Stalactite, also known as Stone Lotus, is a Chinese herbal medicine that is produced in the Changshu and Zhenjiang areas. It prefers to grow near water and has lip-shaped leaves with stripes. It is commonly used to treat typhoid fever. Let's follow the editor to learn about the growth habits of Stalactite and see its pictures below!
【Pictures of Stalactite】
【Identification of Stalactite】
Stalactite grows to a height of 10-20 centimeters. The rhizome elongates like a silkworm, fleshy, with a diameter of about 3 millimeters. The surface is grayish-yellow with longitudinal wrinkles and obvious nodes, and can be seen with residual membranous or dried leaf sheaths that resemble hair.
The roots are short and slightly stout. The leaves are opposite, papery, often curled, and become oval-shaped after flattening, measuring 2-5 centimeters in length and 1-2 centimeters in width. They are grayish-green or dark red. The leaf stalks elongate into membranous sheaths that wrap around the stem.
Sometimes, white flowers can be seen on the inflorescence. The lower part of the inflorescence stem has membranous bracts. It has a faint aroma, a mild taste, and a slight astringency.
Growth Habits:
Stalactite prefers warm temperatures and dislikes high temperatures and humidity. The optimal temperature for growth is 15-25 degrees Celsius. It prefers fertile sandy soil for cultivation, with good drainage and resistance to waterlogging.
It grows on tree trunks or rocks at altitudes of 300-1760 meters, and is also commonly found on rocks or trees by streams.
