Cistanche deserticola
Family: Orobanchaceae
What it is like
A parasite that grows attached to shrubs and grasses. It is a herb. It grows 04.-1.6 m tall. The stems are 2-10 cm across. The lower leaves are oval and 1-2 cm long and wide. The leaves higher up are narrow and 2.4 cm long by 5-10 mm wide. The flowers are in spikes and 15-50 cm long.
Where it is found
It is a cool temperate plant. In north China it grows 200-1,200 m above sea level. It grows in deserts in north-western China. It can grow in arid and sandy places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Mongolia
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Stem, medicine
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Roucongrong