Bai zhu, Chinese thistle daisy
Atractylodes macrocephala
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
An erect herb. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 45 cm wide. The underground stem or rhizomes are thick and warty. The stems are branched and have a woody base. The leaves are divided and pointed and have teeth along the edge.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. In north China it grows in grasslands and forests between 600-2,800 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Japan, Korea
How it is used for food
The underground stems or rhizomes are eaten in soups, cakes and rices. They are also made into porridge along with pork tripe, sesame oil and soy sauce.
Edible parts
Rhizomes, root
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.