Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight

Taxonomic Classification

Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight is a heterotrophic desert species belonging to the genus Cistanche.

Nutrient Acquisition Mode

This species does not produce chlorophyll, and instead gets all its nutrients and water by parasitizing the roots of host plants.

Cultivation Range

This plant is cultivated in the Taklamakan Desert.

Traditional Use Category

In China, it has traditional uses as both medicine and food.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Source Status

The primary sources of the Chinese herbal medicine cistanche (Chinese: 肉苁蓉, pinyin: ròucōngróng) are Cistanche salsa and Cistanche deserticola, though C. tubulosa may also be harvested as a source for this medicine.

Harvesting Method for Medicinal Use

The medicine derived from this plant, called suosuo dayun in Chinese, is collected in spring before the plant sprouts, by slicing its stems.