Chinese senega root
Polygala sibirica

Family: Polygalaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It is erect and grows 10-25 cm high. There are usually many stems from the base. The lower leaves are oval and small and 6 mm long by 4 mm wide. The upper leaves are narrow and 10-20 mm long by 3-6 mm wide.

There are about 600 Polygala species.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate and tropical Asia. In Pakistan it grows between 1,060-2,700 m altitude. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, SE Asia, Siberia, Tibet, Ukraine

How it is used for food

The root is washed and then boiled in several changes of water before eating.

Edible parts

Leaves, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Yuan zhi

Synonyms

Polygala monopetala Camb.; Polygala siberica var. monopetala (Camb.) Chodat;