.” Wujiapi, commonly known as “running-backward ox” or also called “five-claw,” can be found throughout the naturally regenerated secondary forests in Chongxin’s damp mountainous areas. The 15th year Gazetteer of Chongxin County from the Republican Era recorded: “Wujiapi produced only in Chongxin County features leaves in sets of five, whereas other regions produce leaves in quantities ranging from three to six. Its roots can be used medicinally, and are of the highest quality, possessing the benefit of promoting longevity.” The leaves of Chongxin Wujiapi are palmately compound, measuring three to eight centimeters in length and one to four centimeters in width. The root bark, known as Wujiapi, is pungent and warm in nature, and enters the lung and kidney meridians.