Pan’an Atractylodes

Pan’an Atractylodes

Pan’an Atractylodes is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Atractylodes, also known as Yu-zhu, Dong-zhu, or Zhe-zhu, is derived from the plant Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. of the Asteraceae family. Its rhizome is used medicinally to treat spleen deficiency with poor appetite, indigestion, chronic diarrhea, edema, spontaneous sweating, and to calm the fetus. While Atractylodes is produced in many regions across China, that from Pan’an, Zhejiang, is famed as authentic Zhejiang Atractylodes. In 2009, Pan’an had approximately 20,000 mu (about 1,333 hectares) under Atractylodes cultivation, yielding over 3,000 tons annually, accounting for about 25% of the national total.

　　Atractylodes is a leading medicinal herb cultivated in Pan’an County, Zhejiang Province, and is also one of the “Eight Famous Herbs of Zhejiang.” By 2009, based on research into superior Atractylodes varieties, the county had established nearly 300 mu of improved seedling breeding bases, and had promoted nearly 3,000 mu of superior varieties across the county within the past two years.

　　Growth Characteristics

　　 Medicinal Plant – Atractylodes

　　　　Prefers cool climates and is sensitive to high temperatures and humidity. Observations from the Hangzhou Medicinal Plant Experimental Farm show that Atractylodes growth accelerates with rising temperatures below 30°C, but is inhibited when temperatures exceed 30°C. The underground parts grow best at 26–28°C. Atractylodes is relatively cold-resistant and can safely overwinter in Beijing. It has moderate requirements for soil moisture but benefits from appropriate watering during the seedling stage. Drought at this stage slows seedling growth, while in hot seasons, attention should be paid to drainage to prevent disease. In the later growth stages, the rhizomes expand rapidly, so the soil should be kept moist—dry conditions can hinder rhizome development. Atractylodes tolerates a range of soils but thrives best in well-drained sandy loam, whether acidic clay loam or slightly alkaline sandy loam. It should not be planted in low-lying or saline-alkali soils. Seedbeds are best located on shady slopes with a gradient of less than 15–20 degrees, preferably on barren or fallow land. Slightly infertile soil is ideal—overly rich soil produces tender, disease-prone seedlings.

　　Atractylodes cannot be grown continuously and requires a fallow period of 5–10 years before replanting. The best preceding crops are grasses such as wheat, corn, or millet, which are not susceptible to southern blight. It should not be rotated with peanuts, radix scrophulariae, Chinese cabbage, tobacco, rapeseed, monkshood, rehmannia, tomatoes, radishes, or white peony.

　　Product Features

　　　　Pan’an Atractylodes resembles a frog in shape (commonly called “Frog Atractylodes”), with a cross-section featuring a chrysanthemum-like pattern and an enticing fragrance. Known as Frog Atractylodes, it is regarded as a premium product. Pan’an Corydalis yanhusuo is golden-yellow, round, firm, and plump, with alkaloid content roughly double that of other growing regions, making it a high-quality variety of Atractylodes.