Shi Can, also known as Shishang Ou, is a Chinese medicinal herb that is found in the Changshu and Zhenjiang areas. It grows near water and has striped leaves. It is commonly used to treat typhoid fever. Let's now learn about the growth habits of Shi Can and see some pictures!
【Growth Habits of Shi Can】
1. Growth Habits
Shi Can prefers warm temperatures and dislikes high temperatures and humidity. The optimum temperature for its growth is between 15-25 degrees Celsius. It thrives in fertile sandy soil with good drainage, as it is prone to rot in stagnant water.
2. Propagation Methods
Shi Can can be propagated through cuttings or rhizomes. It can also be divided, but it is not necessary for small households to collect seeds as cuttings work fine.
3. Soil Planting
Shi Can is not very demanding when it comes to soil, but it thrives best in fertile soil. Since its roots do not go deep, deep plowing is not necessary. Before preparing the soil, apply well-rotted organic fertilizer and lightly turn the soil to create a level bed.
4. Field Management
Shi Can has a long growth period, so it requires regular weeding and cultivation. In summer, it is important to control water and fertilizer to prevent excessive growth. When flower buds appear, they should be promptly removed, along with the terminal buds, to promote the growth of rhizomes.
【Identification of Shi Can】
The whole plant of Shi Can is 10-20 centimeters long. The rhizome extends like a silkworm, with a fleshy texture. It has a diameter of about 3 millimeters, a grayish-yellow surface with longitudinal wrinkles, and visible remnants of membranous or dried leaf sheaths.
The roots are short and slightly stout. The leaves are alternate, papery, often curled, and become ovate-elliptic when flattened. They are 2-5 centimeters long and 1-2 centimeters wide, grayish-green or dark red in color. The leaf stalk elongates into a membranous sheath that wraps around the stem.
Sometimes, white flowers can be seen in inflorescences, with membranous bracts on the lower part of the flower stalks. Shi Can has a faint aroma, a mild taste, and a slight astringency.
1. Growth Habits
Shi Can prefers warm temperatures and dislikes high temperatures and humidity. The optimum temperature for its growth is between 15-25 degrees Celsius. It thrives in fertile sandy soil with good drainage, as it is prone to rot in stagnant water.
It grows on tree trunks or rocks at altitudes of 300-1760 meters. It is also commonly found on rocks or trees near streams.
【Pictures of Medicinal Shi Can】
