Lie Dang (Orobanche ammophyla)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. It probably requires a well-drained soil and should succeed in sun or shade. A fully parasitic plant lacking in chlorophyll, it is entirely dependant upon its host plant for obtaining nutrient.
Propagation
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in a pot containing a host plant. The seed is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. It might also be possible to sow the seed in situ around a host plant.
Edible uses
Young plant - raw or cooked. Root - raw or cooked.
Medicinal uses
The plant is aphrodisiac and tonic. The whole plant is used medicinally for invigorating the kidneys and strengthening yang, relaxing the bowels, strengthening bones and muscles.
Habitat
Slopes, grasslands; 900-4000 m. Gansu, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Hubei, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Yunnan
Native range
E. Asia - China.